Do you remember your first introduction to fan fiction?
As a child, I wrote stories for my favorite TV shows but had no idea what I was doing had a name, much less a world all its own. It wasn't until I was in high school that I discovered others who enjoyed the same pastime, and it wasn't until I was a freshman in college that I began reading fanfiction in earnest. Of course, that was the same time I embarked on surfing the Internet. The first stories I wrote were for ST: TNG, Hunter, and Charlie's Angels, but The X-Files and Xena were the first fandoms from which I read other people's work.
What main character that you've written femslash for would you most like to hit upside the head?
Sabrina Duncan from Charlie's Angels. She wanted so badly to be herself and to be in control, yet she never opened her eyes to the possibilities present in her life. Kelly was right there, but Sabrina never took advantage of the situation.
Is your fan fiction writing limited to femslash or do you also write gen, het or male slash? If so, is there a difference in style or content (besides the obvious) between them?
I have written general, and my first writings were always between heterosexual couples. It wasn't until C.J./Abbey from The West Wing that I decided to try something different. Now, the only heterosexual couples I write for are Laura/Lee from BSG and the occasional Sam/Jack from SG-1.
One of the only differences I can find is the level of secrecy. There tends to be more hiding of the relationship in femslash, the only type of slash I write, than in other genres. Also, I find writing femslash is easier than the other types of fiction.
Have you ever been tempted to write a Mary Sue?
I believe it's hard not to include a bit of yourself in whatever you're writing since you're writing characters based on the image you have of them in your mind. But, no, I have never purposefully put myself as a character in a story – at least, not that I remember, nor have I wanted to.
Are there certain genres you find easier to write for?
Angst is a breeze, which is surprising because I long for the happy ending but keep writing pairings destined for the broken heart club. Actually, outside of explicit material, which I avoid writing like the plague, nothing is very difficult. Getting starting and finding the time to finish are my problem areas.
Do you research subjects before you write them and, if so, in how much detail?
I tend to stay within my comfort zone when writing, which means I usually already know all I need to know about what I'm writing. Besides, my focus is the pairing most of the time, so I don't have a need for a lot of outside information. If I have a question or concern, I will do as much research as necessary. I like research. It is, after all, a major part of my RL job.
What's your preferred length of story to write and read?
I will continue to read a story as long as it is well written. It could 100 words or 100,000. However, if pushed, I would say my favorite length is about 5,000 to read and write. I also love to write drabbles of about 250 words.
Can you touch the tip of your nose with your tongue?
Ah! The important question! ::laughs:: I can, indeed, touch the tip of my tongue to my nose. I can also, among other things, tie a knot in a cherry stem with my tongue. My tongue is very flexible. I'm quite proud of it.
Are you, yourself, a fan of other fan fic writers and, if so, who are they and what is it about them that appeals to you?
There are too many to name, so I'm not going to try. Most of my favorite authors know who they are because I try to offer feedback to them. There are a few from my early days I wish I had been more vocal with and about, and there are even a few now I don't get around to telling how much I enjoy their work, but I attempt to let them all know. I would hate to make a list and forget someone, which is bound to happen unless I spend a couple of weeks researching names, which I cannot do. So…yes, I am a fan. In fact, I am more of a reader than a writer.
As for what appeals to me: Good characterizations. I like a story where I recognize the characters as the same people I watch on TV every week. Good grammar and development. A writer can have a wonderful imagination, but I will stop reading a story if it is full of grammatical errors or is not developed into a story rather than a recitation of what the writer wants to happen. Balance. There is a fine line between telling readers and allowing readers to experience what is happening in a story. Very few authors are good at distinguishing between the two. Variety. I am a fan of some authors because, not only are they good, but they write so much and so often.
Ever wanted to head butt another fan for dissing your pairing?
Not really. I believe everyone has his/her own opinion and should not be criticized for it. However, if pushed, I will defend my pairings to the hilt!
Do you have a favourite cliché, one that you'll read with joy even though it's been done to death?
I have several. I suppose my favorites are the "stranded on a deserted island" bit and the "person one leaves so person two can discover how much she loves person one" routine.
Would you lend me twenty pence if we were stuck at Charing Cross station and I was dying for the loo?
Most certainly. I would even wait for you if you asked me to.
If you've written real person slash, how does it differ from writing about fictional characters?
I have. It doesn't. Real person or not, I'm writing a character, just as I would be if I were writing a character from a TV program. We only know what the writers and directors want us to know about that character, just as we only know what a person is really like by what that person shares with an audience. There's no difference.
Do you find you're more inspired by subtext, maintext or barely there text shows?
I would love a good maintext show, but since I don't have one, I adore subtext shows. I get frustrated with barely-there text shows.
Where do you get your inspiration for specific stories: missing or extended scenes from the show, ideas from other shows or real life situations?
All of the above. As well as songs, commercials, dreams, conversations, random thoughts, etc. I'll take an idea from anyone or anything.
Do you like cheese?
Who doesn't?!
Every read over one of your stories months or years later and thought 'What the hell was I thinking!'
I do that the next day! I have even been known to rewrite stories after two or three years. Of course, I'm rarely happy with anything I write.
Why do you write fan fiction?
It's a good way to pass the time. It's a fantastic way to meet people who share my interests. It's the best way to make my favorite characters do what I want them to do. It's the easiest way to practice my writing skills. It's a quick way to hear other people's honest opinions. It's just serious enough that it's important without being life or death to me if I screw up too badly.
Mostly, I write because it's fun and it's interesting. If it ever becomes a hassle or dull, I'll quit.