From Wizz and Shadylady:

1.) How long have you been writing creative fiction?
Far too long <chuckle>. I think it’s been 8 years or so now? In the Xenaverse anyway, I’ve been writing fiction long before that, basically since I was able to pick up a pen.

2.) What is your favorite fan fiction story you have written and why?
The Edge of Nowhere is my favorite. Mostly because it was so much fun to write, got to play around with all my favorite Characters and cut off loads of heads, which is always fun :).

3.) How has Xena changed your life?
Well, to say a show ‘changed my life’ is a little too much credit I think <chuckle>. But digging my way through the Xenaverse got me some great friends all over the world, which is really cool.

4.) What colors ur tooth brush?
I actually have 2 :). One’s blue and the other purple.

5.) If you could be any super hero who would you be and why?
Pfff… I dunno. I guess one that can fly. I’ve always wanted to fly…

6.) Do you wipe with your right hand or left or do you use toilet paper
Right. I’m an atheist, I can wipe with whichever hand I like ;).

7.) Why and when did you start writing?
I think I’ve covered when, so I’ll just answer the why bit here. I guess I started writing because I liked doing it. And because people liked what I wrote (sometimes anyway ;)). I love getting compliments, so feedback is loads of fun for me.

9.) How do you have time to WRITE so many stories at once?
Heh, I never write stories at once, so that’s a bad question to ask me. I used to write 2 stories at the same time, but that didn’t work for me. I need to focus completely on one plot and get lost in it, or it’ll suck.

10.) How do you get your inspiration?
Loads of places. Discovery Channel, good Music (soundtracks are always nice and some nice rock tunes), a nice movie, some place I’ve visited... I’m good at finding excuses to write ;).

14.) Do you get hate mail and how do you handle those?
I am one of those fortunate souls who has never received hate mail. I have received some good constructive criticism, but I love getting critical emails, because they can help me become a better writer.

16.) What's the best piece of advice you got when you were starting out as a writer?
Just write. Don’t think, don’t read books on how to set up a story, don’t believe there are any sort of rules in writing. Just sit down and type (or pick up an old fashioned pen if that’s your thing) and get going.

17.) How do you lay out your stories?
Violence, violence and some more violence drizzled in a good dose of Comedy.

18.) Do you have an ending before you start writing, or does it reveal itself to you as you write?
Depends. I usually start my stories based on some scene that presented itself to my screwed up brain. And sometimes that’s the final scene and sometimes it’s not. The ending usually reveals itself quite quickly though, mostly I got that figured out at least halfway through.

19.) How do you get beyond just an idea?
Daydream.

21.) What suggestions do you have for creating self-discipline at writing?
Self-discipline? You need self-discipline? Since when?

22.) Which story/series has gotten the most response from fans?
The Edge of Nowhere got the most response I think. That’s partly why I loved writing it so much :).

23.) Do you like to write X&G stories or uber/original stories better?
I do like writing about gods and mythological creatures and stuff, so I do enjoy X&G a lot. But uber can be just as much fun if the story and the characters are right.

24.) Do you envision a story before you write it, or does the story just un-fold as you write it?
Story’s happen, but they do need a bit of effort. Some scenes seem to write themselves, but others are really tough either because nothing much is happening or too much is happening.

25.) When you've finished with the story/book do you miss those characters that you've written about?
Nah, either they’re happy I’m through messing around with them and leave or they stick around and poke at me to write about ‘m some more.

26.) If you could have dinner with anyone who would it be and why?
Wow, that’s a toughy. There’s lots of people I’d love to meet once. Mostly I’d like to have dinner with people I want to understand. Right now I’m torn between Ghandi and Anne Frank. Of the currently living people I might wanna meet Bush to ask him a lot of whys…

27.) Who is your favorite Xmen???
Uhm… Didn’t watch that show that much, but I always liked Rogue best.

28.) Who is your favorite super hero of all times?...IE...batman, superman, wonder woman??
Owww, wonder woman is cool, came across that show when I was in Australia and laughed so hard the hostel nearly collapsed. To be honest, I don’t really do superhero’s. Real people are far more interesting.

29.) Years from now, how would you want to be remembered?
I think I’d like people to say I made ‘m laugh.

30.) What is your pet peeve?
Hmm, it varies… I have many peeves… But right now I’m totally miffed and mystified why people love that Da Vinci Code… thing. Horrible book, I was totally bored, completely predictable, but it’s a best seller…. Why? Why?? WHY????

31.) What are your dreams? Hopes? Wishes?
Uuhm… I want to travel more, mostly. I want to go to Africa and Japan (an odd combo, but what the hey…).

32.) What is a necessity for every writer in your opinion?
A good imagination. That’s the most important thing. And you need to be able to actually write. That’s also quite handy.

33.) What's your favorite quote? Why and how does it affect you?
The only thing I know is that I don’t know anything. That’s Socrates. It affects me cause I don’t know a lot, but saying something like this makes me sound very intelligent.

34.) What makes your best friend your best friend?
Being there when I need ‘m to be there.

35.) Who is your real life hero and why?
Uuhm… Someone like Shirin Ebadi is a hero to me, someone who’ll fight for what they believe in even when they risk a lot to do that. Also the young people of ZUBR (http://www.zubr-belarus.com/), fighting against the regime in Belarus.

36.) Why do fools fall in love?
Cause they’re fools.

37.) When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?
Pff, Since I was 8 or something?

38.) What significance, if any, is there in the title?
Ohhh, loads of significance. The title to me is essential. It needs to have a good sound, it needs to kinda cover what the story is about. A title should make you want to read the story.

39.) Can you see the book as a feature film?
My stories you mean? Well, I see stuff in my head and then I try to write ‘m down. So my stories are films in my head.

BT (strongsouljah)......

40.) What vices or rituals, if any, do you have and how do they affect your writing?
Rituals? Uhm… Well, I don’t have one standard ritual, but I do like to have some music on while I write and if I write late at night I like a glass of wine to clear the mind a little.

41.) Have you ever had a serious case of writer's block?
Uhm… Yes, I guess, but if I do I usually just go and write something else and get back to the writers block story later.

42.) How do you get over it?
Well, beside leaving the story be for a while, if I have the time I’ll just sit down and start writing until something good comes out.

43.) What’s your bra size???
What’s with the bra and underwear questions? I don’t get the facination with underwear… After all, it’s what’s on the inside that counts…;).

Tammy....I'm assuming I have the right idea (I think) maybe????

44.) What writer do you most compare yourself too or whom do you model yourself after?
Pfff… I like to be original (I try to be anyway) so I don’t really compare myself to anyone. I did pick up a lot of things from Missy Good, since she’s one of the few fan fiction authors I have the time to read stories by. I’d love to be able to write like Roald Dahl though, I love his writings.

45.) What writer influenced you the most?
See above :).

46.) What is essential to you in your surroundings when you are writing? i.e.: music playing, incense, candles lit, food/drink, smoke pot???
Music and if needed some alcohol :).

47.) Is your aim when writing to keep it strictly as literature or do you have goals for screenplays/motion pictures?
I just wanna entertain people. If people can visualize what I’m writing about I’ve reached my goal.

48.) What is the best laid plan when writers block hits?
Again, just write. It can help to do something completely different. Write a comedy if you’re working on a drama. Sometimes you’re mind gets bored and ends up stuck.

49.) If you could interview/talk to any author (dead or alive) who would it be and why?
Roald Dahl <G>. Either him or Dickens, I love Dickens. So much time has past since he wrote and his stories are still so amusing. Oh, and I’d really like to talk to Anne Frank to ask her if she’d change anything. Fame or life, so to speak. An interesting dilemma.

50.) What are your other artistic interests?
Uhm, I make snowcreations (it’s too bad I live in Holland and we hardly ever get snow, but it’s still fun). And I enjoy doing some web-designing, if you wanna call that artistic.

51.) Are you easily distracted when writing?
Unfortunately, yes <G>. Unless I’m doing a realllllly good scene and I get so caught up I forget about everything else.

52.) Do you prefer to be alone when writing.
I need to be alone. When there’s anyone else in the room I can’t write.

53.) Do you have a set time that you write (a.m. or p.m.) or when time permits?
Usually p.m. after 8…


Tina Stratton.....

54.) Do ideas just pop up or do you hear something or see something and think.... hey that would work?
Both. The best ideas already exist in some form, and I can adapt them to my story.
 

ANNE....

55.) "What would you never ever ever write about?"
Ah, good question <G>. Hmm… Everything can be interesting if poured in the right form… I love my plots though, so you’ll never find me writing a PWP. And I hate cultural stereotypes, so I’ll try to avoid those too if I can…

56.) "If you had the to bring Xena back from the dead AGAIN, how would you do it?"
LOL, ah, another toughy. Well, my favorite way of bringing Xena back from the dead I already used (Spellbound). I also had her go back in time once, that was fun too… But if I had to do it again… Hmm… It’d probably be some evil force pretending to be good luring her back to life. Some deity pretending to be Gabrielle or Solon… Yeah, I might use Solon, he deserved another spot in a Xena ep.

57.) "What's the most original way in which you ever killed a red shirt?"
Uhhhmmm… I have two memorable ones popping up. 1. I had Alti flashforward someone to death 2. I had Gabby take this guy’s sword with her sais, toss it into the fellow’s throat and then kick at the hilt to make the sword twist around and neatly sever his head off. That was fun :).

58.) "If you could any kind of vegetable, what would you be?"
Spanish pepper <EG>

Tap The Wizzard....

59.) "Would you like to have dinner with me?"
If you come to Holland, sure ;).

NENE.....

60.) One question would be where do they get the inspiration (for your stories) for all of that when writing a sex scene?
Never write those, so can’t comment on that ;).

61.) Ask them what made them first begin to write and not exactly how they felt about it, but what keeps them going?
Cause it’s fun. Ad I’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback, so that really helps (never underestimate the power of feedback...).

JLNICKY....USE THESE AT YOUR DISCRETION........

62.) Do you wear silk stockings?
No

63.) Do you prefer cucumbers to finger cookies?
I hate cucumbers…

64.) Are you hooked up right now? Tied up? Twisted up? (All of which are becoming I might add)
Well… I am kinda twisted…

65.) Do you prefer standard nipple clamps to those new ones that vibrate?
There’s nipple clamps that vibrate?

66.) Were you the bartender or the Dancer? (A Shadylady story...)
Haven’t read that, sorry…

67.) Do you own a Jag or a Honda?
Neither, I can’t drive :(. Maybe in half a year, working on it…

68.) In your opinion is Popeye equivalent to Hercules? Does the myth/legend over lap...is that where Hercules came from....the Popeye Sailor?
Popeye isn’t superhero, he just does drugs (you don’t reaaaaallly think that’s spinache, do ya?). Ever wondered what he’s smoking?

69.) Is Hercules better than Sampson? You know...Delilah's Sampson?
Sampson was supported by a God. Hercules IS part God.

70.) What is your bra size?
Again with the bra size… Geez… ;)

71.) What’s your favorite color?
rainbow

72.) Ever used any of those lil ole accents in ya'lls lil ole stories?
You betcha <G> But not too many, cause English isn’t my native tongue, so I get all the accents wrong.

73.) Here is a tame one...WHAT is your favorite Ice Cream Flavor? (There is more than 31 you know).
Either Macademianuts or Hokey Pokey icecream (they don’t have hokey pokey here, but I remember it fondly).

74.) Have you ever gotten the shits from eating too much cheesecake?
No, I’m not much for cheesecake. And with good reason, it appears.

75.) Have you ever had Wild Turkey AND Bourbon in the same night? If so, who held your head over the porcelain goddess?
I’m a vegetarian ;).

76.) Do you ever think, by the far stretch of the imagination, there possibly, somewhere out there, could probably, maybe be people out in the world just as twisted as you?
I know there are. They’re friends of mine :).

77.) Boxers or briefs?
Either…

78.) How do you (the writer) deal with the feedback you receive?
I write a letter back and plead for more.

79.) Is the genre that you write most in, such as mystery, romance
Etc...
I don’t think I do one genre; I like to mix everything up and put it all in one story.

80.) The genre that you read most in?
I like any kinda novel that’s good. I love surprising endings.

81.) Have you ever written outside your comfort zone?
I’m not sure I have a comfort zone….

82.) Were you happy with the result?
I guess the only thing I tried, which I wasn’t quite sure about was a story in the 1st person. That worked out ok…


DJ Belt....

83.) How much of the bard's own personal life experiences and worldview enter their characters and story?
Well… A story isn’t about me, so I don’t purposefully put any of my ‘deep thoughts’ into any story or anything. But my characters run around in my head, so they do usually ask themselves the same sorta questions I do… And they have some of my weird habits ;).

84.) When they write, are they moved by what they create, or do they view it dispassionately?
I’m always emotionally involved in what I’m writing. I try to feel it first and then write it down. When you try to make words be a vessel for images that get transferred to a readers brain, you need to be emotionally in the scene, or it’ll suck, IMHO…

85.) Is there a particular time of day or environment in which they feel most creative?
I almost always write in my room at night.

86.) How crazy or unrestrained do they allow themselves to get when writing? Do they discipline themselves, or just 'let go'?
That’s the second time I’ve seen discipline and writing in one sentence. Discipline and writing don’t mix in my world.

87.) Is there a particular piece of work that they cringe at having posted, or had totally bomb (often, much to their surprise)?
Looking back I cringe at a lot of stuff <G>. I like to think I learned some in the last years, so everything I wrote way back when I started out in the barding world now seems sorta lame to me…

88.) Have they written a story that got an unexpected response from readers either for good or, er, bad?
Uuuhm… I got a Xippy for a story I didn’t find particularly great myself. That was a surprise <G>.


PHAIR.... M. Mullaney
Suggestions for interview questions:

89.) Favorite writing instrument (i.e. pen, pencil, typewriter, computer)
Computer. Can’t write on paper anymore for some reason.

90.) Worst book you ever read?
Right now: The Da Vinci Code. If you are one of those people who thinks it’s great please explain it to me…

91.) Pen or keyboard?
Keyboard…

92.) Favorite reading format: hardcover, paperback, book on tape, or online?
A book on tape is not a reading format, is it <G>.. I like hardcovers, those nice old dusty ones especially…

93.) Favorite comfort food?
Chips, ice-cream and the occasional bit of chocolate

Hope that helps or at least made you smile..
Mullaney


Jude...Beta reader for the SB101

94.) What does being published mean to you?
I’d like to get a story of mine published someday,. Mostly it’d be a nice ego booster <G>. I guess the being published means less than my story actually being read though. I’d rather post my stories on the web and get lots of nice email responses than be published and sell only 1 book or something…

95.) What do you expect to receive from the process?
Of being published you mean? I guess mostly another opportunity to learn. When you start dealing with publishers you get your stories spellchecked and get some tips maybe…

96.) What state do you live in?
Noord-Holland. That’s a province in the Netherlands.

97.) What do you like to read?
I like to read stories with endings you don’t expect. So Roald Dahl stories I love, but a good novel which gives you something to think about and mull over is also nice.

98.) Where do you see yourself in the future?
Pretty much where I am now, only older.

99.) Do you have any pets & family?
Personally I have no pets (none allowed in my rented room), but my parents have a dog and some turtles in the pond in the garden.

100.) Do you have a story that was hard for you to write?
Uuhm… Above and Beyond I wrote in first person and that was kinda tough, cause I’d never done it before…

101.) What shows do you like and who is your favorite stars?
I liked Dark Angel, Buffy and Witchblade a lot. But shows like Southpark and the Simpsons can also be very entertaining. Kenny’s my favorite star ;).

102.) What are you writing on now?
I’m working on an old story I got bored with a long while ago now called Tribulation (a sequel to Eye of the Needle and Mutiny). After that I’m going to continue with Path of Thorns, the sequel to The Edge of Nowhere…

103.) Do you have any stories published or hope to get any published?
I have very little chance of getting any of my fan fiction stories published. But I would like to get something published sometime, sure… Even if were just to have experienced that…

104.) If you had to tell anyone about yourself on what type a person you are what would you say?
Am I trying to win them over or scare them off?

105.) Some serious stuff I would love to hear about is how often do the authors write? Daily or?
I used to write more often then I do now. Twice a week or so. Now it’s more like twice a month, due to a very hectic Real Life.

106.) Where or what were some of the funniest things to happen that gave them inspiration for their stores and what was it?
Funny things… Well, this has nothing to do with fanfiction, but I once wrote a poem in Dutch after I went shopping with her around Christmas time and we saw these awful singing and dancing Santa Clauses.

107.) Are they pet lovers?
Yes. I want to have a cat but my landlord won’t let me :(.

108.) If so what kind of pets do they have?
None :’(