1. Why did you start writing?
It's always been something I was interested in. I started writing stories and scripts when I was about 10 being an avid reader with lots of ideas of my own it just seemed like the thing for me to do.
2. If you had to do it all over again would you still write?
Definitely. I received a few flames for my writing when my stories first came out and it did put me off writing for a while. To be honest it still effects me now because although I still write, I refuse to post it unless I think it's good enough for people to read without feeling the need to send me hate mail.
3. Once you've written a story do you ever sit down and read it for enjoyment?
No which is really annoying because I wouldn't write the story if it wasn't an idea I wanted to read about in the first place.
4. How did you start writing Xena fan fiction?
I discovered fanfiction when I was 15 and quickly got addicted to it. I had ideas for stories after reading Xena fanfiction so I just decided to give it a go one day.
5. Is your muse a constant companion, or does it abandon you for long periods of time?
I always have ideas for stories. I've got so many notepads with half-written stories in or just story ideas but sometimes I just cant find the motivation to write a story or to finish one that I've been writing.
6. How do you feel about sequels?
I love sequels... if I'm reading them. I love being able to follow characters as they grow. I've written one sequel and started to write another and I think that as long as you can expand on the lives of the characters it's a good thing but sometimes there just isn't anywhere else for them to go.
7. Is writing a quiet thing for you, where there can't be any noise or conversation going on?
Definitely. If my partner is listening to music when I'm trying to write I usually end up writing the lyrics to the song instead of the words I'm wanting to write. I have to be in a quiet room. Which is another reason I don't write so much at the moment.
8. Do you prefer to write/read romance, angst, horror etc, etc?
I prefer to write romance. I love reading romance too, although I'm a sucker for a bit of angst in the romance as long as its got a happy outcome.
9. What usually sparks a story idea for you?
TV programmes, films or just things I'd like to have happen to me.
10. Where do your ideas come from?
Not sure. I think it's the part of my brain that was always hoping for something better or different to come along for me.
11. What advice can you give to future writers?
Enjoy your writing. If you don't you'll never get the story you want. Don't be ashamed to ask for help or advice and if you can, get someone else to read it before you post it. They pick up on mistakes that you miss.
12. What has the show Xena meant to you?
So much... I was a teenager when Xena came out and it was around about the time I was dealing with my sexuality. I'd been around gay/lesbian people all my life but it was never something that was really talked about. Watching Xena with the subtext and then reading the stories based on the show made me realise that being a lesbian wasn't something that should be hidden away.
13. How do you feel about the way it ended?
It ended? I thought that was just a cliff hanger and I'm just waiting for the continuation of that last episode.. To be honest I'm like pretty much every Xena fan. I hated the ending. Yes Xena did the noble thing but who cares about being noble when it comes to choosing between death and the love of your life. We have enough crap in our every days lives why would we want that in a TV series that we've followed for 6 years.
14. How real are your characters to you?
Very real. I usually try to put myself in at least one of my characters places as I'm writing.
15. Do your characters speak to you?
Is it safe to admit that they do? lol Yeah they do when I'm writing them.
16. Are you in control of your story, or do the characters run the show?
I'm usually in control. I try to have everything mapped out before hand but sometimes the characters take me in a direction I wasn't planning.
17. Have you created a character that you would like to meet?
Yeah I'd love to meet Tegan from Young At Heart.
18. How would you feel about another writer giving one of your characters a cameo in their story?
I'd love it. Unless they wrote the character better than me.. hahaha. No really it would be an honour for someone to think enough of my character to include them in their story.
19. Has online writing changed your life in any way?
Yeah. It introduced me to so much. I met a lot of great people through writing and it helped increase my confidence.
20. Have you ever been stalked on the internet by an overzealous fan?
No, luckily that hasn't happened to me.
21. Which one of your online stories is your favorite?
Young At Heart.
Uber set in the present day UK, Tegan is barely 16 when she ends up shunned by her family and alone. Chance brings her into Jamie's life, and she not only finds a place to live, but a job, and much, much more than she ever thought she'd find.
My online favorites by other writers are, well, my all-time favourite story isn't available on the net anymore. It was Words Heard In Silence by T. Novan and Taylor Rickard and that not being available on the net anymore is a big loss to new readers, especially seeing as it is out of print now too. My other favorite is The Secret History Of Vampires by Windstar and Zee. The story takes place mostly in Russia. Alexei, a vampire is hunting other creatures of the night and is so badly wounded that she is in desperate need for blood. She drains her first victim completely. Her second victim however the pickpocket Katiya is spared. Instead of killing her Alexei takes her to her house. Together they try to find out who is plotting against Alexei.
22. Do you have to do a lot of rewrites?
I try not to. I think the first idea is usually the best.
23. Is there ever a point in your writing where you get stuck each and every time? How do you get out of it?
If I get stuck I usually go away. Read someone elses story and come back when I think I can carry on.
24. Which part of the writing process do you enjoy the most and why?
The beginning. When I'm working everything out. Getting the ideas onto paper and working out the timeline. I enjoy this the most because that's before I start getting frustrated at the way the story itself is going.
25. When you're working on a story are you obsessed with it until it's done?
It depends how into the story I am. I can be obsessed with it for a few days and then I get stuck and have to stop or if I'm really into a story I can keep going until it's finished and get annoyed when I have to stop for things like eating.. lol
26. Who are your favorite top five writers? Online or published.
Ali Vali, Windstar and Zee (as writing partners), Radclyffe, Melissa Good and KG MacGregor.
27. The song says "Who rules the world? Girls." If that were true would the world be a better place?
Definitely. Men haven't got a clue what they're talking about most of the time.. lol
28. Do you write a story straight through, or do you write in pieces, then put it all together.
Bits and pieces and then put it together.
29. Do you read books for pleasure while you are writing?
Yes. I'm always reading. So reading while I'm writing is the best way to end my session.
30. Do you have a favorite Greek God?
No.
31. Do you have a pet peeve?
People leaving taps running and electric power points switched on when nothing is plugged in.
32. What do you see yourself doing in the future?
Still writing and hoping to get something published.
33. What is your favorite word?
Whatever
34. What is your least favorite word?
No
35. What turns you on?
Lots of things.. lol
36. What turns you off?
People being hateful.
37. What sound or noise do you love?
A baby laughing
38. What sound or noise do you hate?
People breaking up polystyrene
39. What is your favorite curse word?
Bollocks
40. What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?
Chef
41. What profession would you absolutely not like to participate in?
Teaching
42. If Heaven exists what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?
Howdy. Nice to see you. You've lived your life well.
Here is Muzza's favorite story:
In this sensitive Uber set in the present day UK, Tegan is barely 16 when she ends up shunned by her family and alone. Chance brings her into Jamie's life, and she not only finds a place to live, but a job, and much, much more than she ever thought she'd find.
http://thestoreelounge.wordpress.com/authors/267-2/
In all of my fanfic reading years, it never occurred to me that any story I was reading had been written by a 15 year old. Absolutely surprising. Young At Heart is a fantastic story, I highly recommend it. Thanks for sharing it, Muzza.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I'm always curious about characters I like. So, Muzza, where are Tegen and Jamie now? What kind of life have they been living?
~Rio~
thanks Rio :) It was a long time ago I started writing. Unfortunately it's been about 15 years since I've actually finished writing a story now :( i keep plugging away though and hopefully one day I will get there.
ReplyDeleteWhere are Tegan and Jamie now.. I would like to think that Jamie is now a famous musician. Plain Lazy signed for a record company and quickly made a name for themselves. Tegan is a journalist/author. She chose that line of work because it meant she could stay at home most of the time and look after Cassie as she was growing up. Cassie is getting ready to finish school and she's a little brainbox. All three are very happy. :)
Ceri (Muzza)