Featured Author: Swoozy

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Published on Monday, 18 January 2010 19:31

The January featured author is Swoozy. She is the author of How Did We Get from Here to There, Retakes, Over My Head, and Off the Grid.

Thanks for doing this! I really enjoyed it…

1. How did you get into fan fiction? Why Robert Pattinson fan fiction?

I had been visiting some Twilight and Rob blogs that mentioned fan fiction so I decided to check it out. I found this one story that really captured my attention and I was addicted. It was a Rob fic titled, ‘Ready and Waiting to Fall’ by our own Christine. I had never read anything like it; never read any fan fic at all. I loved the characters, I loved the innocence and I loved the realism she created.

As I started reading other stories on the net, I found lots of stories about Rob but there was one thing that bothered me; some had him acting completely out of character for the guy I’d watched in countless interviews and videos. I told myself that if I ever wrote a story, I’d be as accurate as I could be, you know, be real, be true. I never really considered writing any other kind of fan fiction.

2. What made you decide to start writing fan fiction?

I thought it’d be fun to give it a try for my own enjoyment. I was in college and always did well in my written assignments. This idea for a story came to me in the shower and I decided to write it for fun; for myself, to see if I could do it. About 4 chapters in, I read it to my husband and son who urged me to post it. I found this little fledgling site and put it out there, expecting rejection and boo’s. I was stunned at the response. Never in a million years did I think I’d write something that people would actually want to read and talk about.

3. What is your writing process? Do you have a specific place you like to write, music you listen to, etc.?

I outline in my head. I have conversations with myself outloud in the car on my commute. I’ll jot notes down and tuck them in my pocket all day at work. By the time I get home, I’ve got that chapter mostly written in my mind so I just sit down in my leather chair and write. I usually make 2 or 3 passes through, proofing and tweaking. I’m big into writing when everyone else has gone to bed and the house is quiet.

I’m big into music when I write. I put in my earbuds and drown out the world. I don’t do it for the entire story but when I want to get the emotion just right, I’ll pick a particular song and put it on repeat. I’ve been known to sit and write in tears.

4. How much research goes into the stories? Time spent on the internet? Personal experience?

A lot. What you lack in personal experience must be made up with research. There is always going to be someone reading who’s been to the place you’re writing about and nothing spoils a good story quicker than a missed detail. I spend hours researching things. The flat that Sam and Rob had in London really existed; I just embellished the interior. I check maps of London and stops on The Tube. I visited the website for The Fairmont in Whistler and I’ve done tons of research on cancer and it’s effects on survivors. The restaurants all exist as do their menu’s….the rooms in the hotels are described accurately. I just feel it’s that important. I want the reader to feel they are there. I want them there with my characters. Funny thing, in all my stories…the only place mentioned that I’ve ever been is Hilton Head and New York from ‘How Did We Get Here From There?’

I usually sit with several internet windows open. I’ve visited real estate sites in London for the flats and Aunt Lilly’s house and the house in Hilton Head that Sam’s parents owned. I’ve researched pubs and restaurants, bars and sights. The winter fair in Hyde Park was real in “Off The Grid”.

There is some personal experience in every story. There can’t help but be; the story is as much a part of you as the experiences you bring to it. It can actually be cathartic. Abby’s miscarriage mirrored my own. Some of Mia’s story is based on actual events but I can’t really talk about it….yet.

5. What is the hardest/easiest part about writing?

There are so many ‘hardest parts’ but I think it would be finding the words to convey the full rainbow of emotions that I’m trying to capture. The easiest part is when the characters take over and the story writes itself. It’s kind of a surreal experience but there are times when I’m running to keep up with the thoughts in my head. I heard writers talk about this but until it happens to you, it just sounds so strange.

6. Out of the stories you’ve written which is your favorite? Favorite character? Why?

That’s hard because there’s something in each one that made me write it; a part of me, I guess. While I’m writing, those characters are in my head; I’m living the story with them. I think I’d say each one is my favourite for different reasons, but for now, ‘Off The Grid’ would be my absolute favourite because it’s the one consuming my life right now but it’s also the one that I think is the best written. To me it shows growth.

Favourite character would be Mia…no doubt. While Sam was stubborn and Abby sweet, Mia has a perspective and vitality about her that draws people in. I admire her outlook on life. Everyone needs a little Mia in their lives.

7. What do you think makes a good story?

The first thing is well written. I have stopped reading stories that the grammar is just so poorly done. I think you can get away with bad punctuation but not bad grammar. It has to have believable characters you can relate to on some level; people you want to know better. The story line has to be intriguing and leave you thinking after you’ve clicked off the page. I like stories that make me think; that make me go back and reread over and over again.

8. Is there any story (or book) you wish you could have written? Why?

I wish I could have written ‘Trapped and Bound’ by SeleneWolf that appeared in the angst and drama section, R/NC 17. Look for it in completed stories.

This story was incredibly well written. And even though there were parts that were disturbing to read at times and even more uncomfortable to imagine, her chapters always left me thinking; left my heart heavy with emotion for her characters. As a reader, you never knew where the story was going to go. There was realism in everything that happened through out her story that pushed my comfort level and I grew as a result. Her writing made me want to be a better writer. I still think about her story even months later.

9. Do you have any writing tips?

My most important tip would be don’t be afraid to try.

10. Who’s your pick to be the next author interviewed?

I’d have to pick the person who started this all for me because as I read the questions, I wanted to ask these of her. Without her, none of us would have this outlet to express ourselves or read other author’s work. My pick for the next interview would be Christine.

From readers:

1. How do you feel about the responses from your readers? – newfan

I’m literally stunned every time I get online to read the comments that readers leave. That is so much more important to me than page count or views. While at first you would think someone could become over confident because of what’s written it is actually the opposite; it makes me feel very humbled. The support I’ve received is amazing; the friendships I’ve made life long. I’ve laughed at what’s been written and I’ve cried. People hesitate to leave comments but I say don’t. There is nothing more encouraging than knowing your story has touched someone and they’ve taken the time and felt compelled to say so.

2. Do you think you would ever actually write a book? – newfan

I don’t know. I’ve been encouraged to do so from many sides but right now I enjoy writing so much that I’m almost afraid to make a job of it.

3. What character would you most like to trade places with? – C Cullen

Any one of them!! Seriously. If I had to narrow it down…I’d say Sam. She got her happily ever after with an incredible guy.

4. Do you ever write chapters out of sequence? If so, why? – chickadee

Very rarely. I may have an idea of where I want coming chapters to go but I rarely write anything down until that point in the story arrives. It may sound strange but sometimes the characters take things in a direction that I don’t expect. I learned that with Sam and Rob. I never intended to break them up. I cried and fought it for days but that’s just the direction that the story went. I was literally sick to my stomach over it. It wasn’t something I saw coming; the writing just evolved that way. I had planned all along for a happy ending the first time around.

5. How far ahead do you write, compared to the chapter you are posting? – chickadee

With every story I’ve done, I’ve been days ahead…until ‘Off The Grid’. I’m putting much more thought and research into each chapter because of the complexity of the characters and their situation. It’s day by day with this one.

6. How much do the readers’ responses impact your writing? Do you ever change what you were planning to write, or what you may have already written because of what the reviews say? – chickadee

Yes and no. I have felt compelled to explain a characters point of view a little more in future chapters when the readers took a harsh view to his or her actions. Other times, I’ve let it go. It depends on how it plays into the story. I have worried that I’ve pushed readers too far before, causing them to give up on my characters and me, but I have a direction for the story to go in my head and I haven’t yet wavered from that. That is unless the characters themselves changed my mind. I have been known to post more often when New Fan begs and if it weren’t for CCullen, ‘Retakes’ wouldn’t have happened.

Favorites:

- Book: Whatever I’m reading at the time. Right now? ‘If I Stay’ by Gayle Forman. It’s a quick and easy read.

- Movie: I have so many! ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’ and ‘Frequency’ with Jim Caviezel. “Sense and Sensibility’ and ‘Pride and Prejudice.’ My favourite Rob movie would be ‘Little Ashes’.

- Actor/Actress: Who else…Robert Pattinson. I think he has an amazing natural talent this is, of yet, untapped. Johnny Depp for his range of characters.

- Band: It changes daily. Kings of Leon, Gavin DeGraw, Justin Nozuka…right now, The Script.

- Song: ‘Empire State of Mind (part II) Broken Down’ by Alicia Keys

- Cookie: White chocolate, macadamia nut…yum.

Last Words:

Is there anything else you would like to say or share with us?

I want to take another chance to reiterate what the readers responses mean to me. I was hesitant to post my first story. I took a major step out of my comfort zone by letting anyone read what I’d written. The comments I received gave me confidence to continue; to reach deeper and explore a side of me I didn’t know existed. Each and every comment is the fuel that keeps a story going. I’m grateful for each and every one.

Words really aren’t adequate when I think about being asked to do this chat. Last year at this time, I didn’t even know that fan fic existed. I’m overwhelmed that there are people out there that wanted to hear from me. A Heartfelt thanks for all the support.

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