agree re: Anderson and Jeter. Read Rusch though. One novel, but class. And Zahn and Stackpole wrote enough novels between them to make the EU a cool thing. Amazed you like Perry though. I thought some of his writing made me want to gag (page 42 I think, about them 'all liking luke').
Also don't forget the EU games are partially wicked too.
Also don't forget the EU games are partially wicked too.