Fanfic Question Meme
You know, I was going to make one of these and then I found this via platysseus. Excellent. Saves me the trouble :)
1)How about a brief introduction of yourself?
If you're here, you probably know that I love to write. I've written in several fandoms, but I've mostly been active in SG-1 and Supernatural. I do dabble a bit in other fandoms too, like Smallville and Dark Angel. My fanfic time is very small these days since I work mostly on original fiction.
2)Fabulous, and what got you into fanfiction to begin with?
Before I even knew what it was, I was writing it. I just wanted to hear more adventures in the Star Wars universe and the published EU books really weren't doing it for me. And this was before they were even called EU. I didn't know it was an actual fannish movement until I discovered SG-1 and the internet.
3)I see, so what kind of fanfiction do you like to write?
I started out writing Star Wars novels that were hilariously bad with Mary Sue issues. I have also written an insane amount of SG-1 fic, which I credit with helping me hone my skills and practice storytelling, and have dabbled in Smallville, Farscape, and Atlantis. Currently, I'm involved in Supernatural with a dash of Dark Angel on the side.
4)Do you tend to write the same pairings/characters? Or are you a fandom whore?
Whore me, baby. No, I don't write the same pairings. In fact, I write pairings I don't even like. I go with the ideas that come to me. So in SG-1 fandom, despite me being strictly gen for the show, in fandom I have written tons of different pairings, ship and slash, in addition to my gen stuff. I've written some crossover ship for SGA and some Lois/Clark for Smallville. Supernatural is gen because I don't Wincest. I've only ever written one Dark Angel fic and that was Alec/Rachel. Overall, I prefer to write plotty/angsty/actiony fics.
5)What is your most popular fanfic, and why do you think people like it so much?
I honestly think that it is Echoes of Autumn, a Jack-centric long and plotty SG-1 mystery story. It's won several awards and keeps having a steady stream of hits at my website. I'm not really sure what the exact appeal has been. For some people maybe it is the mystery and for others maybe it's the angst. I think there are a lot of layers to the story and different parts appeal to different people.
6)Forget other people, what is the fanfic you’ve written you’re most proud of?
You know? I'm not really sure. Some of my fics are better than others, but whenever I am done I am proud that I was able to finish it. Then a couple of weeks later it's old news and I'm not so invested. For SG-1, I would have to say Echoes of Autumn. I really feel like I did the story justice and accomplished what I set out to do. It's far from perfect, but it still resonates with me today.
The only other fandom I've written more than two fics for is SPN. While I'd like to claim Long Road to Ruin or Out of the Fire are my best and the ones I am the most proud of (and I am proud and satisfied with them), I have some odd affection for The World Is What You Make It. I wrote that fic soley for me and it really sort of pings at some little place inside. Or maybe there's just something about a reluctant and burdened Dean in a church that does it for me.
7)Do you find writing easy? Hard? What are the most difficult aspects of writing you struggle with?
Sometimes. Some fanfic writing is easy and others are hard. It depends on the story I want to tell.
8)Write a couple of sentences about your favorite pairing or character.
I don't know why I am reluctant to do this. I have obvious favorite characters and pairings, but I'm going to pass. I think they pretty much speak for themselves :)
9)Are there any fanfic trends/clichés you cant stand or are just sick of?
No Wincest. I just can't. Also, I get really tired of when authors dumb down or turn a competent male character into a "man-child." Hurt/Comfort has lost a lot of appeal for me.
10)Are you guilty of any of the trends/clichés you now hate? Or any other ones?
I've done some Mary Sue. And there have been cliches. I do try to put a spin on those cliches, but it doesn't always work.
11)What was the first fandom you ever wrote for? Do you still like/participate in it?
Technically, I guess it's Star Wars but I wasn't in fandom. I just wrote my own stories and swapped them with someone else who was writing her own stories.
12)Name your OTPs or most frequently written pairings/characters and explain what it is about them you love to write.
Hmm. I'll start with the OTPs because I don't have many. Watch out, though. Long answer.
Lois/Clark - I've only written them twice, but they are my fave pairing ever. Classic pairing here. I've loved them since I was little. I think what works for me with this pairing is that they are complete opposites. Lois challenges Clark and keeps him on his toes, but most importantly she grounds him and keeps him human. Clark evens out Lois, softens her, and allows her to soar. They just compliment each other so well.
Other OTPs: Mulder/Scully, Will/Elizabeth (POTC)
The thing is that with OTPs I'm not against them seeing other people. I'm okay with Lois/Bruce or Clark/Lana, Scully/Doggett, etc. Maybe because in the end I know ultimately they will end up with each other, whether I see it on screen or not.
There are other pairings I like but wouldn't consider them OTPs. Sam/Daniel, Sam/Teal'c, and Daniel/Weir from Stargate are fave pairings of mine, but I wouldn't really want to see it happen. Jack/Sara is weird because I would normally consider it one of my OTPs, but it won't ever happen again LOL I also like Jason/Lana from SV and I could have gotten behind Dean/Jo from SPN if TPTB had written her better.
Why do I write some of these pairings? I usually write pairings I won't see happen on screen. It gives me the opprotunity to explore their friendships in other ways. if the couple is a canon couple and I've written them, it's just to explore different what if's and give the pairings some more layers.
When it comes to characters, I often have an easier time writing characters that are not my absolute faves. In some cases, through writing them they do become my faves. In SG-1, I love writing Jack, even though Daniel is what originally drew me to the show. I also have fun writing Teal'c. In SPN, Dean is my favorite character and my stories tend to be about him, but I am more comfortable writing through Sam's pov. Plus, I really do love both brothers on that show.
I think I like to latch onto the characters I would most like to explore internally and go that way. Since I write such a wide variety of pairings and characters, it's constantly changing.
13)What would you call your writing “style”?
I honestly don't know. I would love to know, but I can't seem to judge that for myself. If anyone who has read any of stuff has an idea, please feel free to clue me in LOL
14)Do you read other peoples fanfic? If so, what do you find yourself reading the most?
I do. I love to read fanfic, actually. Lately, due to time restraints and stress, I haven't really read much fanfic, though. It makes me sad, but it's just the way things are right now. I want to. I really do. And I do have a list of people I want to check out. So if you've been writing and wonder, why isn't she reading my fic? It's either that I missed the post or I just haven't had a chance yet. Also, there are just some topics/kinds of fic I won't read.
This might seem unfair but I actually put close friends at the top of the list followed by people I know and converse with often. I'm more apt to read stuff by people I know and get along with than strangers. And one way to really turn me off is to pressure me or hound me to read your fic. I just don't think that is good form. But to each her own.
15)Name one thing you’d love to write, but have been too afraid/too shy to do?
That's a good question. I've always wanted to write a long, meaty case file for The X-Files. I just haven't had the courage to do it - I am terrified of bad characterization, between Mulder's jokes and Scully's science.
Though at this point in time, oddly enough, I'd probably love to write a long, plotty Dark Angel fic. Probably because the show left me very unsatisfied in terms of closure and dropped character potential. I'd love to explore the confrontation between the transgenics and the rest of the population on my own terms - I hated Ames - and dive into more of the issues trangenics face with the tension of accepting they are different while also learning to embrace their own humanity. Over that backdrop, I would like to explore Max/Logan in a more adult way that wouldn't tick me off like S2 did and dig into the psychological dilemma of the Ben/Alec parallels. I think it could be a great story.
Unfortunately, I have really shaky footing on the characters and wouldn't do them justice. I also am not very knowledgable in genetics or journalism or hacking. And on top of that, I have no time and really need to focus more on my original writing and those plots.
I still think it would make an awesome story, though.
16)Do you have trouble taking criticism? Or worse yet, do you have the dreaded bloated ego?
I actually take it pretty well, I think, minus my last hissy fit over an original fic rejection I received. Honestly, I have to consider myself lucky. I rarely get any kind of criticism for my work. I have maybe a couple of times, but that was usually from someone angry I had written a pairing they didn't like. (Why are you reading the labeled fic then??) overall, I get fairly positive feedback, sometimes lengthy detailed feedback. I've learned over the years to toughen up and take the crit because most of the time it is helpful. This is especially important in the original writing world where I have learned an enoirmous about from personal rejections. So while I don't have a bloated ego, I do think I am getting better at receiving overall crit.
17)When you write, is there anything that helps? Music? Quiet room?
Sometimes music is nice and sometimes I need quiet. I definitely need no clutter which is why I need to clean up my workspace before I can write.
18)What inspires you?
Everything. Music. TV. Film. Video Games. Nature. Books. Conversation. There is a story hidden in every flash of life, waiting to be discovered and written. :)
19)Lastly, how would you sum up your fanfiction experiences and yourself as a writer?
My experience with fanfic has been wonderful. It is relaxing and creative for me, and a nice escape from the pressures of the real world. Not only is it fun, but it has helped me better my writing and storytelling ability, and above all has given me the confidence to finish my own works and become published. Fanfic has it's downsides - people can get too dependent on it, become addicted to the immediacy of gratification, and try to exploit it to become popular. For writers who really want to be published, it can often become a hinderance, a security blanket. But overall, I feel it's a worthy exercise, whether for practice or as a hobby.
20)Tag some friends, because they’ll hate you for it.
Oh, everyone who wants to do it, of course ;) I seriously doubt you'll all hate me for it. Hee.
1)How about a brief introduction of yourself?
If you're here, you probably know that I love to write. I've written in several fandoms, but I've mostly been active in SG-1 and Supernatural. I do dabble a bit in other fandoms too, like Smallville and Dark Angel. My fanfic time is very small these days since I work mostly on original fiction.
2)Fabulous, and what got you into fanfiction to begin with?
Before I even knew what it was, I was writing it. I just wanted to hear more adventures in the Star Wars universe and the published EU books really weren't doing it for me. And this was before they were even called EU. I didn't know it was an actual fannish movement until I discovered SG-1 and the internet.
3)I see, so what kind of fanfiction do you like to write?
I started out writing Star Wars novels that were hilariously bad with Mary Sue issues. I have also written an insane amount of SG-1 fic, which I credit with helping me hone my skills and practice storytelling, and have dabbled in Smallville, Farscape, and Atlantis. Currently, I'm involved in Supernatural with a dash of Dark Angel on the side.
4)Do you tend to write the same pairings/characters? Or are you a fandom whore?
Whore me, baby. No, I don't write the same pairings. In fact, I write pairings I don't even like. I go with the ideas that come to me. So in SG-1 fandom, despite me being strictly gen for the show, in fandom I have written tons of different pairings, ship and slash, in addition to my gen stuff. I've written some crossover ship for SGA and some Lois/Clark for Smallville. Supernatural is gen because I don't Wincest. I've only ever written one Dark Angel fic and that was Alec/Rachel. Overall, I prefer to write plotty/angsty/actiony fics.
5)What is your most popular fanfic, and why do you think people like it so much?
I honestly think that it is Echoes of Autumn, a Jack-centric long and plotty SG-1 mystery story. It's won several awards and keeps having a steady stream of hits at my website. I'm not really sure what the exact appeal has been. For some people maybe it is the mystery and for others maybe it's the angst. I think there are a lot of layers to the story and different parts appeal to different people.
6)Forget other people, what is the fanfic you’ve written you’re most proud of?
You know? I'm not really sure. Some of my fics are better than others, but whenever I am done I am proud that I was able to finish it. Then a couple of weeks later it's old news and I'm not so invested. For SG-1, I would have to say Echoes of Autumn. I really feel like I did the story justice and accomplished what I set out to do. It's far from perfect, but it still resonates with me today.
The only other fandom I've written more than two fics for is SPN. While I'd like to claim Long Road to Ruin or Out of the Fire are my best and the ones I am the most proud of (and I am proud and satisfied with them), I have some odd affection for The World Is What You Make It. I wrote that fic soley for me and it really sort of pings at some little place inside. Or maybe there's just something about a reluctant and burdened Dean in a church that does it for me.
7)Do you find writing easy? Hard? What are the most difficult aspects of writing you struggle with?
Sometimes. Some fanfic writing is easy and others are hard. It depends on the story I want to tell.
8)Write a couple of sentences about your favorite pairing or character.
I don't know why I am reluctant to do this. I have obvious favorite characters and pairings, but I'm going to pass. I think they pretty much speak for themselves :)
9)Are there any fanfic trends/clichés you cant stand or are just sick of?
No Wincest. I just can't. Also, I get really tired of when authors dumb down or turn a competent male character into a "man-child." Hurt/Comfort has lost a lot of appeal for me.
10)Are you guilty of any of the trends/clichés you now hate? Or any other ones?
I've done some Mary Sue. And there have been cliches. I do try to put a spin on those cliches, but it doesn't always work.
11)What was the first fandom you ever wrote for? Do you still like/participate in it?
Technically, I guess it's Star Wars but I wasn't in fandom. I just wrote my own stories and swapped them with someone else who was writing her own stories.
12)Name your OTPs or most frequently written pairings/characters and explain what it is about them you love to write.
Hmm. I'll start with the OTPs because I don't have many. Watch out, though. Long answer.
Lois/Clark - I've only written them twice, but they are my fave pairing ever. Classic pairing here. I've loved them since I was little. I think what works for me with this pairing is that they are complete opposites. Lois challenges Clark and keeps him on his toes, but most importantly she grounds him and keeps him human. Clark evens out Lois, softens her, and allows her to soar. They just compliment each other so well.
Other OTPs: Mulder/Scully, Will/Elizabeth (POTC)
The thing is that with OTPs I'm not against them seeing other people. I'm okay with Lois/Bruce or Clark/Lana, Scully/Doggett, etc. Maybe because in the end I know ultimately they will end up with each other, whether I see it on screen or not.
There are other pairings I like but wouldn't consider them OTPs. Sam/Daniel, Sam/Teal'c, and Daniel/Weir from Stargate are fave pairings of mine, but I wouldn't really want to see it happen. Jack/Sara is weird because I would normally consider it one of my OTPs, but it won't ever happen again LOL I also like Jason/Lana from SV and I could have gotten behind Dean/Jo from SPN if TPTB had written her better.
Why do I write some of these pairings? I usually write pairings I won't see happen on screen. It gives me the opprotunity to explore their friendships in other ways. if the couple is a canon couple and I've written them, it's just to explore different what if's and give the pairings some more layers.
When it comes to characters, I often have an easier time writing characters that are not my absolute faves. In some cases, through writing them they do become my faves. In SG-1, I love writing Jack, even though Daniel is what originally drew me to the show. I also have fun writing Teal'c. In SPN, Dean is my favorite character and my stories tend to be about him, but I am more comfortable writing through Sam's pov. Plus, I really do love both brothers on that show.
I think I like to latch onto the characters I would most like to explore internally and go that way. Since I write such a wide variety of pairings and characters, it's constantly changing.
13)What would you call your writing “style”?
I honestly don't know. I would love to know, but I can't seem to judge that for myself. If anyone who has read any of stuff has an idea, please feel free to clue me in LOL
14)Do you read other peoples fanfic? If so, what do you find yourself reading the most?
I do. I love to read fanfic, actually. Lately, due to time restraints and stress, I haven't really read much fanfic, though. It makes me sad, but it's just the way things are right now. I want to. I really do. And I do have a list of people I want to check out. So if you've been writing and wonder, why isn't she reading my fic? It's either that I missed the post or I just haven't had a chance yet. Also, there are just some topics/kinds of fic I won't read.
This might seem unfair but I actually put close friends at the top of the list followed by people I know and converse with often. I'm more apt to read stuff by people I know and get along with than strangers. And one way to really turn me off is to pressure me or hound me to read your fic. I just don't think that is good form. But to each her own.
15)Name one thing you’d love to write, but have been too afraid/too shy to do?
That's a good question. I've always wanted to write a long, meaty case file for The X-Files. I just haven't had the courage to do it - I am terrified of bad characterization, between Mulder's jokes and Scully's science.
Though at this point in time, oddly enough, I'd probably love to write a long, plotty Dark Angel fic. Probably because the show left me very unsatisfied in terms of closure and dropped character potential. I'd love to explore the confrontation between the transgenics and the rest of the population on my own terms - I hated Ames - and dive into more of the issues trangenics face with the tension of accepting they are different while also learning to embrace their own humanity. Over that backdrop, I would like to explore Max/Logan in a more adult way that wouldn't tick me off like S2 did and dig into the psychological dilemma of the Ben/Alec parallels. I think it could be a great story.
Unfortunately, I have really shaky footing on the characters and wouldn't do them justice. I also am not very knowledgable in genetics or journalism or hacking. And on top of that, I have no time and really need to focus more on my original writing and those plots.
I still think it would make an awesome story, though.
16)Do you have trouble taking criticism? Or worse yet, do you have the dreaded bloated ego?
I actually take it pretty well, I think, minus my last hissy fit over an original fic rejection I received. Honestly, I have to consider myself lucky. I rarely get any kind of criticism for my work. I have maybe a couple of times, but that was usually from someone angry I had written a pairing they didn't like. (Why are you reading the labeled fic then??) overall, I get fairly positive feedback, sometimes lengthy detailed feedback. I've learned over the years to toughen up and take the crit because most of the time it is helpful. This is especially important in the original writing world where I have learned an enoirmous about from personal rejections. So while I don't have a bloated ego, I do think I am getting better at receiving overall crit.
17)When you write, is there anything that helps? Music? Quiet room?
Sometimes music is nice and sometimes I need quiet. I definitely need no clutter which is why I need to clean up my workspace before I can write.
18)What inspires you?
Everything. Music. TV. Film. Video Games. Nature. Books. Conversation. There is a story hidden in every flash of life, waiting to be discovered and written. :)
19)Lastly, how would you sum up your fanfiction experiences and yourself as a writer?
My experience with fanfic has been wonderful. It is relaxing and creative for me, and a nice escape from the pressures of the real world. Not only is it fun, but it has helped me better my writing and storytelling ability, and above all has given me the confidence to finish my own works and become published. Fanfic has it's downsides - people can get too dependent on it, become addicted to the immediacy of gratification, and try to exploit it to become popular. For writers who really want to be published, it can often become a hinderance, a security blanket. But overall, I feel it's a worthy exercise, whether for practice or as a hobby.
20)Tag some friends, because they’ll hate you for it.
Oh, everyone who wants to do it, of course ;) I seriously doubt you'll all hate me for it. Hee.