Featured Author: Clairey

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Published on Wednesday, 16 June 2010 20:52

The June featured author is Clairey.  She is the author of Somersault. 

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

Well, it all started when I was about...hmmm...fourteen? Maybe? I don't know. But I had the hugest crush on this other actor (who shall remain nameless, just because I'm embarrassed to admit who it was) and one night, surfing the web, I discovered that there was this site set up for people to write "Fanfiction" inspired by this actor. Mind you, I had no idea what fanfiction was at the moment, so I clicked on it and I was absolutely thrilled with the idea. To write about your dream guy? Huh! 

But then I grew out of this crush (like it commonly happens. I mean, remember "The Backstreet Boys", Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Nick Lachey? Yeah...) and I decided to stop writing. Then, some time passed and I came across this "unknown" British actor, who struck me as kind of odd at first. But the more I read about him and the more I heard him in interviews, I have to say...I was hooked! The rest is pretty much history. 

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

Ever since I was really little (I think elementary school), I was intrigued with the idea of putting down on paper (back then, now it's on a laptop) the world that dwelled in my head, every possible thing I could imagine. For me it was great to write down everything you wanted in your ideal world, or to create this fabulous characters, etcetera. 

And then, when I found out that it was possible to mix such a wonderful thing as writing, with someone you could only dream about, was perfect. The perfect marriage. 

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

Hmmm...let's see. My writing process... 

Well! I guess it all starts off with me people-watching, or over hearing some conversation around me. If for some reason or another I liked what I saw/heard, I'll automatically write it down. And then it snowballs from there. 

Once I have an idea of the story I want to tell, I make sure that every time I sit down to write, I'm alone. I really can't concentrate with people walking around me or speaking to me, asking me things. So...yes, I listen to music. A lot. 

Sometimes I can do without music; just because my mind is so clear at that time, that I don't need it. But! Most of the time I do. And it all depends on the emotions I want the characters to feel as I'm writing. For example: as I was writing the first chapter for “Somersault”, when Natalie describes her loss, I remember listening to "The Blower's Daughter" by Damien Rice. Or whenever she would think about him, I'd play: "Cook for You" by Clare and The Reasons. (That was ava_priest's suggestion, by the way. I love her for it.) When Natalie and Rob first made love, it was… “Somersault” by Decoder Ring. (Although it was “Somersault” by Zero 7 that really inspired the titled.) And so on, so forth. It all depends on what type of emotion I want to evoke out of the characters. 

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

Research? Yes. Especially with the location’s descriptions. Like with "El Matador" beach in Malibu. I was searching for the perfect beach for Natalie and Rob’s first "love-making moment" and when I saw the pictures, I knew it was it! I actually wrote that chapter around the beach and the images I had of it. 

Personal Experience? Loads! I think that some of the dialogues in the story, I have either heard or actually been a part of. Some of the things that happen to the characters, their interaction/relationships, etc. I've gone through. 

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

The hardest part about writing is -I have to say- sitting around, waiting for the inspiration to come. It's so infuriating! Sometimes I go days without getting into it and I hate myself for it. 

Now, the easiest? By far, when I get to write down an exchange of words between two or more characters. I don't know, I just love to write down what they actually say 'cause it gives you an idea of who they are, what they sound like when the speak, they way they carry themselves... It would be a dream for me to just write down dialogues. But I know that if someone else read them, they'd have no clue whatsoever as to what was going on, so... I can't do it! Hehehe... 

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

Okay, this one made me laugh and just because at least on this site, I have only this one story! Coincidentally enough, “Somersault” is the favorite story I have written so far. I've written many short stories and the other fanfiction one about the "other" actor. But none of them have pleased me as much as this one. I'm pretty happy with it so far. 

So, in Somersault, my favorite character would have to be... maybe Hector. ...Yeah. I mean, I've tried to make every character different; and I wanted a certain one to be cool, yet serious. Gentle, yet aggressive at times. The most balanced one out of the bunch, I guess. And I think Hector is the one that does it for me. 

Oh, and Iris! Gotta love Iris!  

Now, out of my other stories, there was this one guy called Pete. He was a neurotic, really forward guy. He'd invite himself in, kiss the heroine without being sure if she liked him back, grill her with pretty invasive and personal questions... And I loved giving him shape and form. 

7. What do you think makes a good story? 

The main thing for me? Honestly? I don't know! I've read so many books and all of them so different. And having loved most of them, I really can pinpoint exactly one trait that would be the one thing that makes a story good. Although, something that does turn me off when I read a story, would have to be when it drags on and on. When it takes about two-three pages to describe how one of the characters brushes their teeth, or drinks from a glass of water. Yeah, I always want to know what happens next. 

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

There's this book (I'm from Puerto Rico, by the way) from this amazing Colombian novelist, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, called "Crónica de una Muerte Anunciada" ("Chronicles of a Death Foretold"). 

The plot of the novel revolves around Santiago Nasar's (the main character's) murder. The narrator acts as a detective, uncovering the events of the murder second by second. But here's the kicker: the story is told sort of backwards. Like, in the first chapter, the narrator tells the reader exactly who killed Santiago Nasar and the rest of the book is left to unfold why. 

When I read it, I was like: "Whoa..." I didn't even knew that could be done. I was really amazed by it. Handsdown? I wish I would’ve wrote that book! 

There is really no spoiler for those who haven't read it, so...check it out! 

Now, as for stories...there are a LOT of people here who write downright awesome. And I'm totally in love with their leading ladies! They're so strong and sassy, intriguing! Like Summer (queensofpattinson) and Nikki (cnikki). I always tell them that they have something going on there that I lack! They write with such...attitude! I love it! 

9. Do you have any writing tips? 

Visuals. I love reading a story in which I can picture it clearly. More so than the dialogues, I have to admit. Just because it could add so much to what you're trying to say with the story, and the characters. If I can see it in my head, I'll write it just like that, because I want people to see it too. And also...(and I know it's going to sound really cheesy) write from the heart. If you feel it? Write it! ... Told you it would be cheesy... 

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

My pick is cnikki! 

From readers:

1. Do you usually have an idea for a chapter that pops into your head out of nowhere or do you take time to plan out the chapter? - xxpunkgurl21xx 

It has happened to me. I’ve been sitting down, thinking about nothing and everything and suddenly an idea pops! It’s very rare, I have to say. But when it does happen, I quickly run to fetch my notepad and write it down or I just begin to type away on my laptop. Those are brilliant! It’s like when something clicks and the whole world makes sense for you at that exact moment. But like I said, they’re very rare.

But then, there are times when the chapter sort of unravels as I write it. Something I also love. I can’t seem to stop writing sometimes, but it’s because everything flows easily. Now that happens to me about 50 % of the times I sit down to write.

If not…what I usually do is I think of where I want the story to go and how the characters can make it happen. In other words, yes, I do take my time in planning the chapters. But that’s only if options A and B have failed me. Which takes me back to what I consider the hardest part of writing! Sitting around, over thinking it…

2. All of us have a different idea of who Rob is when we write him into our stories. I was wondering, what kind of Rob do you see in your head when you write him? - Clairey 

Hahahahaha…I never thought I’d be answering my own question. It kind of threw me!

Let’s see…the Rob I see when I write him is an amalgam of shy and dorky and awkward and adorable and seductive and laid-back and…ugh, I mean, I always think of him as this really funny, yet witty person who doesn’t seem to take everything that seriously. But like me, or like you for that matter, one doesn’t go around being funny, witty and a jokester everywhere we go. We each have our moments in which we acknowledge that we need to make a slight attitude adjustment. And that’s what I do with the Rob in “Somersault”.

He reacts according to his surroundings, I guess… But most of the time, he’s quite adorable!

3. What is the most important thing you have learned about writing that you would like to share with the other writers here? - m244robp 

That writing is supposed to be fun. If you like writing, then do it because you like it and because you love the story you’re telling. Not everybody might be into your style, or your story, or the images you use. And I’ve learned to live with that! What really counts is if you, as the writer, are happy with it.

If there are millions of writers out there, then there must be a million writing styles. And I highly doubt that every reader is into the same one. Otherwise, there wouldn’t be so many writers, now would there? 

4. How would you react if you actually had a chance to meet Rob? (this is a Rob-related site, right?) - m244rob 

…If I actually had the chance to meet him (as in sit down with him and have a one-on-one) then, I don’t know. Obviously I’d be nervous. But I’d play it really cool. Act totally relaxed, even though I might be dying on the inside. Just to make sure that he doesn’t think less of me or something.

But if I just saw him like having a beer at the local bar, which I just happened to be in? Then I’d probably wouldn’t go up to him, or talk to him. I’m sort of shy in my everyday life, so I can’t imagine myself going up to him and asking for a photo/autograph or anything.

And after that, I’d probably punch myself in the face for being such a coward. 

Favorites: 

- Book: Up until this moment…it’s “The Heights” by Peter Hedges. But I also loved “Shopgirl” by Steve Martin and “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley.

- Movie: “Meet Joe Black” and “Volver”

- Actor/Actress: Anthony Hopkins, Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep

- Band: Oof! So many…But I guess the main three would be: Mumford & Sons, Laura Marling and Sia Furler

- Song: Let me go with… “I gave you all” by Mumford & Sons, “Pop Art Blue” by Zero 7, “Breathe Me” by Sia, “Believe” and “The Ocean” by The Bravery, “Mad Love” by Robi Draco Rosa (as singer from P.R.) and umm… “Alpha Shallows” by Laura Marling, of course! Wow…sorry about that. I’m kind of a music buff!

- Cookie: I have two. Oatmeal raisin and White chocolate, macadamia nut!

Last Words: 

This site has done nothing for my social life! But I absolutely love it!!! Thank you Christine for creating it, thank you to my dear readers who stick by me and thank you Rob for giving us something to bond over and write about!

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