Interview with JL Nicky
 

Introduction by Shadylady:

JL has been one crazy nut to pen down for the last several months but pen her down we did finally manage.  She has been traveling across the US and had finally managed to say put in one area where we could finally dog her into completing her guest interview.  Without father ado, on with the interview.

Shadylady.....

From Wizzy and Shadylady:  Hey ladies.  My computer hardrive was shot and I was too broke to get it fixed so i have just this weekend finished installing new harddrive...new OS and oops...no copy of word or WordPerfect...so all i have is WordPad.  Enjoy the freak show! 

1.   How long have you been writing fiction?  27 years (part time).  Do you know what this question just did for my self-esteem?  Now I'm depressed and want to go bang my head against a wall.  I have never been published and someday hope to earn "Stephan King Moolah" level.  (Snort!) 

2.   What is your favorite fan fiction story you have written and why? I am thinking this is a Xena comparison story your asking bout? I don't especially write fan fiction stories.  Or at least I have never tried too.  I write lesbian erotica or stories that move me.  Don't ask what moves me...I'm an official pervert.  Licking dripping ice cream from a cone moves me.  The little dryer sheet spinning round in the glass covered dryer moves me.  The ocean waves move me.  

3.   What got you interested in Xena and writing fan fiction?  Again I stress I don't really write fan fiction but the fan base for the Xena cult and this arena of lesbian fiction is huge and my writing skill is still developing.  I find it easier when i write to have the contrast of tall, dark, sexy vs petite, blonde and gorgeous.  Someday I might even throw a brunette or two in there (YAY). 

4.   How has Xena changed your life?  Well in a personal level...she has brought me new friends and swung me over to the sandbox to play.  Oooo those muscles.  

5.   What color is your toothbrush?  I find this question totally sexual!  Why is that? 

6.   If you could be any super hero, who would you be and why?   I would like to be Jane Bond...with great one liners like..."She never liked ice with her drinks!" as I look at the squished body of some nemesis who had 5 tons of an ice block fall on her head during a formal party, of which I was dressed in a long tail tux, dove grey, with top hat!  (Damn I'm sexy!) 

7.   Do you wipe with your right hand or left?  I wipe my tears away as a child with two knuckled fists as my soul cries.  <eyebrow arched> 

8.   Why and when did you start writing?  My first story was written when I was around twenty.  I had an idea inside and I was repressed from being in the military...I needed some lesbianism in my life.  It was a short story and I've never looked back.   

9.   What is your bra size? Fictional writing is very loosely defined as made up.  Would you even believe this answer if i told the truth?  When I finally get published I'll be sure to put a picture of my girls on the back cover.  Till then...suffer the pain of the unknowing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! <evil cackle inserted here> 

10. Do you write more than one story and a time?  I have tons that are as of yet....unfinished and when I get writers block on one...I switch to another.  I actually sent bits and pieces of my stories to my beta girls and they started complaining that they wanted the rest of the story....sigh.  So now I just wait to finish one until I send it to Beta. 

11. How do you have time to write so many stories at one time? I only write when the muse strokes my fancy.  If she strokes it long enough...I write a lot <eyebrow raised>. 

12. How and where do you get your inspiration?  Sex is the base root of everything (no I wont go into religion here).  I have a very creative mind and find it easy to intertwine my erotic images in my head within the confines of two made up individuals lives.  Then I build the story outward. 

13. What kind of underoo’s do you wear? <cough cough choke cough...spit out my tea!> R U SICKO ?  I am strictly a bikini panties kinda chick. 

14. How long have you been writing? See question ONE. 

15. What story/series are you most proud of? Anything that's longer than 10 pages is a major coup for me.  It takes me forever to write between life and living.  If the story is longer then I have truly accomplished something. 

16. Do you get hate mail and how do you handle those? I've never received hate mail however I have received criticism...of which I took into account and had a great cry!  Thanks a lot u bastards!!!!! You know who you are! 

17. What is the best piece of advice you got when you were starting out as a writer?  If you see the image in your head...write it out on paper to set scene.  Describe the importance...and expand from there. - Creative Writing Mr. Tolles 1989 University of Maryland, Italy. 

18. How do you lay out your stories?  Usually I let my muse chickola start the writing and let it run until she is tapped.  Then I jump in with my own brand of style, skill, and insight.  Together we sometimes create from the start to the finish.  Other times we both get tapped and we maybe go to the end write that then try to meet up the two parts.

19. Do you have an ending before you start writing or does it reveal itself to you as you write? Usually they reveal themselves to me after hours of laboring to create the mood and the meeting.   

20. How do you get beyond just an idea?  I start typing and somehow it flows out of me in rounded tones and flowing sentences. <shrug> It's a creative gene handed down from the folks who were musicians.   

21. How does an idea become a story?  Well the "I" is replaced with the next vowel available "o" which makes the lips purse a certain way upon which the "best" of your life's experience is delved into and you find a "st" to add to the "o" where hopefully a "ray" of genius strikes you and you are now able to create the story. 

22. What suggestions do you have for creating self discipline in writing?  Keep organized, stay cutting edge, own pets to talk to when you need an ear, and yet stay loose enough to allow unexpected twists and turns to develop.   

23. Which story/series has gotten the most response from fans?  The Phone Call or Personal Ad...have fed me some really insightful entertaining and down right Hot emails. 

24. Do you like to write X&G or uber/original stories better? Original 

25. Do you envision stories before you write them or does the story just unfold as you write it?  See question 18 

26. When you have finished with the story/book do you miss those characters that you’ve written about? Yes I sometimes feel I should go back and write sequels or additional aspects of the story however, I have found that the second follow-up stories seemed to turn out letdowns to me!  Just like the movies!  So I have not spent much time doing this.  I have spent some time thinking bout other authors and their characters and how they could have moved in other directions.  I've even sent a few authors continuations story lines that could happen with secondary characters that they had dropped out of the story.  I didn't get anything back from them though.  <pout> 

27. If you could have dinner with anyone who would it be and why?  God cause she has got to have the ultimate sense of humor.  <NOTE:  I watched Dogma for the first time last night and this could be influencing my answer...Honk> 

28. Who is your favorite X-man? Storm...wow...she has been since the comic books. 

29. Who is your favorite hero of all times?  Gandhi, Helen Keller, Einstein, and Anne McCaffrey...not especially in that order. 

30. Years from now, how would you want to be remembered? Loved with high esteem and thoughts of regret that you didn't provide me with that funding to allow me to write more than I was able. <arched eyebrow> 

31. What is your pet peeve? Spelling sucks! I mean...wrods shuodlnt hvae to be seplled coercrtly to mkae a ponit.  Everyone understands what the message is regardless of stupid misspelling.  I suck at spelling...that's what my beta/editor will be for....sigh....double sigh. 

32. What advice can you give to future writers?  If you want to write...practice and throw it out online for others to see.  Don't wait.  Write anything.  You wouldn't believe the amount of garbage out there in Blogs for goodness sake.  Online journals made public, etc.  If someone doesn't like your work...take it in stride cause there is bound to be someone out there that cancels the negative with a positive.  Hey...I like your work already...and I haven't even read it.  If its lesbians having a friendship, relationship, any kinda ship...then its good cause we have to further the lesbian cause somehow.  Writing is one of many ways to let others see our lives are no different than straight people.  <----this is just a smidge of a statement that I could go on for hours about.  So I'll let it go and say ....write it, post it, feel good bout it.  Even if its terrible you will usually get really nice feedback explaining why its terrible in kindly words.  Not all people are creeps.  Hell send it to me...in a few months I'll send it back telling you what I thought it was...in simple English Yay or nay and will comments about what was excellent or not.  grrrrrr I thought I was gonna stop talking bout this.  Next question.

33. What has the show Xena meant to you?  I don't want to piss anyone off but...I wasn't a great fanatic.  Who could not look at Xena (Lucy Lawless) and not drool...but...I wished they would have really crossed the line.  I know I know...kissing blah blah blah....I wanted a night of carnal desire that was not because someone jumped into one of their bodies etc etc.  It was a good show...I liked the time period...I loved Gabby but wanted to see much more of the Amazons lifestyle etc.  Yes I wish I had been born into the Amazon tribes...but what lesbian hasn't????? 

34. What are your dreams?  Hopes?  Wishes?  I dream of winning the lottery to be able to afford to live a life of leisure so I can write full time.  I tried to find a sugar mama but...I guess I have morals <rolling eyes>.  I hope a woman becomes president in my lifetime.  I hope she kicks ass and runs two terms without being told to quit PMS'ing.  I hope a crises arises to prove her mettle where she handles it like every other woman and show's men just how the country should be ran.  <clapping hands with glee>  I wish my 15 minutes of fame will not be a scandal but stand for something worth while to hear for all other women.

35. What is a necessity for every writer in your opinion?  The love of a blank page, the sharp tip of a number 2 pencil, and the feel of an idea forming across the surface of your imagination.  Don't get me wrong...I work on my computer 9 times out of 10 but...I like to write pen pals or family with my trusty pencil and paper just to keep my form complete.  What if the internet shut off tomorrow...would you still remember how to write?  Is your penmanship readable?  I understand an analysis of handwriting can tell lots about a person...how much does your show?  (And no Lucinda Handwriting doesn't count!) 

36.       What is your favorite quote?  Why and how does it affect you? Hmmm a hard question to answer. 

"...frailty, thy name is woman!" Shakespeare, Hamlet.

"A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing."                        George Bernard Shaw Irish dramatist & socialist (1856 - 1950)

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."                  Dr. Seuss.  US author & illustrator (1904 - 1991)

"I'm a godmother, that's a great thing to be, a godmother. She calls me god for short, that's cute, I taught her that."              Ellen DeGeneres US comedian and actress

37. What makes your best friend, your best friend? "I don't think I really have a best friend.  I have to many siblings to share life with.  And my current lover already has a best friend. (sniffle)" 

38. Who is your real life hero and why?  See question 29 

39. Why do fools fall in love?  Because of sappy music and alcohol.  OK OK...that's not true.  I am a true romantic.  Fools fall in love because they are usually at the wrong place at the right time and the lightening that should have struck ME....swerved to strike them.  Then of course they get the ambulance ride with the hotty EMT who is wearing a uniform and looks down at them with such tender care and lust.  (DUMB LIGHTENING!!!!!!). 

40. When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?  I did a report in 4th grade for career month that said I wanted to be world famous writer "even better than Stephan King".  I also had a 12th grade reading level tested in 5th or 6th grade and was put into some really smarty pants club for expanding my knowledge and education at a faster rate.  Gifted and Talented BS.  Then I finally got to read some really cool sex stuff like Lady Chatterley's Lover, Oh Yeah baby!"    

41. What significance, if any, is there in the title?  I think the title is one of the most important elements.  It grasps the reader and pulls them toward the story.  Some of the Sandbox writers have this enormous skill at picking just the most perfect title.  Others...cough cough (me)...are without a doubt...the worst title pickers in existence.  I might as well call my stories...Story 1, Story 2, Story 3, Story 4.  But then there are authors like oh well...I went to go pull a couple of titles from some of our authors and there are way to many to count.  Courting Erin, 8 Second Ride, gosh look at them all....way to many.  OK so the title thrusts into the reader and either strikes them or gets a deflecting element.  It can turn them off or seem dull if not powerful enough.  This is the eye catcher of the whole purpose writers exist.  Its like your eye is the Google Search Utility and you have 9 million responses on your query.  You don't have time to sort and look at each one.  You jump over some to get to others.  Don't let the search skip your wonderful read cause your title is dram and boring.  Make it count and ask friends or family about it.  Get opinions and test out your ideas for it.  Or just go with my flow and title it Story 1, Story 2, etc. 

42. Can you see the book as a feature film?  ??? what book?  Haven't written anything long enough yet...but I see all my writings as feature films in my head.  Its a visual I keep spinning around to see at other angles and then choose which path will get me to where I want to go.   

43. What vices or rituals, if any, do you have and how do they affect your writing?  I keep Oreo's in the cupboard and I make sure I have teabags of Earl Grey handy.  Pringles sour cream and onion are nice too Reduced Fat).  I also have about 20 favs saved in my browser of places that are researchable for detail work.  www.dictionary.com, www.miriam-webster.com, the shortcuts sandbox provides for links and resources, medical links, baking links...I don't cook so when someone cooks a meal for someone else...I need all the help I can get, and more.  Don't break any mirrors or spill any salt.  Don't say Beelzebub 3 times.  Don't watch creeping movies before trying to write.  Keep your pets nearby to ask them questions and get their intelligent heart felt licks of praise. 

44. Are you easily distracted by big breastessess?????  No.  I'm easily distracted period.  Doesn't have to be big breastessessssss.  It could just be my urge for sunshine or game playing (WOW rules). 

45. Have you ever had a serious case of writer’s block?  I find I have writers block (aka no urge to write) when I am able to consistently get sex.  When I am without...I write up a storm.  Don't ask. 

46. How did you get over writers’ block?  Well see question 45 for pointers. 

47. What writer do you most compare yourself too or whom so you model yourself after?  I don't model myself after anyone special but I do find I enjoy writing in 3rd person more than 1st.  So that should narrow it down a bit.  LOL 

48. What writer influenced you the most?  Edgar Rice Burroughs, Anne McCaffrey, David Eddings, Peggy Herring, Linda Hill, Jane Rule...a host of authors that I grew up reading into the wee hours of the morning cause I just couldn't put the book down.   

49. What is essential to you in your surroundings when you are writing? i.e.: music playing, incense, candles lit, food/drink, smoke pot???  I am easily distracted when I am trying to get the details right but if I am just throwing down the vision in my head onto paper I don't worry so much about errors I get completely sucked into the story and don't hear anything.  I like music (easy listening or country) to play while I'm at my computer so I'm sure that could be construed as essential.  I joined the military when I was 17 and have never been involved with pot.  I am not a pot smoker.  I like coke NOT Pepsi. No candles or incense (achoo). 

50. Is your aim when writing to keep it strictly as literature or do you have goals for screenplays/motion pictures?  I usually am trying to accomplish just finishing the product to my satisfaction.  However, I am still learning this procedure and write to my own inner visions.  So yes I am writing it as if it could be movie material too. 

51. If you could interview/talk to any author (dead or alive) who would it be and why?  Have no idea right now.  I have to many favorites.  Maybe the panel that voted in the Old/New Testament?  or the first Madam President, eventually?  

52. What are your other artistic interests?  I play acoustic guitar.  I draw a bit.  I can stay in tune while singing.  I am the greatest shower singer in the world!  I can lick the white filling of the Oreo off the chocolate cookie with one swipe. 

53. Are you easily distracted when writing? See previous answers for this. 

54. Do you prefer to be alone when writing? Being alone sucks but <shrug> ya gotta do what ya gotta do.  Sometimes I don't mind it.  Other times it can be irritating not being able to ask someone their opinion. 

55. Do you have a set time that you write (a.m. or p.m.) or when time permits?  Mostly evenings after working for hours.   

59. "What would you never ever ever write about?" to keep the link with the whole bard thing?  I would probably never write a horror story...they scare me so.  I can think of about a 1000 possibilities tied in with lesbian horror...but...nope...don't wanna go there.  I have trouble reading that crap too.  I wont go into the whole list of no sex with animals, no this, no that...cause I don't write that in my stories.  I don't like sad endings either.  I think all my stories have a happy ending.  Girl gets girl.  YAY.  Life is to full of crap to introduce it into my writing also.     

60. "If you had to bring Xena back from the dead AGAIN, how would you do it?"  Well...gosh...I don't really know how she died in the first place (GASP).  And to tell the truth...hasn't she been brought back many times by Gabby already?  See this is where I might piss off the Xenites.  Don't mean to but...the whole Greek God issue was fantastic and the period was awesome.  The fact that Xena resembles Conan so much in lifestyle kinda is weird.  TV just couldn't show it right.  Joxer was a mess and took away from the drama to add in the comedy...bahhhh Don't get me on my horse. 

61. "What's the most original way in which you ever killed a red shirt?"  ( I think this is killing off an ordinary character in your stories) I don't think I killed anyone yet.  I have put one into a coma to allow her to visit with her dead relatives in purgatory's atmosphere.  But she is due to be awoken soon. 

62. "If you could any kind of vegetable, what would you be?" Good Lord!  A freakn Cucumber of course.   

63. Would you have dinner with me? Maybe...if your cooking?  

64. One question would be where do they get the inspiration (for your stories) for all of that when writing a sex scene?  Lots of experimenting with lovers.  LOTS! 

65. Do you wear silk stockings?  Why yes I do.  With matching garters sometimes too! 

66. Are you hooked up right now?  Tied up?  Twisted up?  (All of which are becoming I might add)  No I am not.  Not emotionally. 

67. Do you own a Jag or a Honda?  Chrysler and its pathetic but free.  YAY.  Poor me! 

68. In your opinion is Popeye equivalent to Hercules?  Does the myth/legend over lap... No Hercules was powerful and yet sensitive.  Popeye was weird and he ate spinach for gods sake.  That's just nasty. 

69. Is that where Hercules came from....the Popeye Sailor? No

70. Is Hercules better than Sampson? You know...Delilah's Sampson? No, Sampson was stronger.

71. What’s your favorite color? Blue

72. Ever used any of those lil ole accents in ya'lls lil ole stories?  Why sugah, I have used some teensy weensy accent hav'n lil' ole' lady folk in mah stories, now and then.  Come sit down in the shade and sip ya'lls mint julip and we can chat a few bout it all.

73. WHAT is your favorite Ice Cream Flavor?  (There is more than 31 you know). 50/50 actually but if you don't know what that is...its a mixing of orange sherbet with vanilla.  mmmm mmmm food of the gods.

74. Have you ever had Wild Turkey AND Bourbon in the same night?  If so, who held your head over the porcelain goddess? Yes and noone...I passed out on the bed and puked on my sheets.  I've learned from my mistakes.

75. Did you ever think there were people out in the world just as twisted as you? Yes but they wont come out and play either cause the law is looking for them.

77. What is the genre that you write most in, such as mystery, romance? Romance, and some dabbling in comedy, and Drama! no mystery.  I am trying to write some Sci Fi Fantasy but keep getting writers block.  Working on it though.

78. What is the genre that you read most in? Science Fiction Fantasy. 

79. Have you ever written outside your comfort zone?  Were you happy with the result?  I was ecstatic about how the comedy was well received that I wrote.  Femme Theme for the Butch Gene got lots and lots of feedback.  I consider myself a comedian most of the verbal time but gheeeesh...try writing it.  Its hard to time right.  Anyway, I was very happy with the results.  And no I still wont write a horror story.  Ewwww leave me alone.  <shiver>.

80. Do they write spontaneously or plot the story out in intricate detail before writing? spontaneous. 

83. Is (are) there a particular work of fiction which had a profound impact upon them as a youngster?  Anne McCaffreys World of Pern was wonderful.  I remember wanting more and more...and growling at the fact she wasn't writing fast enough.  Now I do that with the writers at Sandbox.

85. Is there a particular piece of work that they cringe at having posted, or had totally bomb (often, much to their surprise)? I cringe at having posted "My Worst Night of Writing Ever"  It seems nobody but my gf at the time got all the nuances.  I read it back now days and think...OK that bit was hysterical but I could have probably shed some light here or there.  Anyway, it wasn't my best writing but I explained that in the title yes i surely did Shirley.

88. This one is for Wizzy imagination, what do you wear when you’re working on your writing (VBG) Oh yes...I almost always wear my silk teddy. (just for wizzy's imagination to ponder over.) 

90. Favorite writing instrument (i.e. pen, pencil, typewriter, computer) Pencil, or pen .5 to .8 in tip. 

91. Worst book you ever read? Anything that ends with the death of the lead female character.  Horrible ending.  Yuck!

93. Favorite reading format:  hardcover, paperback, book on tape, or online? If I had a laptop I would go to bed earlier to read in bed more.  However, I don't have one...so I must say...paperback.  If I love the story I usually go back to Barns and Noble or wherever and buy myself a Hardback. 

94. When you're not writing what do you do with yourself?  Play online gaming in D&D environments such as WOW, EQ, or other stand alones Myst, Morrowwind. 

95. Favorite comfort food?  I like red licorice.  Shhhh don't tell nobody. 

96. What does being published mean to you?  What do you expect to receive from the process?  Being published means 1.  I might be making some money. (poor people think like this.)  2.  My writing was good enough to pass the "just posting online" level of achievement.  3.  My story will be available for everyone to read in the whole wide world. YAY...I'm famous.     

97. What state/country do you live in?  California, dude! 

99. Do you have any pets & family? two dogs and some fish 

103.     What shows do you like and who is your favorite stars?  I love Little House on the Prairie, Friends, Old Disney movies like Parent Trap, Aliens the complete collection, Matrix, Lord of the rings all of them, the list goes on and on and on.  Mel Gibson, Demi Moore, Julia Roberts, Harrison Ford, Dennis Quaid, Kevin Costner, Michelle Pfeiffer.

104.     What are you writing on now? Science Fiction Fantasy about a woman who wears silver cuff armbands of magic that label her as bound into servitude with her owner a people of war (not gotten there yet).  She travels from place to place to use her telepathic ability with horses to persuade them to follow her to glory and wonder in the army she is a part of.  The arm bands label her as a power with special abilities.  She is usually met with hostility and fear.  She meets another woman who is free and shows no fear of her powers.  The story begins. 

106.   If you had to tell anyone about yourself on what type a person you are what would you say.  I am a nut ball with infinite caring and sensitivity, with an extreme shy side that I hide with humor.   

110.   Author’s of a story wants feed back but 5 out of 10 never bother’s to write u back. Why?  Cause they are craving the food but decline to continue the chain of feed u feed me.  Who knows.  I write every one who writes me.  If I haven't responded its cause I haven't read it yet.   

111.    Why don't writers finish their stories?  Now this is a good question.  Why does my stomach crave different foods each day instead of always allowing me to eat ham sandwiches...which i love??? Why is variety needed? Maybe I really crave peanut butter but I only need a little taste to satisfy that craving.  Sometimes my writing is like that.  I start something just to get it out of my head.  My mind craves the variety just as my body craves the variety.  Hope that answered this.  I have many stories unfinished but I try and only post finished online.  That's my method. 

112.   Say someone has an idea for a story but they can't write worth a damned would one of you writer’s consider writing it, where you get the credit for the writing but give credit to the person who sent you the idea?  Oh yes...this is a method some writers use when then have writers block.  They ask their fan base to give them plot lines on something totally unrelated and they get their head onto another task.  Its an effective method so I hear.  I've never used it.  I just slap in an Oreo and we are off to the sugar races once again.  I would however review any plot story lines someone has if they want me to attempt to write a story for them.  Sounds fun. 

113.   What does feedback mean to you as a writer and how does it influence how you write?  I like to hear opinions about my work...but if they tell me they don't care for something or they think it should have been better I balance those comments with the ones that say WOW, Stunning, Magnificent.  Its all selective on how you take it.  I think the feedback is wonderful.   

114.   How do you choose your characters?  I take a lot of time to think on the names.  The naming thing is very important to show how the character is developed.  I've actually spent quite a bit of time at name websites reviewing the origins of names.  I don't think someone should just spit out a name like Lily without realizing the origin of that name sake.  You can't call a butch biker babe Lily Moonflower (unless its comedic) or whatever.  It takes a bit more time and effort.  I like to choose my name to fit the image of the body and face I have swirling in my imagination.     

115.  How do you handle it when a reader asks why you used a certain plot device?  I'm sure I've been asked a time or two about 1st vs 3rd person but I have never gone back and re written in the other versus the one.  I think I just answer the question and probably spend a brief moment on how it might have been.  Not sure if I got this one right or not.  Is this thing graded?  Is this a test? Oh My God!  I'm so toast. 

116.   What is the primary reason you post stories to the internet?  My muse told me too.  My writing needed to be critiqued and expanded.  I want other women to read it and say wow...that's hot or wow...that's filthy hot.  Maybe even wow...that was funny or insightful.  I like the ego stroking and I also like to share my stories.

117.    When do you finally feel comfortable turning your stories loose on the public?  LOL it still makes me nervous when I post.  I am never nervous about posting but I do have a nitpicky thing about reading a story and seeing obvious mistakes that should have been caught in Beta.   UGGGGh  I can't win.  I can't spell really well when I write but I hate reading something that isn't spelled correctly and my eyes always catch the wrong punctuation on an ordinary sentence or  quote.  

Her works can be found at JLNicky

Thank you for the interview JL.

Wizz