Spotlight Interview
Tell us about yourself.
Hm. Lets see. Well I'll start off with the basics (Thats usually the best place to start, right?) I'm a 24 year old female, living in New Jersey. My given name is Evette, but I've taken a liking to the name Evie.
♥
♥
♥
♥
I work in a nursing home as a cook, but oddly enough I hate to cook. I guess because I do it all the time at work and such a large scale (115 residents)... I would much rather not cook at home.
I have 2 cats, Indy and Tex. sometimes I wish I had gotten a dog instead I love my cats! They're my house warming present to myself. The people I got them from had so many animals and it was filthy inside. I feel like I saved them. I'm their very own ASPCA! heh.
My parents are divorced and I have an extremely close relationship with my mom. So close, I live behind catty corner from her... and we also work together. My dad... I'm not so close to. I know he's there whenever I may need him, but I just feel funny just calling him up to talk stupid stuff. They've been divorced for 12 years now. It seems like forever! I still remember the night he left, but... eh. I like to think that their divorced made me the way I am today. I don't know if thats a good thing or not. I'm content in being me. For now anyway. heh.
Like I said, I like to read. I can usually read a 300 page book in the course of a few days. It all depends on how interested I am in the book. I have a very small book collection since I moved out of my dads. A lot of what I did have was given away to my local library because either I didn't read them or because they were just boring. So... Now I'm in the midst of rebuilding my collection. My taste in reading varies. I like dramas, thrillers, horrors, romantic comedies, and humorous. Oh, and the same goes for my movie taste too... except for thrillers and horrors. I'm a complete chicken shit and I get scared very easily. I mean... VERY easily. I'm still surprised that I'm able to live by myself because for the longest time, I used to hate being alone at night.
I'm starting to like anime/manga. I'm not a fanatic or anything, but I do enjoy it. My favorite anime has got to be Elfen Lied. I'm reading the manga online, and so far... Yeah. I'm hooked. I've also began reading Death Note, Alichino, and Vampire Game. Alichino has some beautiful artwork.
Photography is something I want to get back into, now that the weather is nicer. I have a DeviantArt. It showcases my favorite photos and a few of my non-sim writing. In case you couldn't guess, I like to write too, more short stories than poetry anymore.
Do you have other creative pursuits that affect how you tell your sim stories?
I don't know if it's a creative pursuit, but I like to people watch. I like to see how others interact with each other. I focus in on small details, like the way their eyebrows move while talk, their body language... I even like to picture them in an extreme situation and try to figure out how they would react. I guess that would affect my stories? I like to convey a certain tone and emotion with the given situation. Somehow, watching real people allows me to do this with a bit of ease.
Why did you start creating and posting sim stories?
At the time, back in 2006 when I first started, I was overwhelmed by the amount of cookie cutter stories (I was basing this on legacies at the time. Now, I've found some not so cookie cutter stories. afterland (Afterland), gs-stories (Gramercy), uys (Cutler Legacy), and brilliantcat (Raven's Hollow) are some of my favorites.
I wanted to write stories that can happen in human life. I liked the prospect of showing the darker sides of life through sims. I don't know if it shows that I have a dark sense of creativity but it works for me. The stories are almost so outlandish, they border impossibility. I mean, come on? How many little sisters manipulate their brother-in-law to sleep with them? How many theories that the 9/11 attack was an inside job and that gangs were behind any of the publicized shootings? Its not plausible, but then again... Who knows?
Do you use Maxis pre-made sims, original sims, sims based on other sources, or some combination of these? Why?
I use original characters as my main characters. I like having sims that are essentially a blank slate. I do work in other Maxis-made characters and townies. The infamous Joe Carr from the Frexpar Chronicles was the very first "villian" that I've done this. I like taking well known townies and turning them into something most wouldn't expect to see. I'm using characters from Desiderata Valley in Losing Oneself. John Mole... Need I say more? The name alone just screams something sketchy!
How long does it take you to create a new CAS sim for a story?
It doesn't take long actually. I think the hardest part is getting the right skintone and eyes. Oh, and hair. The hair can make or break the sim, in my opinon. I'm not too picky on features. Sometimes I already have a mental image of the sim I want to make. Nola was pretty much in my head before I made her. The same with Matthew. Whenever I have a family or siblings, I make one in BodyShop and install it. Then I make one sim from the BS sim, and then make another one from an altered BS sim. I want them to look alike, but not so much so, they look like clones.
...Does that make sense? 0.o;
Do you have one sim that frustrates you more than any of the others?
Not really no. They all got on my nerves when I didn't have free will turned off though (I always forget to turn it off before I take pictures). I never play the sims, I just pose them and write. Just from a story based opinion, I think that Melissa(Devonna) gets on my nerves. Its horrible what happened to her, but to allow Marcel back into her life? Psh, bitch is crazy. Would YOU want to let someone back in your life who basically screwed up your life and inadvertantly led to you being a blind mute? No, didn't think so. She may have followed him willingly, but anyone who will keep secrets and vital information... Yeah. Bad guy.
Do your sims have their own theme songs?
HAH I never even thought of giving my sims a theme song. Though if I had to think of some off the top of my head...
- You Don't Know What Love Is and Time
- Maneater and X-Amount of Words
- Simplest Mistake
- Goodbye Apathy
- Apologize
Do you like using aliens, vampires, zombies or any other non "normal" sims?
Considering the type of stories I write... No, I don't. To be honest, I don't really like reading about them either. Maybe vampires (Who doesn't love Interview with the Vampire or Dracula?)
Do you usually create backstories for your sims?
Back stories usually come out along the way. I don't sit and think of what made a character before I write the story. I'll have an idea of why a character will get into the situation at hand, but I won't know -everything- in their past. Like with Melissa? I don't know what lead up to her believing Marcel, accept that they met at a rave. They fell in love and he convinced her to become a member of the Reds.
If it were possible, would you carry out "romantic interactions" with any of your sims?
Erm... No. Marcel is an asshole, John is just... creepy, and Matthew is a cheating bastard who can't own up to his actions. Not really "romantic interaction" worthy material there.
Are there any stories in particular (sim or non-sim) that have inspired your storytelling?
Only the stuff that you hear about in the news. I'm more prone to the most gripping news stories. I won't do any child molestation stories, simply for the fact that there are no hacks to make it plausible and that I won't even taint my sims with an atrocity like that. Adult and teenagers are fair game... Children, are not. Am I wrong for subjecting my adults and teens? Maybe.
How do you decide on names for your sims?
In the Frexpar Chronicles, I was reading Wicked at the time. Thats where those names came from (I'm sure you could have already figured that out if you've seen the play or read the book). Everyone elses names are just pulled out of the air.
Do you use hacks in your game? If so, which ones? How do they affect your stories?
Just the usual. ACR, InSim, SeeThem2, InTeen. Oh, and the animation hacks are a must. Must must must! Oh, and since I don't -play- the families, I use the hacked clothes hook. Its unnecessary now that I found out inSim but eh.
Do you have a favourite EP/SP? Which expansion adds the most to storytelling for you?
Nightlife is a must. I like the animations that come with it, and the possibility of taking the sims out for "on location" shoots. I'm liking FreeTime, mainly for the new hood and the characters, and the hobbies, I suppose. They haven't really played into my stories much. Except for Melody's dancing.
I had to take this sheerly for the idea she would rather play with the train than pee.
Do you make your own custom content?
OH I WISH!! I envy some of the CC creators! I've never tried because I get very intimidated with programs I have no idea how to use.
Do you have a favourite sim outfit or hairstyle?
Hair Styles (sims not mine)
Outfits (I'll just list a few sites)
Bruno
hrekkjavaka astarkort (Long enough of an awkward name? heh)
GoS
Poison Pink Lemons
All About Style
SAU
Vintage D
What are some things that you wish were included in Sims 2, but aren't?
Answering Machines. It irritates me that the phone can ring and ring and ring and ring when my Sims are off at work. Maybe my relationships wouldn't decay so much if they knew who had called and so that they can call them back!
Wet Hair. When my sim gets in the shower, I would like for them to not have perfectly coifed
How long does it usually take you to prepare a story update?
It all depends on my mood really. I usually write my stories on paper (while at work no less), come home and type it up. Sometimes I'll go in game and take the photos and edit them that night. Sometimes I'll wait a day or two (or more) to finish the whole process. Though most the time it doesn't take any longer than 4 days, tops. I like to advertise my updates on the same day every week though. Not only is it easier for me to keep track of when I post there (because they have a one week interval rule) but it gives me a time frame to do the updates. Sometimes I do more updates though. Generally one a week is my rule.
Show and tell: Please show us your workspace, and tell us about the conditions you prefer to work in. Do you have any bizarre habits or rituals?
I have to move my cats all the time when I'm on the PC. Indy (the white one) likes to climb up on my shoulders and gouge my back with his nails. Sometimes he'll bite my fingers when I'm using the mouse or he'll lay on top of the keyboard. The other one, Tex, likes to lay in front of me and nuzzle my arm. Half the time I lock them out because I don't want to have to keep getting bothered. Other than that, I just sit and type and play. heh
Do you usually have your sims act to a pre-written script, just follow what they do, or some of both? what comes first - the text or the image? Is one of the elements more important than the other to you, or are they about equal?
I just write on paper, type it up, and take the pictures. I don't like to follow what they do because it gets very boring. You can only watch sims eat, shit, and sleep so many times. ACR makes things interesting, but I don't want to write erotica. lol
For me, the writing is more important than the pictures. My updates are always more words than pictures. I don't know, but I get more enjoyment out of writing whats going on than taking pictures for them. I think the minimum amount of pictures I'll have is around... 4 and the max is 10, depending on the length of the text or how involved the text is. If there is a lot that is going on, and I want that extra added pizazz, I'll throw in the necessary pictures.
Can you give us any hints about what is coming up in your stories?
Welllll... Okay~
WIT - Someone gets pregnant. Truth comes out. Someone flips out.
LO - Things are easier than expected. Progress is made as are plans.
NEW STORY!! Yep. I'm starting a new tale, because... I was inspired by the economic events the US are facing now. The lady in these pictures is actually the character in the story. Her name is Sasha. The sim was crated by haughtysims. I was drawn in by her facial structure and the story haughtysims is becoming one of my favorites also! Keep an eye out!
In your opinion, what makes a good sim story? What do you like to read in other people's stories?
I like good structure. I find it really hard to focus on a story when the pictures outweigh the text. I'm picky in that aspect. Other than that... I like consistency. I like to read stories that have a good momentum and a fairly steady update routine. I don't like to keep my readers waiting because I don't like to be kept reading. I'm not talking about daily or weekly updates.. I completely understand that life gets in the way. I just don't want to go months without knowing what happened to Jimmy John. Know what I mean?
As for content in itself... It doesn't matter really. Just as long as it keeps me captivated.
How often do you check your flist to see if your favourite authors have updated?
I check about twice a day. When they do update, I read... But I'm horrible at commenting. Thats actually one thing I feel most guilty of as a sim writer. I'm so behind in commenting on their stories. I fail :(
Storytelling aside, what first drew you to The Sims? What do you like most about playing The Sims?
Custom Content. No, seriously. I don't know -why- but I was looking for sims websites because I was thinking about buying the game. I stumbled across some sites with beautiful pictures. I asked around and lo and behold they were filled with CC! I had to get the game JUST so that I could make amazing pictures. Go figure, because I typically like my pictures uncluttered with only the necessary elements (sims and props. No clutter).
How long have you been playing The Sims? Have you been playing since Sims 1?
Uh, about three years for TS2. I had TS1 a long time ago. I had the delux pack with like 5 expansions included. I very rarely played TS1 though. I couldn't really get into the game. I don't know if it was because our PC was crappy (for TS1 standards no less!) or if the graphics were lackluster (At the time I was addicted to Sanitarium. Amazing game, btw).
Do you only play the game with stories in mind, or do you also play just for fun? Do you record everything with photos anyway?
I only play with stories in mind anymore. I used to play just for kicks and giggles, but as I've said before... You can only watch sims eat, shit and sleep so many times. Normal game play is redundant. I've tried my hand at OFB several times, but I can't seem to run a successful business if it isn't home based (I had a three star home business! WOO). When I do get in rare moods and want to play for fun, I will turn my fraps on and take pictures. Who knows what may be the result of them. Could be a brand spanking new story! Yet another! lol.
Do you have a self sim?
I have one, but she's not in game. I uploaded her for the asylum challenge music_simbol made for the members of legacy_writers. I was Theti.
simgaroop asks:
How do you organize your stories? I mean, how are you able to keep all these simultaneous stories updated ? Do you "play" them on rotation or just when you are inspired?
I try to play them biweekly. WIT one week, LO the next. I think the more my readers demand more or get involved... The more I'll focus on that story. Right now, WIT seems to be the favorite so the ideas on that one comes quicker. I like to keep my readers happy. ♥
disastrophobe asks:
What is the hardest thing about writing sim stories for you?
The hardest thing is trying to take the right photos to go along with the story. There is so much you can do with sims and the hacks that allows you to manipulate their movements. If I can absolutely not get the shot that I'm going for, I'll either move to a different part of a story and get a shot for that, or I'll alter the text slightly to fit with the image I could get.
What do you do when you're stuck on a story?
Hm... If I'm stuck I'll either re-read the updates that I've done. I can usually get unstuck once I do that. Like right now, I'm not sure where I want LO to go. I usually write as I go, and at the moment, it's going no where. Sometimes when I read back, I'm amazed at how mean I make my sims toward each other. lol... It's a little disturbing actually.
enchanted_black and simsbarbie ask:
What inspires you. Do you get ideas from other writers?
Real life inspires me. No particular writer inspires me actually. I do read stories and wonder why I hadn't thought of that though. I'd never take one of the ideas someone else I read is writing about, and put my own spin on it. I think that would be a form of plagiarism and we all know how unacceptable that is.
Well... Thats my interview! Thanks for reading and I hope I satisfied your curiosity about the creator of Real and Gritty Sim Stories. ♥~