Do you remember your first introduction to fan fiction?
I was reading an article in a magazine detailing the impending series cancellation of Xena Warrior Princess. Included was a listing of accomplishments as well as things the fans would miss. I still remember the quote about "There's more Xena-based lesbian fan fiction floating around the web than you can shake a stick at" -- or words to that effect. That prompted my first search on the internet. And, after I'd fallen into the Xenaverse, I stumbled across Law and Order SVU and Babylon 5.
What main character that you've written femslash for, would you most like to hit upside the head?
Talia Winters. If the woman had just steered clear of Lyta Alexander and bided her time, we would have been witness to a clear-cut relationship between her and the Commander rather than that distorted mess we were subjected to at the end of "Divided Loyalties".
Is your fanfiction 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?
Strictly femslash orientated.
Have you ever been tempted to write a Mary Sue?
The closest I've ever been tempted is when writing Nancy Drew. But, that's always been the style with that genre, hasn't it? If you looked up "Mary Sue" in the dictionary, you'd find a picture of Nancy Drew.
Are there certain genres you find easier to write for?
Not particularly. I find as long as you're familiar with the series and the characters, have a passion for the subject and a decent idea, there's nothing you can't take a stab at.
Do you research subjects before you write them and, if so, in how much detail?
I'll admit to research on some subjects. Sometimes the research can be minimal, such as reviewing the Charlie's Angels episode "Hours of Desperation" before writing the fic "Waiting For An Angel", which directly refers to the events taking place after that episode. I also must confess that while I researched "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" before composing the Facts of Life piece "The Headless Biker of Peekskill", I didn't get the specific details of the accelerator correct on Jo's motorcycle. Someone was kind enough to give me pointers, and hopefully, I won't make that same mistake again.
What's your preferred length of story to write and read?
An author once told me "Don't focus on length. If you're counting your words, you're not really telling your story. It doesn't matter if it's short enough or long enough, only that it's good enough." I tend to apply the same principle to reading. As long as it's good, I'll read anything.
Can you touch the tip of your nose with your tongue?
Truthfully, no. But, the perk of being a writer is that it takes coordination, dexterity and stamina to do all that typing on the keyboard. Hmm (rubs chin thoughtfully) -- That poses the question: Do YOU prefer writers who pound out short, fluffy pieces or writers that spend hours working at the keyboard to produce longer works (think stamina here, ladies)?
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?
I confess to being an avid fan. Metis is a huge favorite of mine. If anyone's ever read her Babylon 5 piece "Like Talia For Chocolate", you can understand why. She brings a depth to the characters and isn't afraid to put humor into her work. Even her disclaimers are entertaining. Ralst is another name I look for. Although, I am still waiting for her to finish that Babylon 5 story she started years ago, posted, and abandoned. She knows the one I'm referring to. The Raven. Her CSI stories are great; she builds the suspense until you just can't stand it anymore. And, I also like that she delves into some of the lesser known, or lesser written for, fandoms that are being done to death on mainstream. Sometimes, you've just wanna read a Bionic Woman/Knight Rider crossover, you know? You know, it's occurred to me that this list could get very lengthy. So, I'll try to sum it up a bit. There are too many writers out there that I instantly recognize their names and know I'll enjoy their stories (Ann, Tenderware, Cabenson, Celievamp, Trancer, Geonn, Odon; just to name a few). The reason their work appeals to me is the same: I like to read stories that are well written with believable plots and free of horrible spelling and punctuation errors. There's nothing that will turn me off quicker from a story than inexcusable grammar.
Ever wanted to head butt another fan for dissing your pairing?
No, but that doesn't mean I haven't engaged in severe "Casey-bashing" in some of my own fics.
Do you have a favourite cliché, one that you'll read with joy even though it's been done to death?
I love clichés. As long as they're being done intentionally for a reason (such as a parody) and everyone understands that. That's why I liked the line "It was a dark and stormy night" for the beginning of the Halloween Challenge this year. It was fun to see all the different stories that grew out of that one simple sentence.
Would you lend me twenty pence if we were stuck at Charing Cross station and I was dying for the loo?
Sure. Although, it would be more adventurous to find a way around paying the twenty pence.
If you've written real person slash, how does it differ from writing about fictional characters?
Umm - they're real? Sorry, couldn't resist. Actually, I've never written for real person slash, so I guess I'm excused from this question.
Do you find you're more inspired by subtext, maintext or barely there text shows?
I think I'd have to go with subtext. The subtle looks, the double entendres, the reading between the lines, looking for the change in body language. It's like reading a good book. You want the tension to build bit by bit. You want the give and take, the flirting, the teasing, the tension so thick you can feel it until you're leaning forward yelling at the screen, begging them to kiss. It's the suspense that makes it so worthwhile. I always feel cheated if I'm five pages into a three-hundred page book and the two main characters have already done it six times.
Where do you get your inspiration for specific stories, missing or extended scenes from the show, ideas from other shows or real life situations?
Inspiration can come from anywhere at anytime. The idea for "Ransom Notes" came from a missing persons report. It prompted the thought "what if someone were kidnapped and no one wanted that person back?". The idea for "Unsolved Mystery" came from a discussion with someone about what was going on with Stokes' hair.
Do you like cheese?
Only if it's melted over whatever I'm having it on.
Ever read over one of your stories months or years later and thought "What the hell was I thinking?"
Yep. I've also thought, "Did I actually write this?!?"
Why do you write fan fiction?
It's a way to write about shows I like and characters that I enjoy and what I would like to read. Even if it isn't "mainstream". A good example of this is Charlie's Angels. It's a show everyone is familiar with. Everyone knows the characters, the plot; it's universal. Admit it; Is there a little girl out there that didn't dream of being one of the Angels? And, now, they work for me. Sorry. What I meant to say is, there's this great show but there's been hardly any fan fiction posted about them. Then, the first story popped up on the site. Then another. And, another. Now, not only can I write about the Angels and share my work with others, I can enjoy reading stories about them others have posted. And, it's fantastic when you've written something and someone sends you feedback; whether it's a note to say you've liked it or you had a question or maybe another idea you'd like to share. Feedback helps us to grow as writers. But, the main reason I write fan fiction: Because I'm a fan, too, and I enjoy it.