Why "Aralani"?

I usually explain the name of my studio as the obvious hybrid of my first and last name with the middle pulled out, but there's a deeper, nerdier truth.  Tin foil hat on, folks:

I am a huge Star Wars fan.  I grew up loving everything to do with Star Wars.  I've met Ray Park, Carrie Fisher (rest in peace, princess), David Prowse and others.  I was also one of the 200 costumed stormtroopers marching in the 2007 Rose Parade with George Lucas.

Many years ago, I met Timothy Zahn: writer, Oregonian, and creator of many award-winning and beloved Star Wars novels.   LucasFilm commissioned him to write three books that directly followed "Return of the Jedi", and this trilogy sold millions of copies, setting the stage for the re-release of the movies.  More recently, he released a book called "Thrawn", taking place in the new timeline of "The Force Awakens" and "Rogue One".  Tim and his wife are two of the kindest and most intelligent people I've ever met, and we became friends.  They even came to my wedding.

Tim, knowing how much I loved one of his characters (Grand Admiral Thrawn for you fellow fans), has given me a namesake in three novels.  Admiral Ar'alani is a blue-skinned, red-eyed Chiss, just like Thrawn.  I am, to say the least, quite fond of her.  Open a copy of "Outbound Flight", "Thrawn", or "Thrawn: Alliances", and you'll meet her too.

So when it came time to name my business, it was easy to nod at my blue-skinned friend.  Wouldn't you?