Post by Cass on Apr 12, 2012 15:12:49 GMT 10
Author Interview
by ubiquitous
Museical is a talented writer within the Tamora Pierce fandom, and with over 200 pieces of fanfiction to her name, she is also one of fandom’s most prolific. Having written Dom/Evin to Ganiel/Irnai, and everything in between, Muse is not afraid to push the boundaries and explore new and different ideas, and she does so with a flair that makes the reader always want more. I was lucky enough to Skype her a few weeks ago and get her thoughts on writing.
So, why do you write?
It’s a way to express myself in a unique way, and I don’t necessarily need people to like it or give it recognition. I enjoy it, and even if I wasn't writing for Goldenlake or other things, I would be writing for other things, be it a journal or something else.
Do you prefer writing within the line canon or stretching it?
Look at what I’ve written. Probably the first piece for Smackdown, Cockroach, was one of the few things that's actually canon. I tend to write outside the lines, because there's so much she's left open for us to explore. We have a fairly large sandbox to play in, so I tend to play outside the lines a lot. A lot, a lot. I'm determined to do some more in the lines though.
Which fic are you most proud of?
Ummm....I like humour cos I'm unexpectedly funny. Like the ones that make me think. The 31 ways prompts right now, makes me look at people and the dynamic between then. The price of dreaming (MPP) would be the other fic - those fics made me think of how they would interact when I was writing them. And Francis/Gwynnen. MPP fics from 5-0 challenge. possibilities-verse - lot of tragedy and then happiness at the end. I like make my readers feel what's going on without necessarily drowning them in emotion.
What is your greatest challenge as a writer?
Commas....oh goodnesss. I like to put commas in everything, and I have to go back and edit them out. Sometimes sticking out a longer piece can be hard. If I leave it for a bit, then my mood changes, which can be good if I'm stuck, but can also take it off direction. So sustaining a longer piece would be my hardest thing.
How do you get over writer's block?[
[Laughter] For a specific piece, I'll look at the piece from a different character's perspective. Different characters might relate in a different way. If one doesn't want to progress, another may have a viewpoint. Otherwise I talk with other people and bounce ideas off them. The more you talk, the more you think about it. And spend time doing other things in real life away from it. A little bit like brainstorming really. Prompt lists can be really helpful if people aren't around.
What motivates you to write?
I've always been interested in what people think of what's going on in life. I'm a very socially oriented person, I guess, and writing helps get into that. Writing will also help work through things, so if a topic is on my mind, then I can write about it, it doesn't have to be a major plot point or anything. Working my way through different situations and seeing how characters react through them. It helps keep a clear head.
What books/authors influenced your writing?
I'm on Goldenlake, so Tammy. Nicola Sparks, a lot of fiction and fantasy novels, historical fiction, and Garth Nix, particularly the Sabriel series. It’s been a while since I read things for fun. And Amelia Rhodes - she looks her characters in a similar way as I do to mine.
What is your writing process?
I wish I could write every day, that'd be wonderful. Ideas sit in my mind for a while, because I’ll be hit with it, but it won't be fully fleshed. I juggle them in my mind until one really piques my interest, and I’ll push everything out of mind and write at night, because it's quiet and easier to get into the mood. Sometimes can write from the ending and move forward. Usually with short pieces, the idea will come, and I’ll write it as fast as I can and then go back and connect the pieces after it's been set up, to keep the basic outline and then flesh it back in. If I feel it’s' not quite done, then I continue to tweak it, or get someone to read over it, not as a beta, but see what someone's reaction to the piece is.
Who is your favourite character to write?
Favourite character to write...it kind of changes depending on the genre...honestly, some characters like certain things, and react in certain ways. A lot of other characters have a more, well, not quite black and white view. Kel has a more clear view. More with the villains, more convention their viewpoint is rather fixed. Number one is Thom, because he’s fun to poke at, and feel like he has a different world view.
Which character do you think you most resemble?
Griff named me Miri in her who's who of Goldenlake. And I can see that. We don't see much of her in canon, which is sad, but she's a down-to-earth, easy-going person, and I can see myself doing what she does.
What do think makes a good story?
Having a conflict, having a problem, is the basis for a good story. We all want happy, awesome lives, but without conflict, we'd be bored. A good story has something deeper as a conflict. Exploring character driven events or complex issues, that's what captures me as a reader. I want to see more than meets the eye to the characters, that's what captures my interest.