Completed Fics | Random | Help | Search | Log In | |
    |
How long have you been writing, and what made you decide to start writing fan fiction?
I've been writing for a little over a year now. I decided to try my hand at writing fan fiction when I found myself becoming frustrated by the fact that there weren't enough well-written AD/MM stories out there.
How did you discover fan fiction?
I stumbled upon it while browsing other HP sites.
Do you have any writing experience outside of fan fiction?
I edited and wrote the occasional article for various theatrical and volunteer newsletters.
What is the writing process like for you? Do you find any part of writing difficult? (Coming up with ideas, narrative, dialog, etc.)
I find all of writing difficult with the exception of dialogue, which comes easily to me because I can hear it in my head (she hears voices – run away!). I'm very aural, so things have to sound right before I'm even remotely ready to post it, and I'm excruciatingly careful with grammar.
Where do you get your ideas or inspiration? Do other people ever suggest the ideas for your stories?
Most of my ideas come from my own head, though one or two real life incidents have found their way into a story. ;-)
Which story was the most difficult to write and why?
"An Unexpected Lesson", because it was the first erotic story I ever wrote. Erotic writing is the most difficult, for me.
What draws you to a particular fandom, character or couple? Is there anything in particular, or any common threads, that explain your interest?
I prefer to write about adults over thirty, because I am one. I also feel that mainstream fiction gives women over forty short shrift, so I try to counter that in my own miniscule way.
Do you have any favorite authors (original and/or fan fiction)?
Charles De Lint, Terry Pratchett, and P. G. Wodehouse, to name three original authors. Shadowycat is my favorite fan fiction author.
What's the one topic you'd really like to tackle in fan fiction?
The negative effect mass media has upon women's self image, men's attitudes towards women, and everyone's idea of what really constitutes happiness.
Do you have any advice for people thinking about writing their first fan fiction?
Read high quality original works, read high quality fan fiction, and be mindful of your grammar. Don't rely on spell check – proof it yourself!
Was it harder to read fan fiction after you started writing it?
Yes. I became even pickier.
Do you find love scenes more difficult to write than other types of scenes?
Absolutely!
What do you look for when you read a fan fiction story?
I look for a pairing or scenario I like, a solid, believable plot, polished writing, and nearly flawless grammar and spelling.
What was your first fan fiction story? What was it like to post your first story?
"Subtle Communication" was my first fan fiction story. When I first posted it, I was both a little excited and a little nervous.
What is the best advice you have ever received in regard to writing?
Read it out loud. If you stumble while doing so, then the sentence is awkward and needs reworking.
How much research do you do before writing a story? How do you decide what to use and what to make up?
I consult the HP books and the Lexicon. If something JKR created will work, I use it. Otherwise, I make it up.
Are there things you won't write or include in your stories?
I will not write non-consensual sex, teacher/student, beastiality – the usual squicks.
What do you think are your writing strengths—plot, characterization, dialogue, action, etc.?
My one strength is dialogue.
What is the writing process like for you? Do you revise as you write, or do you prefer to get a first draft down first, and then revise?
The process is long and painstaking for me, because I revise as I go and agonize over every word.
What challenges do you set for yourself as a writer?
To write at least a few lines every day. Otherwise, I'll never get any of it done! ;-)