Interview with a Writer

[Scuttle Buttin']

As with most ideas I have, this one struck me randomly one day, but I thought it might be fun. Sort of a Inside the Actor's Studio, but Lit-style. I also completely ripped off the final ten questions James Lipton asks on Actor's Studio, because why not?

I sent out the questions to an initial 10 or so people, and most of them were gracious enough to reply, whether with answers or to politely decline. To them, I want to say thank you, because none of this would be possible without your answers.

I'm going to post one every few days or so, to give people a chance to ask them any questions they'd like, react to their answers, and to read any of the threads/characters they talk about in their answers.

These have been picked at random, so if you got back to me early but haven't seen yours yet, it's just because I haven't landed on it yet.

And lastly, if you'd like to participate, I'd love to have you! Copy the questions and shoot me a PM, and I'll toss your name into the rotation. The initial people I contacted was just to get the ball rolling, but the more the merrier.

On with the interviews...

 

[Scuttle Buttin']

What is your screenname?

Fish_Tales

Why did you choose that?

I live on the beach, I fish a lot and I swim a lot. Seemed appropriate

Why did you choose the av and/or sig you're currently using?

It's harmless and it's a fish. I'm not a fan of too much attention except for my writing.

As specific or vague as you would like to be, what is your...

Location?

Eastern Australia on the coast

Age?

Older than most here....let's say there's a 4 in front of it

Sex/Gender/Gender Identity?

Heterosexual male fish.....but that should have nothing to do with what I write. Though I would feel silly and unknowledgeable writing about anything other than a heterosexual male fish

Race?

White

What is it that you enjoy about writing SRPs?

I like seeing what the other writers will write. I'm lucky to have great writers, so they always write well.

What is it that you enjoy about writing in general?

I explore my issues, but it's the poor characters that have to deal with them, at least for a while.

What inspiration do you use to write?

Anything. I'm partial to crime. For SRPs, often it's my writing partners.

Do you write with something on (music, TV, etc), or silence?

Usually some music, but not always.

Do you edit your posts?

Shit yes. Sometimes over days.

If so, do you do so as you write, or after finishing?

Both. I'm crap at letting a mistake go, even if I'm flying.

What character you've created is your favorite, and why?

Two....probably Liam Hansen (from Shackled) and Cramer (from Intersect City). Hansen can be a little annoying as the ladies like him more than they like me. I like all my characters though, otherwise I would kill them off.

What character you've created is your least favorite, and why?

Shit....I can't think of one I didn't like. I wrote with a great writer here called Fuckmeat - she was actually the loveliest person and helped me a lot. Ms. Fuckmeat liked her characters....rough. That's not my style, so she was nice enough to let me off the hook (poor choice of words for a Fish) and I toned a character called Landers down from what she wanted. He was still a bit much for me though, so he would be my least favourite. Although if she came back, I would write him again in a heartbeat for her.

What is your favorite thread you are or have been involved in?

I'm too modest to mention mine. I can read Rebecca Garrotte or Intersect City all day long. In fact, I can read anything Vail Indigo writes....except when she starts talking about rabbits and stuff, then I switch off. So because I've posted to Intersect City, then I'll say that.

What is your favorite thread you were not involved in?

Rebecca Garrotte.

Outside of Lit, what do you read?

Crime fiction, non-fiction, biographies

What is your favorite thing about the way you write?

I care.

If you could change one thing about the way you write, what would it be?

That it came out easier.


And lastly, the Famous 10 Questions...


What is your favorite word?

Eloquent

What is your least favorite word?

Me

What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?

The beach

What turns you off?

The city

What is your favorite curse word?

Fuck

What sound or noise do you love?

Birds (and anything by The Donnas)

What sound or noise do you hate?

People arguing

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

Professional soccer player in Europe

What profession would you not like to do?

Proof reader for cookbooks (especially seafood ones!!)

If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

Hell was my idea of a joke - come on in.

 

[SortOfBeautiful]

I don't know if I could be inspired to write if I lived in Australia and on the beach! I'd want to be outside all day. And listen to people talk.

<3 you Fishyface.

 

[Fish_Tales]

WHEN DO I TALK ABOUT RABBITS???
(Outside of being a bunneh)

I'm really regretting mentioning rabbits now......

(I can talk. A Fish.....geeez)

I don't know if I could be inspired to write if I lived in Australia and on the beach! I'd want to be outside all day. And listen to people talk.

<3 you Fishyface.

Well....not to make you jealous, but when you have the beach all day, every day, a couple of hours of writing is ok *smiles*

 

[Miss_Vivi]

Loved the interview fishiekinz! I miss Fm too.

 

[DeevaLicious]

Great interview with my favorite writer guy... err Fish.

A bit sad you don't aspire to be a proofreader of cookbooks. I was just about to send you mine. sighs ...dreams are crushed

On another note, I miss reading Fuckmeat's threads. I enjoyed her style of writing.

 

[yeishia]

Great interview with my favorite writer guy... err Fish.

On another note, I miss reading Fuckmeat's threads. I enjoyed her style of writing.

I concur with regard The Fish...

And FM

Me too...I had just created a thread especially for her ...then poof she was gone.

I do hope she is alright?

Has anyone heard anything ?

 

[Fish_Tales]

(Also, I really miss Fuckmeat)

Loved the interview fishiekinz! I miss Fm too.

Great interview with my favorite writer guy... err Fish.

A bit sad you don't aspire to be a proofreader of cookbooks. I was just about to send you mine. sighs ...dreams are crushed

On another note, I miss reading Fuckmeat's threads. I enjoyed her style of writing.

Well, it seems I've certainly struck a chord with FM. I could never bring myself to call her Fuckmeat on the boards - it was always FM. She was just so....nice.

She brought a pathos to her writing that was beyond the level one would expect - you knew her ladies wanted exactly what they were getting, but you wanted to save them, say "enough is enough" and just wrap them up tightly. I find it difficult to explain, which probably goes even further in showing how good she was.

And her personality off the boards was even nicer than on. I didn't even know how to start a thread, but she was patient and no question was too dumb.

Anyway, I'm reminiscing too much. Our thread was called Small Town Hospitality - check it out for her writing. She toned herself down from 10 (Fish explodes level) to about 5 (Fish is queasy and termbling but survives) for me, but the character still has the same qualities she always brought to them - little birds you wanted to wrap in cotton wool and protect, while all she wanted to do was throw them into a barbed wire fight with a gang of skinheads.

Sorry - I was self indulgent in my reminiscing, but you guys reminded me I wasn't the only one who thought she was good.

*sighs*

 

[Britwitch]

Excellent start to the thread.
FM was a great writer.
And so are you Fishy!

 

[Fish_Tales]

I concur with regard The Fish...

And FM

Me too...I had just created a thread especially for her ...then poof she was gone.

I do hope she is alright?

Has anyone heard anything ?

Thank you, Yeishia.

I hope she's ok too. I was lucky to write with her at all as she had a lot on her plate, but she always still had a kind word no matter how she may have been feeling.

Excellent start to the thread.
FM was a great writer.
And so are you Fishy!

Thank you, Brit

I guess I was the guinea Fish?

 

[Fish_Tales]

I also think this was a good idea and I look forward to seeing what other people have to say about their writing. It's amazing that with all the pressures of life, that many of us write at all, but the quality of some of the stuff here is extraordinary. I can honestly say I never expected it. I used lit on the recommendation of someone to kick-start my RL writing, but it is a place that stands on its merits if you want to seek out interesting writers and their stories.

 

[Scuttle Buttin']

Time for another interview! This time, we hear from the lovely and talented IvoryTigress...

 

[Scuttle Buttin']

What is your screenname?

Ivory Tigress

Why did you choose that?

I chose the name because white tigers are my favorite animal. they are everything I wish I was. Beautiful. Strong. Confident. But "white" seemed a little..flat. I wanted something a little more elegant.

Why did you choose the av and/or sig you're currently using?

My avatars are almost always pictures of me. I try to be an honest individual. I have nothing to hide. On top of that...my wife takes good photos. My signature is nothing more than a link to my writing and a picture I thought was pretty.

As specific or vague as you would like to be, what is your...

Location?

Maryland, USA

Age?

28

Sex/Gender/Gender Identity?

Female

Race?

White

What is it that you enjoy about writing SRPs?

Good SRPs are stories like any other. I enjoy writing in worlds that are not my own. I enjoy the interactions and development of characters. SRPs give a certain realism, a stronger bond between characters. You watch the bond form through intimacy, where as most stories leave you to imagine it, rather than experience it.


What is it that you enjoy about writing in general?

I feel my voice is stronger in writing than anywhere else. I like telling stories. I like the challenge of evoking powerful emotions in readers. It's always my goal to make someone fall so deeply into a story they can't put it down. In the end, I like to make people happy and my strongest medium is writing. I'm less shy there.

What inspiration do you use to write?

My mind is filled with stories. Sometimes, I wonder how I function and do anything besides write. Only about ten percent of what goes through my head actually finds paper. I'd be kind of screwed if I didn't have an outlet. Inspiration can come from any and everything. A song. A picture. An emotion. Sporadic, random ideas...

Do you write with something on (music, TV, etc), or silence?

I almost always have music playing, whether I'm writing or not. But I could also write in silence. TV, however, destroys my mind. I actually almost hate TV. It ruins my concentration and there is just something about the way it makes me feel that I don't like. I have trouble explaining it. Suffice it to say, if there is TV on, no writing will be done.

Do you edit your posts?

If they suck, yes. If I'm feeling good about them, not really.

If so, do you do so as you write, or after finishing?

Editing only ever happens after I've finished, unless I'm stuck and I'm hoping editing will send me in a new and better direction.

What character you've created is your favorite, and why?

A tough question. I'm attached to all my characters for different reasons. I suppose the character I love the most is the first character I ever created when I first started writing. She has grown and changed as I have. Since she is now the main character of a book I'm working on, she has never made an appearance in Lit or anywhere else. I love her because she's complicated. She's different and enjoys it. She's more than she should be, less that she could be, and beautifully imperfect.

What character you've created is your least favorite, and why?

Another tough question, for the same reasons. Most of my characters have never seen Lit. I'm not the easiest person to write with since I take forever to post and I have large time constraints. The character, I suppose, I like the least was designed to be just that. Not liked. She was obnoxious, nasty, and ignorant. I love villains. I love wickedly evil characters. This character wasn't that. Everyone was supposed to cheer when she finally died. I did.

What is your favorite thread you are or have been involved in?

I have not been fortunate enough to be in many threads. As such, I have to say the beautiful women of Massacre have honored me by letting me take part in it. The writing challenges me, but also suits me. Being in constant awe of other writers always helps.

What is your favorite thread you were not involved in?

Certain scenes in the Dreamatorium catch my interest. Along with Tales from Intersect City. Bunch of different ideas and writers in one universe.

Outside of Lit, what do you read?

Any and everything I can get my hands on. I tend to prefer fantasy and shy away from historical fiction (history and I are not friends). But I usually will read anything someone puts in front of me...When I can find the time. I will be the first to admit I have not and do not read enough. I mentally scold myself every time I'm reminded.

What is your favorite thing about the way you write?

Tough question because I firmly believe what I produce is mediocre. But I guess I like that my writing paints an entire picture, not a narrow view.

If you could change one thing about the way you write, what would it be?

I want to be able to bring more power, more emotion, with less words. My vocabulary and word selection are terrible. Again, the whole not reading enough thing.


And lastly, the Famous 10 Questions...


What is your favorite word?

I have never really thought about my favorite or least favorite words. I sat here for an hour trying to think of some. Words are my tools and I just try to pick the best ones for the job.

What is your least favorite word?

See above answer.

What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?

Powerful emotion. Depth. Those usually rock me down to the core. Any emotion as long as its powerful.

What turns you off?

Ignorance. Intolerance. While hate is a powerful emotion and it speaks to me on some level, I largely loathe it. I have been the victim of all three. I have seen them at work every day. They make the world ugly, shameful.

What is your favorite curse word?

Fuck.

What sound or noise do you love?

The sound of a woman moaning in my ear.

What sound or noise do you hate?

My alarm clock.

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

If writing doesn't count, I'd want to try marine biology. The kind where you actually study stuff in the ocean on ships.

What profession would you not like to do?

Anything in the customer service industry. I've been there. For more than ten years. Never again, if I have any choice in the matter.

If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

You lived and loved well. You made a difference where you could and apologized for the wrongs you made. Nothing more can be asked for.

 

[SortOfBeautiful]

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

If writing doesn't count, I'd want to try marine biology. The kind where you actually study stuff in the ocean on ships.

That would be so awesome! Are you more interested in the marine mammals, or just ocean life in general? I used to be a big marine biology geek, and regret not studying it more in college.

 

[Fish_Tales]

I've read Tigress, especially the Notebook, from the beginning.

Good choice.

Good writer.

*nods*

 

[Britwitch]

I love the worlds and people you've created, lovely.
Love them!

 

[IvoryTigress]

That would be so awesome! Are you more interested in the marine mammals, or just ocean life in general? I used to be a big marine biology geek, and regret not studying it more in college.

The ocean is just huge and full of stuff that is absolutely nothing like us. I want to know it all! Yeah, I know that's not really fesible, but I'd try.

Smiles shyly.



Then flushes bright crimson...

You guys are all too nice...thank you for thinking such things...

 

[DeevaLicious]

If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

You lived and loved well. You made a difference where you could and apologized for the wrongs you made. Nothing more can be asked for.

I really love this answer.

 

[Scuttle Buttin']

Time for another writer!

This time we have the wonderfully talented Apollo Wilde.

I've only had a little contact with her, though she's always been gracious and friendly when I have, and unfortunately I've not had the chance to write with her, though I hope to change that sometime in the near future.

Mostly, though, she's someone who's writing has always impressed me, and who I think more people that write here should know about, which is why I asked her to answer some questions for me. And happily, she did!

If you've got some free time, check her out if you get a chance. She's worth a read.

 

[Scuttle Buttin']

What is your screenname?

Apollo Wilde.

Why did you choose that?


Well, when I first joined this site eons ago, I was under the assumption that I'd only ever be RPing the one character that I'd joined to play - I hadn't heard of the site until then. When I started RPing here, I realized that there was more to it, but the name was already in place. So there it is. And, truth be told, I only stay on the SRP forums anyway. I've honestly no interest in anything else.

Why did you choose the av and/or sig you're currently using?

Ha ha...When I joined this site, it was around one of my last years of school, and one of my finals was to put on an art show (I was an art major). Since I like Japanese music, I was accused of not being true to my race and wanting to essentially be Japanese (because people are retarded and think that you must conform to racial stereotypes to be a "valid" member of said race). So, in order to make a point, I made a series of prints using the faces of Japanese pop stars and the words, "This is not me." I found it funny that most the AVs here are blatantly and ridiculous in their attempts to be sexy, so I figured a smaller version of that print would be just what the doctor ordered.

And I haven't changed it in all the years I've been here.

As far as my signature, I love Mark Twain. I think it used to be another quote of his, a while back, but the one I've had now has stuck. I suppose it is time to update it.

As specific or vague as you would like to be, what is your...

Location?

Austin, Texas. I'm originally from Houston. I've lived in Texas for the bulk of my life, but it wasn't really until this year that I've become horrifically embarrassed of my home state.

Age?

An ancient and haggard 28.

Sex/Gender/Gender Identity?

Female and straight.

Race?

Blacker than black and I'm BLACK Y'ALL.

What is it that you enjoy about writing SRPs?

That's an interesting one. I obviously don't do it for the sex; otherwise I think my RPs would be of a much different caliber. I think what I enjoy is working with another person in crafting a story. It's more of a...I dunno, blending of two ideas or multiple ideas instead of one competing for the other. I'm a notorious loner, and I find that when I RP, this is generally the most agreeable I am with working/bending to someone else's will. What I ultimately want is for both parties to push ourselves and get what we want out of the RP and the story.

What is it that you enjoy about writing in general?

Character development. I like my characters to be living breathing people, flaws and all. I'm not interested in reading about perfect people or perfect sex. I definitely don't live a charmed life, so I take writing as the opportunity to approach subjects that are awkward as a method of sharing as well.

What inspiration do you use to write?

For SRPing, usually music, or what I'd like to have happen in a situation. Living vicariously through people that have some of my flaws, but not all of them. The abilities I'd like to have and could have possessed if I went one way instead of another.

Do you write with something on (music, TV, etc), or silence?

Usually music or the TV on in the background, if not both. If I have a song that makes me think of a character, I'll listen to it on repeat until I have a scene down.

Do you edit your posts?

Oh god yes. It's a rare gem that comes out without any additional polishing.

If so, do you do so as you write, or after finishing?

Both. I write my posts in a word document and edit as I go. Then, once I post, I'll look at what came before and do any additional edits for clarity or upon request by my co-writer.

What character you've created is your favorite, and why?

Hm. That's a difficult one to answer. I've liked them all, and I feel like when an RP ends or is uncompleted or the partner drops off the face of the earth, that they end prematurely before their story can be fully told (it is a massive pet-peeve of mine). As far as potential goes, I like:

-Adalia Clarke from Of Wolves and Men; she's got a good head on her shoulders, and I feel like she's the most realistic of my ladies. I'm still working on making her a bit consistent, as I feel like she vacillates too much. I'm having a hard time with her, but I think that's part of the fun.

-I also liked Amadeus from And the Darkness Fell, but that thread ended rather short. She was like, my ultimate powerful lady.

-Saudaji for all of her misguided actions and confusion, from Vode An.

What character you've created is your least favorite, and why?

Again, a tough one to answer. Probably Soliel Etoile from When RP Takes Control. What a bratty, horrible thing THAT was. My excuse? Being young.

What is your favorite thread you are or have been involved in?

What is it with all of these hard ones?! And to preface this: my favorite has NOTHING to do with the merit of my co-writers, who, for my currently active threads, have all been awesome guys that are a joy to write with. But currently? Vode An.

I am a HUGE Star Wars nerd, and being able to RP something in that universe with someone who also knows it well has just been a dream come true. Saudaji is so messed up and just jumping at shadows; it's great. She's a fun one to write, and my co-writer plays off of it wonderfully. By far, I think they've got the best dynamic I've ever written. Things like that keep me coming back.

What is your favorite thread you were not involved in?

I can't honestly say - I don't read anyone else's threads. If I get a message asking me to RP with someone or if they're interested in an idea I have, I'll skim previous posts of theirs to see if their style would gel, but I don't get too involved. I suppose I'm very methodical.

Outside of Lit, what do you read?

Non-Fiction, mostly. Anything that catches my eye - and fairy/folk tales. And manga. And yes, I'm keeping this purposefully brief.

What is your favorite thing about the way you write?

That I'm constantly trying to make it better or to understand someone's motivation. The downside about RPing is that you don't usually get the luxury of having a complete character arc planned out because events can change at the drop of a hat. But that's also a good thing.

If you could change one thing about the way you write, what would it be?

Better vocabulary and to not default on certain personality traits so often. To push more.

And lastly, the Famous 10 Questions...


What is your favorite word?

Purloin. Or Sonorous.

What is your least favorite word?

Rufus. Yes, I know it's a name, but names are words and this just aggravates me.

What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?

A good repartee. I'm attracted to brains and charm, and having a co-writer or someone who is skilled at banter is just a huge joy for me. Confidence, too. I'm the type of woman that is told she's intimidating (and I believe this carries over into my RP), so I like it when a guy is able to overlook that and still show interest. Quick thinkers, witty, yeah.

I could go on, but, yeah.

What turns you off?

Shitty misogynistic writing. Get outta my face with that shit. Misogyny in general. Failure to empathize with others.

What is your favorite curse word?

Cunt. What a delightfully powerful word - it can be so positive and so negative with just a change of inflection.

What sound or noise do you love?

A good laser noise. And that's if we're talking about SFX in general. Like, a laser blast you can feel in your chest. SEE WHAT I DID THERE.

What sound or noise do you hate?

Snippets of overheard inane conversation. The grumble parents make when they're ignoring their screaming child.

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?


Indiana Jones. Valid profession.

What profession would you not like to do?

I'd probably be a horrible stripper. And I don't want to be in the service industry ever again.

If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

"Good job!"

 

[Britwitch]

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?


Indiana Jones. Valid profession.

I agreed, brilliant answer!
And totally valid. Totally!

And you're a writer who's name I'd seen around but, to my shame, never stopped to read. That's changed now though.

Checked out of 'Of Wolves and Men' and loved it!

 

[thestruggle]

What is your favorite word?

Purloin. Or Sonorous.

God, I need to use purloin more. I've read your threads and I think you're great. It was really nice to read about your writing process and how you approach it, thank you for sharing that.

 

[Fish_Tales]

BTW, I also don't read other people's threads. I feel guilty about it because I know that once in a while people read mine. There's something...I dunno...its complicated
(of course, there aren't many lesbian threads so...I mean, outside of my favorite...LESBIAN CHEERLEADER RAPE!)

You just had to go there.....

*scrubs brain*

 

[Miss_Vivi]

BTW, I also don't read other people's threads. I feel guilty about it because I know that once in a while people read mine. There's something...I dunno...its complicated
(of course, there aren't many lesbian threads so...I mean, outside of my favorite...LESBIAN CHEERLEADER RAPE!)

Oh wow. You really went there. Course now that thread must be written.

 

[fr33ks33k]

Oh baby...that thread HAS been written

I...jeeeeeezuuusss....I can't even...

Wow.