monochromatic
- Details
- Published on Monday, 21 November 2011 17:28
monochromatic is November's featured author! She is the author of Words on Pages!
1. How did you get into fan fiction? Why Robert Pattinson fan fiction?
I discovered fanfiction in general when I was pretty young, Googling The Lord of the Rings if I remember correctly. As for Rob fic, I don't remember the details, but I think I stumbled onto it via Twilight fanfiction. It's actually funny because when I found this site, my intention was merely to enjoy others' writing and not to participate.
2. What made you decide to start writing fan fiction?
It intrigued me. As a kid, reading and writing fanfiction seemed like the ultimate escapism, and that was something I was definitely interested in. I relish any chance I get to expand on a world or characters I love and enjoy.
3. What is your writing process? Do you have a specific place you like to write, music you listen to, etc.?
My writing process is very haphazard. I write all over the place; in bed, at the kitchen table...for a while there, I was dragging my desk outside each day and writing on my deck. My muse demands change of scenery, and often. As for music, I usually keep my iPod on shuffle and listen to what's appropriate for the scene I'm working on. The soundtrack for Words On Pages is incredibly varied and would make no sense if compiled. Sometimes I write in silence – that's very rare, and it's when my best work is produced.
4. How much research goes into the stories? Time spent on the internet? Personal experience?
A great deal of research has gone into Words On Pages. Mostly climate/location/layout type stuff. And I've asked people who've worked in film about their experiences. Most of my research on the internet is invested in Wiki-ing whatever location I am dealing with and reading interviews of Rob. I try to keep my characterization of him consistent with as much of the real thing as I've seen, though, I'm not sure I've done a terribly good job.
5. What is the hardest/easiest part about writing?
Personally, the hardest thing about writing is the frustration of a block. Often times, I already know exactly what points A and B are – it's just a question of writing a good chapter to get from A to B. I get very impatient with myself and mope about it, even though there's really nothing to be done but wait.
The easiest thing about writing is when it just comes to me without effort; that's a writing in silence kind of day. That's when I am no longer the artist, just the medium. When I write like that, there is no pause between cortex and fingers: it's all ideo-motor response. There's nothing like it.
6. Out of the stories you've written which is your favorite? Favorite character? Why?
Well, I've only written Words On Pages in terms of Rob fic, but it is one of my favorite pieces in my body of work because it's been such a challenge and such a commitment. This story (and some of the responses it's received) have demanded that I reevaluate my writing and, at times, myself as an author. And I have a feeling that a few of my readers will be displeased, but one of my favorite characters is Adrian. I enjoy him because he has depth and significance, despite his brief appearances. He played a huge role in the joining of Rob and Aubery as a couple, and tested their relationship before it even began. And he's a sympathetic antagonist, I think, especially by the time we see Aubery working with him and his music.
I will also take this time to mention that there is a character we haven't even encountered yet, and aren't scheduled to for a long time, who is already very well developed and whom I love to pieces. I am indescribably excited for their appearance.
7. What do you think makes a good story?
There are a lot of elements that define a good story. The obvious being a well-thought out plot. Another factor for me is characterization. If the characters are two-dimensional and only offer a vehicle for the reader, I lose interest. Deep, believable characters are invaluable. Also, I love it when a writer has their own unique style of prose, particularly in addition to an ample vocabulary.
8. Is there any story (or book) you wish you could have written? Why?
I wish I'd written Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. Because Maguire's style is my personal ideal. And I am envious.
9. Do you have any writing tips?
Outlines are a Godsend: I am totally guilty of writing on the wing in my early work, and while it can be fun and produce interesting results, it can be difficult to reconcile earlier parts of the story. It's better to have a plot that fits nicely and is malleable than a confusing mess to sort through.
I cannot emphasize this enough: editing. I don't want to think about how much hair I've pulled out, screaming at a stupid grammatical error I completely glanced over. Read and re-read your work, and then read it again. Get someone else to read it. It is so annoying to read what could have been a good story, but to be hung up on poor use of punctuation or a repetitive vocabulary.
Don't get lost in the 'proper' of anything; slang and colloquialisms are lovely and flavorful.
10. Who's your pick to be the next author interviewed? (This person will actually be it.)
bluebird.
From readers:
1. Your characters are both "old souls". Where do you draw from to give them so much depth and life experience? Are they based on people that you are very familiar with? - Cherish
I feel so much like I am cheapening Rob as a person because I do not know him and have only interviews and movie commentary to base my characterization on; thus, he is an old soul because that is how I perceive him in interviews. I think Aubery is a coin with two very opposite sides; one is an old soul and one is a bit of an adult child. For Aubery, I don't consciously draw from anyone I know. She is truly her own person, despite only existing on paper; she is the reason I wrote Words On Pages because her character built itself up and nagged at me until I caved and wrote her story out on two pieces of graph paper.
2. If you could travel to any country to find inspiration, which country would you choose and why? - Cherish
Oh that is so tough. I'd love to go to the Greek islands and bum around on beaches and drink muddy coffee and fill notebook upon notebook with the results of creeping through ruins and swimming the Mediterranean. If not there, then Indonesia. For too many reasons to list. Hell, I'd probably go native.
3. Your characters started out in New York City. You seem completely familiar with being a New Yorker and all that it entails. Have you ever lived in the city? If so, where is your favorite place to visit? - Cherish
You know, it's funny: the last time I lived in NYC, I was six years old; I'm nineteen now. I just came home from a visit in fact, and I still view the city as I did then: through the eyes of a child. Which is sort of how I think Aubery sees it, and that's fitting because she can be quite a child at times. Through her eyes, it comes off as whimsical, with the grit just shying around the edges of her world. I'd like the opportunity to paint the harder, rougher pieces of the city, but this story does not offer me that canvas.
4. What is the most important thing you have learned about writing that you would like to share with the other writers here? - m244robp
Regardless of if you write professionally or just for fun, it is so important to write because you enjoy it, and to write because it makes you happy. If you lose your passion for it, let it go. You won't like what dispassionate writing produces.
5. How would you react if you actually had a chance to meet Rob? (this is a Rob-related site, right?) - m244robp
Ha, I have the utmost confidence that I would make an ass of myself. He is very handsome and charming so I'd probably blather at him and quietly explode with excitement. I imagine I would pester him with completely pointless questions.
6. What made you like Robert? Do you write Robert different then every one else? and what is you favorite Robert story that you didn't write? - queens_of_pattinson
Initially, it was his interviews that made me like him. His sense of humor and his mannerisms – in particular, his adorable brand of self-depreciation. His sarcasm and his audacity are also enjoyable. There was this one article I read where he was talking about having an odd and immense fascination with exotic diseases – that's the sort of thing that endeared him to me. I don't know if I write Rob differently than anyone else. It's not really part of my agenda. I write him as I interpret him, and according to his role in the story. My favorite Rob story at the moment is “BBM Me” by ymmydirtybrit. I'm in the middle of re-reading it actually.
Favorites:
- Book: The aforementioned Wicked; The Cold War: A New History; Memoirs of A Geisha; and Stalin: the Court of the Red Tsar.
- Movie: “Remember Me”; “Little Miss Sunshine”; “Marie Antoinette”; “Fantastic Mr. Fox”; “Schindler's List”; “The Breakfast Club” and “Gone With the Wind.”
- Actor/Actress: Rob, for one. Johnny Depp, Jeremy Piven, Nicholas Hoult and Meryl Streep.
- Band: Bon Iver, Dance Gavin Dance, Foster the People, Miike Snow, Portugal. The Man, Rage Against the Machine, Sleigh Bells, Sonohra, and Bring Me the Horizon.
- Song: “Priviously Poncheezied” by Dance Gavin Dance; “Tell 'Em” by Sleigh Bells; “L'Immagine” by Sonohra; “Crucify Me” by Bring Me the Horizon and “Welcome to Heartbreak” by Kanye West.
- Cookie: no-bakes.
Last Words:
I am just so thrilled at the response I've gotten for my fic. I really hope I continue to entertain with each new chapter, and I do so hope it will be enjoyed down to the last punctuation. Thanks readers, for making my heart swell with your lovely responses.
Is there anything else you would like to say or share with us?
Go forth and write! Practice will make you perfect.
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