TraceyJ
- Details
- Published on Wednesday, 18 January 2012 09:29
- Written by Christine
TraceyJ will be the first featured author in 2012. She is the author of A Soft Place to Fall. Check out her interview!
1. How did you get into fan fiction? Why Robert Pattinson fan fiction?
I discovered fan fiction on The Twilight Saga site, other readers and authors led me to other sites that eventually led me to here. I needed a break from Ed and Bell…it was as simple as that. I came across a Rob fic called I Love LA, and the rest is history. Although I will admit I did feel a little weird and a bit sheepish reading a fictional story about a real person.
2. What made you decide to start writing fan fiction?
I was coming across a lot of Twilight fics that would have great storylines, but then the writing would be horrible, and I’d have to quit reading. I guess it awoke my inner English Teacher and I thought eh, what the heck? I’ll give it a shot. I never thought I’d write a fic on this site…but after the 2010 NCAA’s I had an idea in my head that just wouldn’t go away…
3. What is your writing process? Do you have a specific place you like to write, music you listen to, etc.?
I don’t really have a process. I don’t have an outline written out either, I know where I want to go…but a lot of scenes and conversations just come to me in the oddest places. For example, I hear a lot of my dialogue in my head while I’m vacuuming! LOL! I like to write when no one is home, and at my dining room table. I don’t usually listen to music as I write because it distracts me, however, there are times that I will just flip through my playlist and listen for inspiration before I begin.
4. How much research goes into the stories? Time spent on the internet? Personal experience?
In ASPTF I’m using a lot of personal experience with a fair amount of research. I’m using situations and conversations that really have occurred in my family and friends’ lives. In terms of internet usage it depends on the chapter….Sometimes I don’t need to do any, and others I can be online for hours. I also have a wonderful information goddess by the name of Swoozy.
5. What is the hardest/easiest part about writing?
The hardest part is knowing where you want to go in a story, but having a hard time getting there…filling in so to speak. I guess you could call it writer’s block. That is what I’m struggling with right now actually.
The easiest part of writing for me is dialogue…Once I know my “situation” or “scene” the conversation just flows.
6. Out of the stories you've written which is your favorite? Favorite character? Why?
This is my first RP fic and after fifty plus chapters, I still love writing it and am not tired of the characters yet. My favorite character hands down is Trenton. I love that he’s a smart alec, a prankster and doesn’t hesitate to give Rob crap. However, he’s fiercely loyal and has a good heart. He also has his own notoriety as well, Rob isn't the only "star" in the story.
7. What do you think makes a good story?
Having a good solid storyline…It’s all about the storyline for me…it has to grab my attention first. Second, writing with good grammar. Third, the story has to be believable and accurate. For example, it drives me crazy when stories are historically incorrect. CD’s and DVD’s were not around in 1918.
8. Is there any story (or book) you wish you could have written? Why?
Where to start? I guess Phillipa Gregory’s The Other Boleyan Girl, The Red Queen, The White Queen. Allison Weir’s The Lady Elizabeth.
I love historical fiction and these ladies are at the height of the game so to speak. Their research is also unparalleled.
9. Do you have any writing tips?
Write for yourself first and foremost. If you are entertained and keep going back for more, chances are others will too! Develop an interesting storyline and read, and re read your own work.
10. Who's your pick to be the next author interviewed? (This person will actually be it.)
Xxpunkgirlxx.
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’ve drawn from my own and my friends’ and family’s life experiences. In a figurative sense I’ve taken aspects of my loved ones personalities, threw them into a bowl and mixed them up while throwing in a bit of embellishments here and there…
With my characterization of Rob….I’ve taken what I’ve seen and read in interviews, along with guessing how I’d think he’d react to my colorful characters. I have also added to some of his real personality traits.
2. If you could travel to any country to find inspiration, which country would you choose and why? - Cherish
The UK! I am an absolute history nerd and have been fascinated with the British Monarchy since Middle School. The idea of walking around London where so many have gone centuries before is absolutely enchanting to me. I also have a significant amount of English blood running through my veins, and would love to research my family roots.
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
Well, I will take that as a compliment! The answer is no. I am not familiar with New York City at all. I’ve only been there once, to Manhattan. I did a lot of research online and utilized my best friend from college whose father was born and raised in the Bronx. Her father’s family still lives out there and she moved to the City after we graduated and taught in Harlem for two years….So she was unknowingly a large part of the New York scenes. I also had help from my information goddess as well.
4. What is the most important thing you have learned about writing that you would like to share with the other writers here? - m244robp
Expand your vocabulary and use a thesaurus. I cringe when I read some of my prior work, there are even parts early in this story that I shake my head at.
5. How would you react if you actually had a chance to meet Rob? (this is a Rob-related site, right?) - m244robp
Ha! Won’t happen….but I’ll play. Depends on the situation. If I was out in public I’d probably walk on the other side of the street or duck into a store or something. If I was somewhere I couldn’t actually leave…I would try my hardest to ignore him…although I’m sure I’d fail and would end up discreetly peeking at him. I’m an absolute coward and would never have the guts to approach him, and in reality I wouldn’t want to bother him.
Although, if my daughter was with me I’d silently be praying that she didn’t scream: “Hey mom! Isn’t that Robert Pattinson? The one that you like? Maybe you should go ask for an autograph!” If that happened? Kill. Me. Now.
If I was forced to attend some autograph session I would have him sign my WFE DVD because yeah….I’m Team Robkowski! I would inhale Altoids until the big moment, and then would complement him on his work and try to sound like an intelligent person while doing it.
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
I really like rebel, unfiltered Rob. Even though he’s been known to say some inappropriate things, I think he’s funny and has a wicked sense of humor. I like that so far it seems he’s not letting the hype get to him, and I really respect that.
I am sure there are aspects of ASPTF Rob’s personality that are similar to others because I think everyone tries to place a glimpse of the real Rob in their characterization. I was going for a Rob that was a little bit of everything. Sweet, shy, laid back, jealous, aggressive, protective, and a bit of a perv…LOL!
My favorite story on this site is Off The Grid by Swoozy....in my humble opinion it's The Holy Grail!
Favorites:
- Book: Innocent Traitor by Allison Weir; The Last Full Measure by Jeffrey Shaara
- Movie: North and South; Gone With The Wind
- Actor/Actress: Robert Pattinson, Ben Affleck, The Wahlberg brothers, James Franco, Reese Witherspoon, Sandra Bullock, Anne Hathaway, Helen Mirren
- Band: Daughtry, Nickelback, Tenth Avenue North….Honestly, too many to count in a variety of genres!
- Song: Far Away Nickelback, You are More; Tenth Ave. North…again too many to list!
- Cookie: Peanut Butter Blossoms
Last Words:
Is there anything else you would like to say or share with us?
I’d just like to thank everyone who has read and is continuing to read and comment on my story. I really appreciate the support. Also, love to all of my girls that I’ve met here on the site. You know who you are! Finally, thank you Christine for being the mastermind of the best site in the fandom!
Comments (0)