When did you start writing XF fanfic? How did you start?
I watched the X-Files devotedly since the beginning of Season 5, but it never occurred to me that internet fanfic even existed until someone on an XF message board mentioned it and gave me a link. Yowza! People actually wrote missing scenes, new and extra scenes, even SEX scenes about Mulder and Scully! I began reading and feedbacking several favorite authors, one of whom was Paige Caldwell. I give Paige credit for suggesting that I try my hand at writing a story of my own… so my first fic, the Millennium-inspired “I Know You,” was posted to Ephemeral in December of 1999.
Have you written fanfic for other fandoms?
No, I have no desire to explore characters from another show at all as an adult person. However, when I was a child and teen I handwrote what I now recognize to be early fanfic for “Bonanza,”
“The Man From Uncle,” “Secret Agent Man,” and groupfic for the Beatles, among others!
What else do you write?
I write the occasional erotic piece for my non-XF internet persona and a poem now and then, though I fully intend to develop a narrative story for eventual, RL publication. That’s my dream — to be a published writer whose stories can touch people’s emotions the world over.
In the past updates we’ve recommended your “Miraculous Series”. Did you intend for the first story to spin out into a series?
Oh, my gosh, no! That story began as a short, vignette-length humor piece about Scully delighting Mulder with her knowledge of sexual street jargon. But the Muse shook her head, the characters shook *their* heads, and I was fortunately out-voted! 🙂 Living in Colorado, I have access to many rustic hot springs, and during one communal soak my husband suggested that I write a story about Mulder and Scully having sex in a hot spring! It sounded like a great idea, but a PWP writer I am not… so I needed an interesting plot and purpose to accompany the steamy final scene. The episode “all things” became my foundation for this story, which eventually grew to several parts — and “Miraculous Manifestation” was posted. It was followed by its sequel, “Waiting In Motion,” a story of some length which garnered two Spooky Awards, much to my surprise and delight!
Do you foresee any more stories in this series?
I never say “never,” but right now I think “Signs Of Life,” the third story in the “Miraculous Series,” closes the door quite nicely on this particular universe.
You are currently writing a WIP. What inspired you to start writing a WIP?
More accurately, I’m almost finished writing this WIP, “Seeds Of Synchronicity,” a fact that both amazes and saddens me. It began as a challenge to myself, since I’d never attempted this particular structure before and so many others were doing it with success, plus I had an Aubrey-inspired plot idea that was itching to be written. I determined from the outset to be a WIP writer who would finish and not flag… and with only the epilogue to complete after 20 chapters, I think I’ve just about accomplished that.
What is the biggest challenge you find in writing a WIP? How do you know when it will end?
The biggest challenge is balancing the dynamics of Real Life, deadline, and inspiration. Often RL won’t allow me the pleasure of writing when I feel another installment is due and the stalkers are poking me! Then, when I do have the time to write, inspiration has taken a powder and the Muse is somewhere on vacation! It’s beautiful when everything harmonizes and the words flow out in just the right way to express what needs to happen in a particular chapter. And with a casefile, plot and character development are crucial! I’ve learned so much about that during the progressive writing of this story.
The end? I’ve always known “how” the story would end, the identity of the killer, etc. It’s getting from the beginning to the ending that’s the tricky part! 🙂
Is there’s anything else you’d like to tell readers out there?
One thing I feel the need to impress upon everyone… if you have a dream, don’t abandon it for any reason. If you feel creativity’s pull, never set it aside or consider it unimportant. My very real regret is that I put my first true love of writing aside for over twenty years while raising a family before finding it again. In hindsight, I realize that both were important, and that my own identity and personal goals suffered as a result of denying myself this essential, personal outlet.
Upcoming stories to look out for?
Another first for me: a possible collaborative venture with fellow Museans on a very different kind of fic. After that, I’m struggling to strike out and write a story for RL publishing…but have also grown to love the post Season 7/non-Requiem universe of “Seeds Of Synchronicity.” Perhaps a sequel to it will germinate in the near future. The possibilities are out there, endless, and promising!
Thank you for inviting me to spend this time with you and your readers. I have been honored!