WINTERINEDEN

What characters would you like to see LKH write more about? less about?

I would love to see more Jason definitely. Some or the characters have become more difficult to maintain a connection to, but the Jason you read about in the most recent books remains relatively true to who he was in the earlier ones. He has matured a bit.

I would like a little less Micah. I had high hopes when he was first introduced that he was going to play a vital role in turning things around and showing how things could be. I am very disappointed that as powerful as he is supposed to be he was turned into just another sycophant.

What is your favorite thing about the Anitaverse?

It seems to draw out like minded people on the message board! Actually I loved the strong but conflicted character of Anita. I had tired of ‘perfect’ clone women hero types. She was kick-ass, flawed and unrepentant.

What one thing would you like to see changed in the series?

Unfortunately I purchased but could not read the last book. The cast of thousands and Anita’s diety-like powers are making it harder to identify with the characters. The characters were well defined when introduced originally, now they are beginning to blur. I would like to see more individual personality in them.

What characters POV will you not write from and why?

Anita’s. It would be very hard to write her in such a realistic way as to satisfy the fan base here at PDS.

Who is your favorite character and your least? (any book)

That would be really hard to say, I have read so many good books!

The same as above- but in reference to the LKH books.

My favorite character is Jason. It is so easy to imagine him as a real person. He adds much needed comic relief, and although he is a hot stripper, that is not how he defines himself. I think he is the one character who is comfortable with who he is. Richard is not my least favorite character, but the way he is written in the recent books seems like someone entirely different. My least favorite is Ronnie.

Which Anitaverse character is easiest to write? Hardest?

Easiest for me is Merle because I have a clear visual image of him. It also helps that not much is written so I am free to take creative license. Edward is the hardest. It would be so difficult to write him and do justice to who I believe him to be.

If you could live out one scene or segment in the series, what would it be?

That would be the scene in which Anita climbs on the back of Merle’s motorcycle...oh..what? That isn’t in the books? Hmmm....well it SHOULD be...hee hee. Actually it would the shower scene where Anita and JC take things to the next level.

What is the most painful (difficult) thing for you to write?

I have yet to write an intimate sexual encounter. That is a hurdle I really need to get past.

Who is your secret crush character?

Other than Merle? I would say Jamil. Power, intelligence, loyalty, and mystery. Yum.

Do you follow any other fandoms?

I read a lot of Harry Potter fanfic but don’t write it. I also like Queer as Folk fanfic. I only post on this site at the moment and only the Anitaverse.

What authors flame (ignite) your imagination?

Celeste and Mara were the ones who hooked me and reeled me in to PDS. “The Forgotten” by Celeste is the first story I read here and still my favorite. And I dearly love the ‘Mara’ series. Now I read so many writers here and I can’t list them all for fear of leaving someone out.

What was your favorite first book?

First book? I am not sure I understand the question, but if you mean one of the first I ever read that would have to be “The Dog Who Belonged to Himself.”

Why have I often heard you call yourself the champion of underdeveloped characters?

Because I am interested in the fringe characters that LKH doesn’t fully develop in the books and like to use them in my stories. I can let my imagine run wild and not worry about canon.

Have you taken any formal writing classes?

I took the normal creative writing classes in High School and Jr. College. I am a technical writer by trade, so I get plenty of practice. I just don’t get to be really creative with that.

Have you written fanfiction before? What nudged you to write fanfiction in the first place? What would you say is your primary inspiration to begin to write fanfiction?

I have never written fanfiction before, and never really knew it existed. Once I discovered it, I still was only a reader. I began writing here as a kind of therapy when I was sick and limited in what I could do. The primary inspiration was everyone here and the wonderful reviews and comradery.

Do you hope to get something published one day, or are you happy with writing fanfic?

I really hope to move to ebooks soon. I have a large collection and must admit that most of the writers here could produce superior stories. There are several ebook writers that inspire me and I would love to take my place amoung them. Some have even moved on the bigger and better things. In reality, I have had some things published when very young. The first was a poem when I was in the second grade. I always wanted to be a writer, but now have the encouragement and support that I need.

Does you family read your stories? If so what do they think?

My kids have read some of ‘Deed,’ which my daughter loves and plays medi-beta for, and my son loves “Things Jason Isn’t Allowed to Do.” My husband doesn’t read very much.

What was it about Merle that caught your fancy? Is it just Merle and Claudia that have caught your interest - or the entire Rodere and if so why?

With all the stress in life responsibilities a woman has, sometimes I find myself just wanting to let go and let someone else take the reins. I just see Merle as strong silent type that is unemotional in public but rocks your world in private. A man you could feel safe no matter what happened. Also, I think winning the affections of someone like that would not be easy, but once given that promise can’t be taken back.

Your OCs are well developed, do you plan to write original fiction some day?

I actually hope to start writing original fiction very soon. I was surprised at how my characters developed because it happened without my planning it to. Jenni was actually supposed to last for one chapter. She started out as a middle-aged Chinese woman, became a grand motherly grey-haired matron, then morphed into a college student love interest for Jason.

What have you learned about writing from doing a big fic?

If you don’t write an outline the characters will take over and no telling where the story will go!

What is you're favourite font to type in?

At work the standard is Times New Roman 12 point. I see no reason to change.

Are you a good speller, or a spellcheck junkie?

I do rather well, unless I am in a hurry. Spellcheck is just for insurance.

How do you type - looking at the screen or looking at the keyboard?

Screen or staring off into space.

Do you outline stories before you start writing or do you just let it happen?

I just let the stories happen. That is why ‘Deed’ is so long! It was supposed to be 10 chapters.

Seeing how you travel a lot how/when do you find time to sit down and write?

On a Sunday afternoon in a hotel room I once sat quietly and tapped out 7 chapters. Lately I haven’t been able to write much, but early in the morning on a weekend is best. The travel time does give me a chance to work things out in my head before I type them up

How do you go about writing a chapter? Does it get outlined or come on its own?

I just sit at the keyboard and channel Tina, Ella, Jenni, or however I am writing about.

What time of day is most productive, fic-wise?

Early in the morning or late at night. Always when I am alone in the house or my husband is asleep.

Is there a certain mood that is best for your inspiration?

Slightly inebriated. Actually it is best if my mood matches the mood of the chapter I am writing.

What is your favorite writing environment?

I have the computer set up in my son’s old room. I have a cat in my lap, and dog on the floor under the chair and a glass of wine.

What’s your perfect writing environment?

With Travis Fimmel on my lap!

Do you have a favorite nibble food when you write?

Dry cereal or grapes.

When will we get to see more of your story?

Soon, I hope! Time to wrap it up!

Give us a hint on what you are pondering on writing next…

Several chapters ago Caleb was sent away as punishment. The next large story will be about him. Some of you know that Jenni is based on a picture of Shadow of the Stain. Well, in Caleb’s story his love interest is a werefox based on Requin.
Her name is Roxanne Foxxe and she is the lead singer for Vixen. She and her brothers were turned by a group of organized shifters who use lycanthropy as a terror tool. She has a hard time accepting it and our boy has to save the day. One of her brothers is infected but doesn’t turn due to a previous medical condition. Eventually he will figure into Tina’s research on how to inhibit turning during a were pregnancy. Jenni just might get her own little girl or boy yet! Look to see Vinnie the werebear too!
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Posted: May 30, 2007-