Query and Answer

[mariagoner]

Sorry about being out of touch for so long, everyone. I've turned into a fantastically lazy cow over the last few weeks-- or possibly a fantastically productive one, depending on how you view graduate school-- but I've finally gotten my ass into gear and started writing fic again. Really sad and despairing fic, yes, but fic nonetheless. And on that

Comments

[xiayou]

[mariagoner]

As a biased Xiayou fan, I must say I'm thrilled to see you pop up in my life again! ;) And I promise, I shall try my best!

[xiayou]

[mariagoner]

Oh, I feel you. I went through a whole I-have-no-time-for-LJ period myself. Now I'm back but :: sigh:: It really is hard to keep up with everybody.

[ellenthefellon]

Hehe, when I saw "nonfiction" I thought...what wait you write nonfiction? Like, not fanfiction, but actual non-fiction...nevermind XD.

Hmm, you can't really put a finger on one specific trademark, so I'll just mention a few things. Probably a gratuitous use of description, not unpleasant at all, but a lot of describing (durr...) and making histories of things and...etcetera. I mean like less dialog and more explaining. Which isn't bad at all, I enjoy your stuff. And a kind of...British feel. Maybe it's just because the characters I've seen you write are British-types. Do you speak with a British accent? Just curious, I've always kind of wondered XD.

...man, there's other things, but again I can't really put my finger on it. I wish I could mention some characterization quirks and stuff you really want to hear but my mind is a little foggy at the moment XD. You really analyze the characters you love, and I feel like I can always tell which ones you hold dearly (see:Larsa XD). Aren't you a psychology major? It makes sense,

[mariagoner]

::slaps self on head:: Nonfiction... yeah. Aren't I always wonderfully coherent? ;)

And oooh... I never thought of myself as using all that much description and history but I guess I do have a sort of obsessive interest in both the first time and the last time people do important things in their lives, don't I? I guess that makes sense since, as you remembered, I'm a graduate student in developmental psychology. Possibly that's why I always get into this mode where I want to analyze my characters and mine all these hidden facets and what have you that they have. So having you say all of these things to me makes me feel all giddy!

And British? Eee, I never really thought of myself as sounding all that British before, especially since I'm all but New York born and bred. But maybe it's because I write Larsa so often that I come across that way occasionally...? ;)

Thank you so much for participating and giving me so much to chew on! ♥

[mithrigil]

Colloquialism and really snappy, modern dialog. Give-and-take between characters. Really tender moments.

Stealing this meme, stat.

[mariagoner]

This meme is fuuuun! Let it spread throughout all the land!

(But yeah, give-and-take is like the bread and butter of my imagination. I like me some introspection once in a while too but reading and writing that is just what makes me happiest.)

[cygna_hime]

*yoinks t3h m3m3*

I'd say...a truly lyrical, romantic writing style, peppered with very un-romantic, realistic, hysterically funny comments. (It's the one-liners that make your fic so absolutely wonderful, IMO.)

[mariagoner]

I can write whole stories centered around corny jokes, I swear. It can be both a gift and a curse. XD

(And where be your memage, darling? I cannot find it so I'll just quickly say that when I think of your writing, I'm always incredibly impressed by how much thought goes into your set-pieces, your relationships and especially your plot lines. You write politics insanely well and you've got such a knack for understanding how to realistically portray knotty and complex situations, which is why you are such a joy to have as a reader, drabble writer and beta as well!)

[puella_nerdii]

Oooh, good one.

Definitely agreeing with Mith about the tenderness and the snappy dialogue. Also a lot of jumps between time and place, a focus on relationships (whether platonic or romantic), and a heavy infusion of wit and occasionally zaniness. Lush description, especially in your erotica.

And I'm stealing this too.

[mariagoner]

Heee! I wondered if someone would pick up on the zaniness. I mean, I was weaned at the teat of anime in terms of writing and I slip in bad harem sex jokes even when talking about people dying. It's... a bit odd, I suppose? ;)