Showing posts with label Author Interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Author Interview. Show all posts
October 7, 2010
August 31, 2010
October 6, 2009
Author Interview: Suzie55 by JMC
When I came upon Welcome To Paradise, written by the lovely Suzie55, it was only three chapters in; it's now up to fourteen. From the very first chapter, I was instantly hooked. I wondered then why I hadn't read anything of hers previously.
After reading those three chapters of Welcome To Paradise, I discovered Suzie55 on twitter. From the first moment we spoke, she was completely gracious, always replying back. I knew after talking with her more and becoming even more invested in Welcome To Paradise as the story progressed, I had to interview her. So I did. Here's the interview, so I hope you enjoy. Once again, I'd like to thank Suzie55 for allowing me to interview her.
1. How did you come to learn about Fanfiction? What made you decide to try your hand at writing it?
I read the Saga and was hooked on the books and a certain young British actor. So, I did what any girl with a new obsession does, I googled info about the movie and the actors. I eventually came across KSTEW411 and saw her talking about this story she was reading and loved. It was Master of the Universe. I googled that and voila - I discovered fanfiction. I read stories on her rec list for about 3 months before I decided to write my own. I had been writing novels (unpublished) since July 2009 after being inspired by the Saga and ready to create again. I had a new story in mind and decided I would like the feedback and it was a great way to better my skills.
2. Have you read all the Twilight books? If so, which book is your favorite and why? Which is your least favorite and why?
Yes, I've read all the books. Isn't that a requirement to write Saga fanfiction? lol. My favorite is Midnight Sun because I think it shows how truly charming and funny Edward really is. I think the books, since they're from Bella's POV, really show him as a one dimensional character sometimes making me wonder what the attraction is. But, out of published books - the first book is my favorite because it captures all the magic of first true love. My least favorite is Breaking Dawn because even though it's a beast of a book, it has so many holes in it. It's like Meyer wasn't allowed to really go where she wanted to go with the story at some points.
3. Before writing Welcome To Paradise, did you write any other stories? If so, how do you feel they differ from WTP? Which one has been your favorite to write?
The Rules of Hollywood is my first story for fanfiction. Actorward and Brown Eyes are my main characters in that one. Actorward is total swoon in my eyes. It's love at first site for him when he meets Brown Eyes and his love never falters.
In Welcome to Paradise, Surferward...at least in the beginning not only falters, he flat out rejects his feelings for Bella. He's fighting them most of the way. He gets himself in situations that he thinks will help him move past these foreign feelings because he hasn't felt that for a girl before. Those feelings scare him and he doesn't know how to handle them. Thus, enter the angst...hehe.
Cop out answer here: They are so different from each other. RofH was easy for me to write and I wrote it quickly. I felt so a part of the characters that the words were natural and flowed. WtP is complicated and the characters always seem to take the less traveled road to get to their destination. The line that was also used in the blinkie is very true for them: I never quite know my journey's end until I arrive.
RofH is all about the destination. WtP is all about the journey.
4. What inspired you to write Welcome To Paradise?
Two things: I love surfing. I used to get Surfer magazine when I was 13 just to ogle the boys and dream of being a surfer girl. I eventually went to the Surf Diva camp in San Diego as a 'grown up' to pursue it a little more. Btw - I don't live near the beach. I love Hawaii and have attempted surfing there...I stood up...once. lol
Then, there is this certain picture of Rob in a white button up and jeans carrying his shoes in his hand and holding a cigarette. I call it Walk of Shame Rob on twitter. If you follow me, you've probably seen this pic many times. That picture kind of solidified this idea because I had found my bad boy lead. Surferward would sleep with women and not be ashamed. That's his MO. That's how it started at least...
5. When deciding a plot to write about, does it just come to you, or do you do some kind of researching to aid in plot development?
I'll admit, not much research has gone into this story. I like to be accurate when it comes to little things like Hawaii, the beach names, and throwing in a few touristy spots that I've visited. But, this story is a relationship story between lovers, friends, and family. Research wouldn't help me build those dynamics, the characters do.
I will say that I didn't give Edward a Vanquish because they stopped making them in 2007. So, he drives a Vantage which is the newer model. Not important and confusing to some readers like I've made a mistake, but I like that it's correct for 2010.
6. Out of the entire Twilight saga, who is your favorite character and why?
Edward. I love the the Saga, but I sometimes find Bella kind of boring and the wolves just aren't my thing. Edward is truly going through a crisis - internally and externally. He's fighting the ultimate battle - does he take what he wants or protect what he needs...something like that.
7. What are some hobbies you like to do besides writing?
I seriously don't have time for other hobbies right now, but if I did, I like to play tennis, plan events, I used to paint a lot, but writing isn't my hobby, it's my passion. I was writing before fanfiction and I'll write after this trend has past. But, I'll enjoy the fanfiction ride while it lasts.
8. Do you feel while writing your story that the characters speak to you, like they sometimes take over to the point the chapter is altered from what you initially planned?
The characters are a part of me. They don't speak to me. I just know them so well that their actions, thoughts, etc...just come naturally and in my mind are in character for them. When Bella is upset, my heart hurts. When Surferward is mad, I feel his anger for him. It's sometimes not so beneficial to be this close to them, but on the upside...the smexy times are good. Just sayin'...
I free flow write which in my mind means I have a basis of where the story is heading, but no outline. I know the beginning, major plot points, and the ending. From there, it's getting the characters to connect the dots which usually isn't too much of a problem. But, sometimes, I do get lost in the details or all the sudden they demand a pineapple (aka lemon) from me. I kind of roll my eyes at them, but Surferward is hard to resist so he usually gets what he wants. *chuckles*
9. Overall, how has your experience been writing Welcome To Paradise? Anything you'd want to change?
I love writing this story. I originally thought it was going to be a quick summer fic that would end in September, but over the course of developing these characters, I've come to realize they deserve the rest of their story to be told. So, here I am with an opportunity to really dig deeper into their story which is exciting to me.
10. In reading or writing, do you have a specific genre you prefer? What I mean is, angst, drama, romance, etc?
I'm cheesy, but I like Chick Lit a lot - reading and writing. I'm a sucker for a good romance though I've never read a romance novel. I kind categorize a lot of the fics I read as romance novel material though and I love them. I'm kind of open to how the romance happens, dramatically, quietly, angsty...so I'm open to all kinds of stories. Writing...I think RofH is romantic with a little humor. WtP is a drama with angst.
11. Once Welcome To Paradise is finished, do you have plans to write another fic? If so, do you already have ideas as to what it will be about?
Yes, absolutely! I LOVE this form of expression and the fandom community. I've had an idea for almost two months now. I have a title which is usually the last thing I come up with, ironically, and the very basics of a storyline. I've made myself wait until I get further down the storyline with WtP before attempting a chapter one with it though. And, who knows, I might change my mind and go with a completely different idea.
I wrote a one-shot for Fandom For Preemies that was really different for me to write, but it was fun. It actually did take a little research. It won't be my next full length fic, but I got to challenge myself and try something out of my comfort zone.
12. As a writer, putting our work out there means you're willing to accept criticism for it. That also means you're bound to get some bad reviews. How do you handle such a review? What advice would you give fellow authors who receive a bad review?
I believe the more dramatic or controversial fic you write the more criticism you'll receive. Just my opinion though. On that note, I've been lucky in the sense that readers are very kind to me. If they are confused, they ask me to clarify. If they are upset by the chapter, they usually tell me that they are mad at the character and then list what they liked in the chapter too. As I've said, very lucky author here. I think the people who've disliked my story haven't bothered reviewing and I'm kind of fine with that. lol.
13. Who is your favorite character to write and why?
Edward. I love to write Edward because you do anything you want with him and it can be acceptable. Bella not so much. People have very strong opinions of how Bella should be or act.
My Edwards also swear a lot (I don't in real life) so I get to use all the good curse words when I'm writing EPOV. He thinks them and says them. He's fun to write.
These questions were submitted by readers.
1. What's your favorite holiday? (via johnnyboy1029)
Christmas because I've finally reached a point where it's not about the presents, but about the magical feeling that surrounds that holiday.
2. What's one thing that scares you? (via johnnyboy1029)
Snakes. Always snakes!
3. If you could spend a day with anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why? (via johnnyboy1029)
Jane Austen because I would love to see how she wrote such amazingly descriptive and emotional stories about all the classes of society yet lived so simply.
4. What color is your comforter? (via johnnyboy1029)
*giggles* Brown with some kind of cream colored design going through it. It's pretty, but fits nicely into a home with a man in it too. (my hubs likes it)
5. Who do you prefer more, Edward or Jacob? (via THMasen)
Edward.
6. I want to know how you come up with the lemons? Is there a lemon creator app out there I dont know about? (via Jendill1)
I wish there was an app and if you find one, linky me please - haha.
I write a lot of lemons in my stories and it's hard to be creative or make it different everytime. I don't set out to write one. The story usually demands one so I see where the characters are at the time and work with that situation. Ex. Against the house in chapter 11. They were there and Surferward and Bella demanded some make-up smexins. Their emotions took over so the side of the house seemed like the obvious place to hook them up. It beat the dirt path in my opinion.
I'm also a very visual person when I write so I tend to write every little detail because I see it that way in my head.
When writing a lemon just let yourself go to the point where you're comfortable or what you like to read. Good old perviness helps too.
Thank you so much, JMC.
August 31, 2009
Interview: TeamBella23 by Bbebar
It was only recently that I was introduced to TeamBella23's stories. In fact, the very first thing I read of hers was McFearless. For those of you who don't know, McFearless is a O/S. But, that was enough to know I wanted more. I was immediately addicted, started reading my way through her other stories, and began stalking her on twitter (Just Kidding....well, sort of). When Jess (JMC) so kindly invited me to be a part of this blog, she mentioned including author interviews.
Immediately, I knew I HAD to interview TeamBella23. From what I could already tell, she had a wicked sense of humor and a huge talent for story telling. I was intrigued. I needed to know more. Thankfully, she agreed (even though this is my first ever author interview), and this is the result.
1. I know the answer to this, but for those out there who don't, let's just get this out of the way: Team Edward or Team Jacob?
Hmmm… Team Edward or Team Jacob? I'm Team Bella and Team Rob. Edward is a complete pussy in the book and Jake is annoying as fuck. I like Rob, I like FanFiction "wards" nuff said.
2. How did you come to discover the world of fanfiction? What made you decide to start writing it?
I stumbled upon FFN on accident actually. I Googled 'Twilight outtakes' and a link for a honeymoon o/s came up. I clicked it and it was sexy as fuck…. The husband was sleeping, I was reading smut on my phone. Been hooked on FanFiction since the spot between my legs began to tingle. The reason I decided to write was because after my first taste of smutty goodness I found out there were entire stories… I was intrigued. After a while it was completely apparent that most fics are the same. The same plots with different words. I wanted a badass Edward; one that smokes and fucks and loves profoundly. I was sick of Bella being a whiny twat… insert Closerward (Fuckward) and Smella. From there my mind went into over drive…
3. All of your fics are so different. How do your ideas come to you?
I thought about writing for a while, I think I had just finished Wide Awake and was totally disenchanted with the end. I was in the shower, thinking… if I were to write what would I write? I wanted it to be epic, different… breaking the rules. The car accident scene in Closer was what I was given from the writing Gods. I wrote it right away and the rest gushed. I knew I wouldn't let it come easy for Closerward and Smella. Love isn't simple, its hard and you have to fight. Revelry; Revelry is entirely special to me. I had a friend in high school who was a cutter. I read lots of fics where Edward does coke but by some ungodly miracle he is cured and they move on like nothing happened. Revelry was not supposed to be the angst bucket it has turned out to be but my mind works in strange ways. Same for Aha Shake, Four Kicks and McFearless… I don't know, it just comes to me. Milk, well that is just some psycho fucking shit!
4. Prior to writing fanfiction, did you write? If so, what?
I didn't write prior to FanFiction. I think the beginning and the first draft of Closer, if you were unlucky enough to read it, makes that very apparent. Closer was some kind of fuckery let me tell you… gah, don't remind me. Next….
5. You are currently writing several fics all at the same time. Do you find this difficult or does it come naturally?
I am actually writing four different fics right now; Revelry, Aha Shake, Four Kicks and McFearless. Not to mention the contests and shit like that I insist on writing for. It's hard, difficult but manageable. Jaime, my beta, is a fucking Godsend. Without her I would be a mess… I enjoy it though.
6. Do you have a preference between writing angst heavy fics like Revelry or lighter comedic material like Aha Shake? Do you have a preference between AH or AU?
This is a tough one, I'm not sure if I have a preference. I think I have figured out a happy medium. Revelry is fucking torture to write… I swear I am the biggest sissy while I write that shit. I cry, almost every time I do but once the chapter is done and sent to Jaime it flips off and I can become witty enough to write Aha Shake or creative enough to write Four Kicks. McFearless… that came from being frustrated with slash fics. I mean, seriously…. Why do they always fall in love and become all "gay' in every story? (with the exception of a few… cough… Uncomfortable… cough … Raw and Rosy … cough … How to turn a Gay Man Straight.) I prefer to read all human. Vampire fics are strange… I've only read one vampire fic where Edward drinks blood and has sex. I plan to change that with Four Kicks, which was a dare to write by my twitter followers by the way. So was McFearless for that matter.
7. So as you know, I was introduced to your work through McFearless, which is your slash O/S. What was your experience writing slash? When do you anticipate starting on the full length version?
McFearless; a complete accident and freak of nature. A reader and twitter follower, hearbynite, challenged me to write a slash. I wrote it, hated it but was encouraged to enter it into The Backslash 2.0 contest. Go fucking figure its one of my most successful stories. Authors I drool over fucking read and reviewed, not to mention all of my faithful followers who never even read a slash loved it. I am going to continue McFearless as soon as the contest is over, it may not be a full length fic but a definite novella. So expect that in the next month or so… *facepalm*
8. As most people know, the first fic you wrote was Closer. You've told me more than once that you have a love/hate relationship with Closer. Can you explain why this is? Also, if you could change anything about Closer, would you? If yes, then what?
Ugh, Closer; Pièce de résistance. I would change a lot about Closer…. People love it but let me fucking tell you, I got my ass chewed and spit the fuck out over it. I am proud I stuck to my guns and wrote the ending the way I did. I love Closer and everything it stands for… I just hate the way the first half is written. It was my first, and it shows. I hate the way I wrote it and hate the way I described some of the characters. I hate that I had Edward call Bella, Isabella… even if it was only once. I don't know, I love Closer and I am grateful for it. I just don't want anyone reading it and making up their mind about me because of it. I have improved so much…. My biggest regret about Closer/CW… one word, Goochie. I wish I never wrote Goochie into the fic. I wasn't going to but my readers begged for a baby. Closer/CW are huge accomplishments for me and put my name out there so to say, I like to think it sort of changes the way people look at Bella and Edward and showed people that not all fics are fucking cupcakes and sweet nothings. So yeah, I love and hate it. (who the fuck says these things about their own fic?)
9. Can you give me the first word that comes to mind for each one of your fics?
The first word that comes to my mind about all of my fics? Well shit… ummm…ok. Closer; indecent. California Waiting; stimulating. Revelry; torment. Aha Shake; amusing. Four Kicks; innovative. McFearless; inappropriate. Milk; (can't forget Milk) Obsessed.
10. You recently passed 1,000 reviews on yet another one of your fics, Revelry. How does it make you feel to know that so many people appreciate and love your work?
I remember when both Closer and California Waiting passed 1000 reviews. I was so thrilled, I think my husband got double humped those nights. Revelry just passed 1000 reviews this week and let me tell you, I am ecstatic. Revelry is a hard sell. I think a lot of my readers went into Revelry expecting Closer and CW and when they didn't get it shied away. I've had a group of Revelry readers, about 30 or 40 of hardcore readers who have stuck with me since day one but this last month the read count has sky rocketed. I'll tell anyone this any day, Revelry is precious to me. I love it, more so than Closer and CW. The fact that people are finally reading and recommending it like fucking crazy is great. I think it's a must read, and in my own opinion is better than the "Angsty" fics out there. I am proud of it and am not ashamed of stating that fact. Thanks everyone who is reading, rec'ing and reviewing. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
11. I've seen authors say their fictional characters take on lives of their own and often alter their original plans for the story. Do you find your characters ever take over?
Ha! My characters live inside of my head. They tell me what to do and how to say it. Closerward, that fucker caused more drama on twitter than I care to speak about. So yeah, they create a life of their own. Writing is touch and go, you think you're going to write one thing and something different types itself out. That's just the name of the game.
The following questions were submittted by TeamBella23's readers via Twitter. Thank you to all you lovely ladies!
1. You have a deliciously creative edge to your writing; It is addicting. When did you start writing creatively? (via brkfastatbellas)
Well, Brkfastatbellas… this so called delicious and creative writing started with Closer. I didn't write before. I do hair, I am a cosmetologist in real life so it came out of frustration with the fandom and a craving for something edgy myself. I am glad people pair me with edgy writing, its exactly what I wanted.
2. You write so many different fics. Do you write on a schedule or simply when inspiration strikes? (via brkfastatbellas)
I don't necessarily have a writing schedule. I have this peculiar, unhealthy anxiety about updating. I have to update every week or I feel guilty. Its uncanny and I hate it but it controls me. I write everyday, I go in a order; Revelry, Aha Shake, Four Kicks and soon I will add McFearless to the end of that.
3. You write predominantly angst fiction. Do you have to be in an emo mood in order to write or do you just write? (via Kharisma2)
lol… no, I don't have to be in a "emo" mood to write but it helps. Think of my brain, now think of my brain having different switches. Each switch is labeled; Revelry, Aha Shake, Four Kicks…so on. I can switch them on and off and my mood will switch accordingly. Music helps, anger helps….
4. Music or Silence when you write? If you listen to music, what? (via Kharisma2)
Music, lots and lots of music. I love Lydia and Sia; that shit fuels me when writing the distressing stuff. I can't listen to it while I'm writing but I have to before I start and if I come up on a block, I will stop writing long enough to listen to a song and start again.
5. What are the hardest things to write (fights, sweetness, filler, lemons, etc.)? (via Kharisma2)
Lemons, for sure. It's hard to be creative and think of new ones each time. I've written a lot of sex and each is a challenge. I'm not into Dom/Sub stuff so that is out… you want each lemon to be stimulating and to depict dissimilar emotions; anger, love, heartless. Its challenging, I think my lemon for McFearless was the most testing.
6. What inspired you to name all your fics after Kings of Leon songs? (via UNF4Rob)
Choosing names for a fic is difficult. When the car accident scene from Closer came to me I automatically knew Closer would be the chapter song, or that it would help me write it. It was an easy choice, California Waiting was not so simple but I actually though of Revelry before I even started CW. I wanted to write Revelry while was still writing Closer…. Looking through KoL's song list CW was an easy choice once I saw it so I went with it. Its my thing I guess, makes choosing titles simple. I love KoL, they are the ultimate goodness so it's fitting. I am a total Sex on Fire hater because of it though…js. (just kidding) Naming them after KoL songs allows me to be original and unique.
7. How did Smella and Fuckward first come to you? (via UNF4Rob)
They came to me in the shower (that's what she said)
8. Was it hard to write about anxiety attacks being as you suffer from them as well? (via UNF4Rob)
It was hard, particularly hard. Anxiety attacks are no laughing matter. I have suffered Anxiety, Panic disorder for about five years. In fact it replaced my eating disorder, writing about it is a trigger. I was a mess after Closer, utterly. If you live with them you'll understand…. If you don't, consider yourself lucky. I think it allowed Closer to be believable… lots of authors write about panic attacks but sugar coat it, I didn't. I wrote about the grunting and the kicking. The urge to twist and bend and break. The super human strength and the exhaustion. Wonderful question UNF4Rob… really.
9. If you were Alice or Emmett, how would you feel about Bella and Edward's relationship in Closer/CW? (via MaryMABSAlice)
In CW? Betrayed. I think anyone dealing with them would feel the same way; Frustrated and tired. They were not easy to deal with and I didn't once write them to care about anyone else but themselves. I get slammed a lot for that. People have quit reading as a result of their selfness but I write truth. Love, it makes you selfish… detrimental love like they share, especially. Edward and Bella in Closer/CW care only for themselves for a while, until they realize they need support but even then its limited. So if I were Alice and Emmett I would feel deceived.
10. What would you suggest they do about their co-dependency and jealousy issues? (via MaryMABSAlice)
What would I suggest? That its sickening and disturbing but who wouldn't want to be loved by Edward so desperately? As fucked up as it is, its enchanting and desirable. To be so caught up and connected to someone like Closer's Bella and Edward are…. Fuck, could you imagine?
11. Is Revelry easier or harder to write than Closer/CW? Why or Why not? (via Hayboo05)
Revelry is much harder but that's only because they are completely different. I wasn't affected the same way by Closer/CW as I am by Revelry. Revelry is difficult and I am often left fatigued afterward.
12. What stories are you currently reading? (via Kharisma2)
What am I reading right now. It is no fucking secret that I am extremely selective about what I read. It's near impossible for me to find anything I can stick with… I'm not one for fluff or dark pasts. I hate secrets and virgins. Lol…. Right this moment I am reading a few fics. I'm completely owned by Twinned right now. How to Turn a Gay Man Straight, Raw and Rosy and Just Wait are what I yearn for. I just finished Goodnight, Noises Everywhere and We Used to be a Love Story. Grave Intentions, C-56 and Stampede of a Thousand Pulses are all fantastic but I literally fucking squeak when Twinned updates. (Readers of interview- "Oh my goodness, she doesn't list MoTU or EP?") yeah, no…. I haven't read them. Call me crazy, go ahead. My beta Jaime reads and summarizes each chapter for me. I cheat.
13. What is your favorite story of all time? What is your favorite author? (via Kharisma2)
Bookends is my very favorite fic in the entire fandom. It left me in the fetal position and I quit that shit twice before I finished. My favorite author is BellaExeQtnER; writer of Bookends. ss10 is a close second.
14. Finally, if you could say anything to your readers or would be readers, what would it be?
Wow, where do I begin? Thank you isn't adequate enough. My stories are what they are because you allow them to be, you defend me and encourage me. My readers push me to be better, I sometimes think I take this writing shit too seriously. This fandom, this fandom isn't real life but when I receive reviews and praise from you it makes it imperative. Its important to me that you care enough to take time away from your families and jobs to read something that I wrote…me! I mean who the fuck am I? You follow me on twitter and talk about me on your blogs… that's huge, that's a big deal. So yeah, I thank you…. from the bottom of my heart I thank you. I hope after meeting me (through twitter, etc.) that you grow to like me. I am stubborn and loud. I cuss a lot, I don't follow rules and am not the "it" thing but I do this for the ones who make me feel like I am. This is madness, it really is. Jaime, my other half. You earned yourself a vagina pinch and a head lock. Js.
I'd like to thank TeamBella23 for agreeing to this interview and for being so candid. Anyone who has not yet read her work, please click on the links below.
You can find TeamBella's stories here:http://www.fanfiction.net/u/1884161/
And here:http://www.thewriterscoffeeshop.com/library/viewuser.php?uid=6327
Check out her blog here:http://teamcloserward.blogs/
Be sure to follow her on twitter @Teamsmella23
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