1. Do you think writing is underrated in the RMXP community? (Lene)
Yes and no. I think most people realize that writing is important, but a lot of them seem pretty fuzzy on what constitutes
good writing.
2. Is writing an intended career path for you? (Lene)
It was for a long time, though honestly, I don't think so anymore. I'm seriously lacking the discipline it would take to make a career out of writing. I would like to publish something someday though.
3. How long do you sit and just write? (Lene)
When I get into the zone, I can go for the entire day. Sometimes, I can go months without ever putting pen to paper. That inconsistency is why I'll probably never make writing a career. I am always thinking about things though. Coming up with new ideas, running scenes around in my head, playing with character interactions, planning, plotting...it's the actual act of writing I don't do as much as I'd like. Part of that has to do with the fact that I don't get nearly as much time alone to work as I'd like. The other reason is that I'm a slacker.
4. What is your opinion on fanfiction or fangames to be more specifc? Do you write fanfiction? (Lene)
I think both are a good thing. I still enjoy reading (well-written) fanfiction every now and again.
I always thought of fanfiction as a sort of...writer's training wheels. Fanfiction is what got me into writing, though I don't write it anymore. For me, I found fanfiction much less daunting than the idea of writing original stories. When I was younger, I read constantly, and it never occurred to me that I could do what they did. Fanfiction helped bridge the gap for me.
I think fangames probably function in the same way for some people.
5. Do you become attached to your characters and find it difficult to 'write them' (for lack of a better term) in emotional or physical pain? (Wumpi)
Not at all. While I do become attached to my characters, that doesn't stop me from writing them in circumstances where they experience physical or emotional pain. Pain is a part of character growth, suffering is a part of life. You can't have a good story without the characters getting a little banged up along the way.
6. In darker stories do you find it more effective to have the mood constantly dark or to add a few lighter parts? (Wumpi)
Lighter parts, sure. The way I figure it, even in the worst of circumstances, people will crack jokes. Even if only as a defense against all the terrible things happening. A consistently dark story is, in most cases a little unrealistic.
7. Do you think that because you're making an RPG, it limits the plot? (cos)
Sure it does. RPG's are very event driven, and unless your characters all have a habit of talking to themselves, that lack of insight into the character makes them much harder to develop. Really, the only way to show a characters feelings and personality is through his interaction with others and with his environment. It isn't impossible to develop a good character that way, but it does make things more difficult.
8. Does a writer need to have good ideas or a very good [command] of the language? (cos)
Yes and yes. If you have one without the other, well, you don't have much of anything at all. Great ideas do you no good if you can't write them in an engaging way, and all the grammar skills and great prose in the universe won't do you much good if you can't come up with something worth writing about.
9. Do you see your characters as human beings or as symbols/allegories? (cos)
Human beings. ALWAYS. I'm sure I'm in the minority here, but I loathe symbolism in large doses. I think it adds a lot to a story when used sparingly, but the more symbolism you stuff into a story, the more likely I am to put it down and never touch it again. If its really bad, I might even burn it. I blame this undying hatred entirely on High School English.
I read to be entertained. I read to become involved in the plight of the characters. The more a book tugs at my emotions, the more I enjoy it. I do not read to be lectured. I do not read so that the author can show me how smart and clever he is.
/rant
So...yeah. Simply put, I care about what happens to human beings. I don't care about what happens to symbols.
10. Ever heard of NaNoWriMo and have you tried, or do you plan on ever trying to attempt the challenge? (Lene)
I'm surprised how many people haven't heard of it. O.o;
But yeah, I'm a 4-year failure so far, hehe. Last year I made it to 40k, though, so I think this is my year. Of course, Final Fantasy XII comes out the day before it starts, so I might be doomed. Conspiracy! Damn you Square! *shake fist*
I think NaNoWriMo is a fantastic challenge, especially for the people like me who have a hard time getting anything done. There's a sort of energy that picks you up and sweeps you along. Its fun and has a great, supportive community. I'd recommend it for anyone, be it newbie or old pro.
11. Story/Writing Collaborations, yes or no? (Lene)
Sure. I've never actually done a collaboration, but I think it'd be fun.
12. Are your stories based on real events and people? (Alan.)
Rarely, if ever. My characters might adopt one of my own personality traits or that of someone I know every now and then, but I never intentionally draw off of real people or events for my stories.
13. What advice do you have to aspiring writers? (Alan.)
Write. Tie your internal editor to a chair, duct tape his mouth shut, and just write. Do it often. Do it every day if you can. (Do as I say, not as I do.
) The best way to get better is to practice.
14. What published authors have influenced your writing style and themes the most? (BlackStaticWolf)
Every author I've ever read has influenced me, whether consciously or not. If I had to pick just one, I would have to say Piers Anthony. One of his books was the first fantasy novel I ever read. I haven't looked back since.
15. Who is your favorite published author? (BlackStaticWolf)
There's so many! Holly Lisle I think would have to be my favorite, not just for her books, but also due to how much she has inspired me. Others would be Neil Gaiman, Mercedes Lacky (Laugh, I dare you), Tad Williams and too many more too name.
16. What is your opinion on clichés? (Alan.)
I'm neutral on them, I guess. I try to avoid them in my own writing, but I don't mind reading them, so long as they aren't...really bad. The insane villain plotting to take over the world can only be stopped by a hero destined to defeat him. Throw in a damsel in distress somewhere, and I might actually throw up.
17. Do you prefer a series of short stories, or one long story?(Alan.)
Long ones, hands down. I'm very big on characters and their development, and short stories just can't offer that like the longer ones can.
18. How do you handle romance in your stories? (Alan.)
Most of my stories have it, but I try to handle it in a realistic manner. No "destiny" or "soul mates" as an excuse to throw them together within a few pages of the characters meeting.
19. At the end of your stories, do you answer every question or do you leave stuff open to debate? (Alan.)
I answer what needs to be answered. Sometimes leaving things up to the reader's imagination is the most effective route, sometimes things need to be neatly tied up. Sometimes a little bit of both. It really depends on the story.
20. What's your favorite stereotypical character archetype? (BlackStaticWolf)
Don't have one, I don't pay much attention to archetypes.
21. What's your least favorite? (BlackStaticWolf)
Unlikely Hero Who is Too Stupid to Tie His Own Shoes, But is Somehow Destined to Save the World From Evil.
22. What's your favorite motivation for a villain? (BlackStaticWolf)
Anything that isn't evil for the sake of being evil. A villain's motivation should be just as complex and realistic as that of the hero.
23. Favorite motivation for a hero? (BlackStaticWolf)
Anything that isn't for the good of the people, to save the world from evil, or something else mind-numbingly altruistic.
24. What story do you think is most over used? (Shark_Tooth)
See 21.
25. Whats the hardest part of being a writer? (Shark_Tooth)
For me, the hardest part is finding the time and inclination to actually work on a regular basis.
