So, with Tumblr being an utter pile of ***k, here’s where else you can find allspnships online (because we want to be able to keep telling you all about awesome SPN fandom creation events for writers)...

We’re on Dreamwidth at allspnships

We’re on Twitter at allspnships

We’re on Discord and you can find more info on that here

And we’re on Pillowfort as a community at allspnships

9 questions with rosemoonweaver

This week: @rosemoonweaver​ talks filling in the gaps; rewriting scenes, and using writing to work through personal issues.

ASS: What do you most enjoy about writing fanfiction?

rosemoonweaver: The community. There are so many wonderful people I’ve met through our mutual love of characters or ships or tropes and it really makes the whole process of writing more fun. Writing is pretty lonely as it is so being able to reach out to other writers and readers makes actually writing feel much less lonely than it is.

What aspects of writing do you find difficult when you write fanfiction?

I have trouble with filling in the gaps at times. I really enjoy writing dialogue and introspection, but the stuff that happens in between is difficult for me. Trying to decide what I should show and what I should skim over is tough for me, as typically I’m not very interested in the day-to-day aspects of the character’s lives. When I’m writing a longer work, I don’t want to write or see things that don’t advance the plot or add to the setting, tone, or atmosphere. Deciding whether or not to show a moment where a character is just having lunch with their friends or shopping or some other mundane activity is difficult for me. Those things, the quiet moments where characters just do normal things, are always the hardest for me to write.

Have you ever received hateful comments on your fic and how do you deal with it?

I’m lucky because I’ve never gotten a hateful comment. I have gotten the typical annoying comments (ie. “when are you going to update?” “more!” etc.) but those I just kind of roll my eyes at. I have gotten some comments that I just didn’t know what to do with because they almost seemed like a backhanded compliment. One I remember was something along the lines of “When you don’t know what else to do just porn”. I didn’t respond because I had no idea how to respond, but that’s typically the kind of thing I get when comments aren’t positive.

Conversely: what’s been some of your favorite feedback on your fanfic?

The best comments are one of two things: emotional reactions or speculation. I love knowing how my readers are reacting and whether or not they’re invested in what I’m putting out. I love it when readers comment with things like “I wonder if X is going to happen.” “I bet Y is secretly a noble!” “I can’t wait to see what character A is going to do about what character B did! They’re going to be so upset!” or, my personal favorite “Oh, shit!”. I love to see how my readers are reacting to the stories I’m telling, whether that be excitement, intrigue, shock, or even disappointment. I don’t mind comments where readers tell me they don’t like what I’ve written, as long as the comments are condescending or mean. I just like to know how readers feel about what I’m doing.

How do you handle writer’s block?

It depends on how blocked I am and what I’m working on. If I’m writing a longer fic, I’ll re-read the previous scene I was working on and, more often than not, completely delete it. I’ve found that a lot of the time when I’m blocked it’s my subconscious trying to tell me that what I’ve just written isn’t going to work. Re-doing a scene completely is usually the best way for me to get over the block. If it’s just that I feel I can’t write for whatever reason it’s usually because I’m nervous or afraid that what I’m working on isn’t going to be very good. In times like that, the best thing to do is just push through and write it anyway. I could be right and wind up writing something that’s absolutely terrible, but at least isn’t on the page and I can fix it.

Which Supernatural fanfic of yours are you most proud of and why?

Some Things Last. It was my deancasjimmy big bang entry and I absolutely adore that fic.

I’ve gained a bit of a reputation in my original fiction workshop groups for being the kind of person who writes characters that destroy themselves. I’ve written plenty of things in the past where characters were too stubborn, too afraid, or too secretive and as a result they end up unhappy and alone after having done irreparable damage to their lives. Some Things Last was different for me in that while Dean, Cas, and Jimmy are all stubborn, afraid, and secretive and while they screw up, they don’t ruin their entire lives. These characters screw up but they can be forgiven for it. They’re flawed but that doesn’t mean they’re horrible and deserve punishment. It was a different route than I usually take and I was proud of myself for trying a different path.

Some Things Last was very personal for me as well. I projected a lot of myself onto Jimmy Novak and in doing so I was able to have a kind of conversations with myself about regret and forgiveness. My fanfiction is often a way for me to deal with issues I need to work out (even if my audience never knows this) and using Jimmy to explore my own issues with secrets, fear, and regret was a deeply healing experience for me. I poured my soul into that work and I’m incredibly proud that I was able to do that and make a good story in the process. 

Also, it was the longest work I’ve ever written to date and the fact that I was able to write 62k words on a single project was a big accomplishment for me.

What/who has had the biggest influence on your writing?

I try really hard to not be influenced by other people’s writing. I really do enjoy reading the works of my friends and other fanfic authors, but I try not to absorb the way they write into my own writing. Of course, that’s not always possible, and there are definitely tropes and interpretations that are kind of accepted by the fandom that I reflect in my writing. For example, Jimmy is usually the most promiscuous character I write, Cas is sarcastic, Dean is a secret softie, and Sam is intelligent and exasperated.

My biggest influence, however, has been myself. I write what I want to read and that’s resulted in several rare pairs, femslash ships, poly ships, and minor character inclusion. There’s not a lot of recognition in writing femslash or rare pairs, but I tend to find that the people who do read those things are much more excited and engaged than the people who only read one or two very popular ships. It’s also lead to trope twisting and self-indulgence but that’s fun, too.

What are you currently working on?

I’m taking a bit of a break at the moment, actually.

I just finished posting two big projects and I have another commissioned fic I’m working on, but other than that it’s mostly going to be small things for a while. I’ve got the poly bingo and rare ships creation challenge to keep me busy. I am planning out a serial killer au (it’s winjimstiel) but I don’t know when that’s actually going to get written. I’ll probably start posting it before the end of the year, though.

If you could give one piece of advice to a new and/or struggling writer, what would it be?

It’s okay that your writing isn’t the way you see it in your head or that it’s not super detailed or realistic or happy or whatever else you think your writing should be. You’re creating something and that’s pretty impressive. You’re making yourself and your readers feel something. Don’t worry about the fact that it may not be super popular or an exercise in craft excellence, it exists. You’re created something brand new in this world and that’s pretty great in and of itself. Your writing is going to suck sometimes and that’s okay. No one writes a masterpiece 100% of the time and certainly not when they’re just starting out. It doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to exist.

9 questions with rizlow1

This week: @rizlow1 talks writing OFCs; not enabling anons, and what it’s like to be told you write a character well.

ASS: What do you most enjoy about writing fanfiction?

rizlow1: I think it gives me a chance to live out fantasy, for one. But I also adore the show and the characters, and sometimes all the feels spill out onto the page, too. :) I love trying to get in their heads, see things from their POV. Try and get down in black and white who they are and how they feel.

What aspects of writing do you find difficult when you write fanfiction?

The in-between. Sometimes you just have ideas for ‘the big scene,’ and just getting to that point can be hard. But I think the interactions and day-to-day of the story are important, too - just not as much fun to write sometimes.

Have you ever received hateful comments on your fic and how do you deal with it?

The only time I ever had a ‘mean’ comment was on FFNet. The person was very complimentary, and then when I didn’t go in a direction she liked, she posted a snarky comment and unfollowed. Not a great loss. I may have an unpopular opinion here, but I just have never taken anon comments. Honestly, I feel like if you want criticism, you can use a beta to assist. Otherwise, if someone doesn’t have something nice to say… Not that feedback isn’t good. I don’t mind if someone has a question, doesn’t see what I was saying clearly, and asks me about it. In the end, our stories are our vision, and our feelings.

Conversely: what’s been some of your favorite feedback on your fanfic?

Someone who tells me I write Dean well - that makes me so happy. Because he is my jam. Also, when I write a chapter fic, and someone says they love my OFC? That ROCKS!

How do you handle writer’s block?

Poorly. Going through it right now. It’s like being stuck in the desert without water. I try to write a little, try to make myself, but it doesn’t generally work well. When an inspiration hits, I can fire off a one-shot in a day, but it’s been few and far between lately. If anyone has any brilliant ideas how to handle it, I’d love to hear them! (ed: I try hunting through past 9 questions with ;) )

Which Supernatural fanfic of yours are you most proud of and why?

I’m proud of my very first fic, Never Look Back, because it scared the HELL out of me to post something online for the first time. It was a huge step for me! Also, I tend become very fond of my OFCs. I think I’m the proudest of My Unimportant Little Life overall. I liked my alternate ending for that storyline, and I feel like that fic was my hardest obstacle, my biggest battle to finish. I seriously wanted to throw a party when I posted the last chapter!

What/who has had the biggest influence on your writing?

I’d say my biggest influences have been @mamapeterson (who has been my SPN sister in this fandom almost from the beginning), @deansdirtylittlesecretsblog, @saenalife, @ilostmyshoe-79, @winchestersinthedrift & @littlegreenplasticsoldier. Those are the authors I admire most, although I could list soooooo many more!!

What are you currently working on?

There’s that question that haunts me at times! Right now I’m working on a short (for me) fic for the Supernatural fanfic anthology Seasons, which is early on in development, but I’m very excited about it! (Read more about the book project at @spnshortstories) I have ideas floating around for a chapter fic that I’ve BARELY started, but - like I said - writer’s block SUCKS!

If you could give one piece of advice to a new and/or struggling writer, what would it be?

Write. For. You. It should be a pleasure. You should ENJOY it. If you’re making it into a job, an obligation - you’re missing the point. I know it’s so fun to get followers and comments, kudos and praise. It really is awesome. But, in the end, it’s for you. To express your love (or lust, whatever) for the characters, for the show we love, and it’s supposed to be fun.

9 questions with  ltleflrt

This week: @ltleflrt​ talks writing for an audience; when it’s time to block and delete asshats*, and how having some writing buddies along for the ride can really help.

ASS: What do you most enjoy about writing fanfiction?

ltleflrt: My kneejerk reaction is to say “making the voices in my head shut up” because man, sometimes they won’t be quiet until I’m 50k into a longfic. But really it’s the people who read my fics and interact with me during the process, whether it’s the friends that I brainstorm with or just the commenters. I have so much fun making friends with the people that read my stuff. They’re the ONLY reason I ever finish anything. I probably wouldn’t bother with all the work and angst and time I put into writing if I didn’t think there was someone out there besides me who wants to read the story.

What aspects of writing do you find difficult when you write fanfiction?

I don’t find anything difficult specifically about writing fanfiction. Most of my difficulties with writing fanfiction are actually just difficulties with writing in general.  

Unless maybe I’m trying to follow the existing story very closely? My first fanfic was the entire game of Dragon Age 2, but told from the companion’s view instead of the protagonist. So making sure it was accurate was tough. But since I happily throw canon out the window most of the time, that was only a struggle for that type of fic.  

I guess to a certain degree I’ll struggle with characterization when I first start writing for a fandom. Dragon Age and Mass Effect stars an original character so that’s not a worry, but making sure the side characters all sound and act like they should is still a challenge. When I started getting the urge to write Supernatural fic, I knew I’d have Dean down. I’m a Dean!Girl like whoa.  But Sam? Oh my gods, I was terrified I wouldn’t be able to capture him correctly. Okay actually now that I think about it, I still worry about writing Sam. Since my fics are Destiel-centric, he doesn’t get the spotlight as often and I don’t have as much practice.

Have you ever received hateful comments on your fic and how do you deal with it?

Back when I used to cross post my work on FFnet I was targeted by an anti-slash troll. Their comments were completely ludicrous and didn’t make any sense (at one point they said that a shower scene was unrealistic because real men don’t use shampoo? REALLY???). And their profile specified that they were deliberately being as hateful as possible in their comments in an attempt to drive slash writers off the website completely.  

Just FYI, this person is not the reason I don’t use FFnet anymore. I am too lazy to continue crossposting, and I write a lot of NC-17 stuff so I felt that it was best to just stick with AO3, where I started in the first place.

Anyway mostly I just laughed. Like I said, their comments were soooo over the top that I couldn’t even be insulted. And they read and commented on 20+ chapters of a 42 chapter fic before I decided to block them so my followers who might be offended wouldn’t be subjected to any more of their vitriol. They came after me on Tumblr a couple times, and I blocked them there too. Turned off anon for a while. They had no choice but to move on.  

I know a few other authors that were targeted who took it much more personally than I did, and were eventually driven off FFnet, and that saddens me. Block functions are the bestest, and I use them liberally. And in the one case where I got a comment from someone on AO3 that I found offensive and hateful, I deleted it so I wouldn’t even have to see it ever again. Thank you, AO3, you ROCK :D

Conversely: what’s been some of your favorite feedback on your fanfic?

There are so many wonderful kinds of comments. Keysmashes, emojis, long and thoughtful analysis, squeals of joy or tears of heartache in text format and I LOVE THEM ALL. But...

I get a lot of comments, especially on Kiss the Baker, that talk about how they’re having a crappy day/week/life, and reading my fic brightened their day. Sometimes people will tell me they’ve read the fic multiple times because they needed the stress relief.  These comments make my heart grow three sizes. I save them and go back and read them when I’M having a bad day. I’m so happy that something I’ve written can do this for some people.

How do you handle writer’s block?

First, I whine. It’s amazing how just venting can get the creative juices flowing again.  

If that doesn’t work I whine specifically to @jupiterjames​ because she and I share a muse. And usually if I’m experiencing writer’s block, it’s because I need someone to tell me to cut a scene, and she always delivers lol.  

If I know where I want to go but the words just aren’t coming to me, I’ll switch from typing my stories to writing in a notebook by hand. It has to be a small notebook. Sometimes I’ll even grab a pad of post-it notes and write my story there, sticking them to the nearest available wall as I fill up each one.  It’s weird, but it really helps.

Sometimes writer’s block is just my laziness defeating me. In those cases I’ll do a 1k1hr, because if there’s a timer going I’m more likely to focus, and that will help me smash through to the other side in one or two sessions.

Which Supernatural fanfic of yours are you most proud of and why?

This question is cruel why would you ask me to choose between my babies??? D:

*makes sure the other fics aren’t listening and whispers* It’s Kiss the Baker.  I think it’s sweet, I think it’s funny, I like to re-read it over and over and I don’t get tired of it like I do my other fics. It’s the one that I want to repurpose for traditional publishing because it’s one of the most original stories I’ve written in the fandom. Yes, I’ve written several, but this one is the best. And since it’s my most popular, even though I have it set to members only, I think my audience probably agrees with me :D

*at full volume* But seriously though, I’m proud of all my fics :)

What/who has had the biggest influence on your writing?

In fandom, it’s @hot-elf, who was one of the first friends I made when I started writing fanfiction and was also my first beta reader, and also @jupiterjames​ because as I said earlier we share a muse and we’re constantly brainstorming together. I would not be the writer I am today without their guidance and input and willingness to put up with my angst in their inboxes.

Outside of fandom, it’s probably all those trashy romance authors that I loved so much growing up. Kathleen E. Woodiwiss, Johanna Lindsey, and Julie Garwood were my childhood favorites. I devoured everything I could find by any of them, and many of their books are in my personal collection, tattered and worn from multiple readings. Reading their works made me want to write romances when I grew up. And on one of my early fics I got a comment from someone who compared my writing to Julie Garwood and lemme just tell you. Over. The. Moon. Was. I.

What are you currently working on?

I’m working on a fic for the DeanCas Tropefest. I’m hoping it won’t run away with me and end up over 100k *knocks on wood*, because I’m also signed up for the DeanCas Big Bang. They run at the same time, so I need to write two fics this summer.  

It’s been a while since I’ve participated in a writing challenge and completed it, so I’m going to try extra hard to do both of them. The downside is that I probably won’t work on anything else for the next four months, so I apologize in advance to my readers for the dry spell.

If you could give one piece of advice to a new and/or struggling writer, what would it be?

Find writing buddies! Someone you can squeal to in excitement, or whine to in frustration. Someone who can tell you when you’re doing the right thing, and gently steer you in the right direction when you’re not.  

Writing can be done in a vacuum of feedback, but it’s no fun. And if you’re not having fun, there’s very little point. Recognition for your work after it’s posted is nice, but not as intimate as playing the writing game with your friends :)

Here be awesome... Tumblr: ltleflrt.tumblr.com and  ltleflrt.com/tagged/oops_i_ficced AO3: Ltleflrt

9 questions with liz-lzaz

This week: @liz-lzaz​  talks grappling with characterisation; getting back into writing, and not easily giving up on writing when things aren’t going your way.

ASS: What do you most enjoy about writing fanfiction?

liz-lzaz: That it’s brought me back to writing and a creativity that I thought was lost. I used to write a lot and then it sort of tapered off, but getting into fanfiction writing has helped that. Also, seeing a finished product is immensely satisfying!

What aspects of writing do you find difficult when you write fanfiction?

Getting the characterisation right. Since these aren’t original characters, I’m nervous about how they’ll come across in fics. I’m working on an case fic right now and I’m pretty much a ball of anxiety hoping that Sam and Dean will sound like Sam and Dean. Welp.

Have you ever received hateful comments on your fic and how do you deal with it?

Not yet! I’m not well-known so my few comments have been positive. Perhaps if I ever finish a Big Bang I’ll get some hate. I feel like it’s a fanfic right of passage.

Conversely: what’s been some of your favorite feedback on your fanfic?

Again, I’m new to the SPN fanfiction scene (but a veteran Dragon Ball Z author, aw yeah) so my comments are few but I’ve appreciated all of them!

How do you handle writer’s block?

Poorly. I am great at avoiding so I just shut down my laptop and do anything else. However, I’m trying to fix this! I have a “Writer’s Emergency Pack”(™) that is basically a deck of cards with prompts designed to get your creative juices flowing again. We’ll see how it works.

Which Supernatural fanfic of yours are you most proud of and why?

Well, I currently have written three and one of them is foolishness soooooo. I’ll go with “The Things I Meant”, because it was the first time I successfully participated in a fic exchange! It has a legitimate plot and everything.

What/who has had the biggest influence on your writing?

Pretty much every fanfiction author I’ve read. I read these fantastic pieces that they’ve come up with and it makes me want to write. Some fanfiction authors that I really admire are NorthernSparrow, thecouchcarrot, museaway, and squeemonster. Wanna be their friends. My friend, Kat, who (somehow) listens patiently when I all-caps at her IS THIS IDEA DUM????

What are you currently working on?

SPN Cae Fic Mini Bang! Let’s see if I can pull it off!

If you could give one piece of advice to a new and/or struggling writer, what would it be?

Oh snap. Um. I am both new and struggling, so I will go with what I tell myself (even if it doesn’t always work): Don’t give up so easily. Write because you love to write and you love the characters in this universe. The more you do it the better it will feel to write.

9 questions with ripuptheending

This week: @ripuptheending talks keeping characters in character; moving from short form to long form, and why you need to keep on writing.

ASS: What do you most enjoy about writing fanfiction?

ripuptheending: I suppose I love the idea of never having to leave behind the characters and the worlds that I’ve come to love so much. I also have a tendency to work out my own feelings when I write fanfic much more so than I do with original fic!

What aspects of writing do you find difficult when you write fanfiction?

I only discovered fanfic a few years ago and I devoured everything I could get my hands on. I just remember thinking how incredibly talented these writers were to take existing characters and stories and give them a totally unique spin while still holding true to the original content. I especially loved when I’d pick out exact lines or references to the show used in completely new ways. Long story short: I bow down to the incredible talent in this fandom so just the actual act of writing fic at all terrified me and still does! I get stuck in my head a lot and it took a lot of encouragement from other writer friends to make the plunge from little drabbles on twitter to writing a story! Most days I still feel like a little fish who got lost in this great big pond of talent, so that definitely makes it difficult to write at times!

Have you ever received hateful comments on your fic and how do you deal with it?

Fortunately, I have never received hateful comments about my fanfic. I have, however, been targeted for some of my original fiction. It’s taken a lot of years but the best way I’ve learned to deal with it is to just remember that in most cases, it probably has nothing to do with me at all. And it’s definitely not due to a character fault or a moral failing on my part. That person most likely has something going on in their own life, so I send out a positive thought and go on my way.

Conversely: what’s been some of your favorite feedback on your fanfic?

I’m just going to put it right out there and say I love every single bit of feedback I’ve gotten, whether it’s to mention a stubborn typo I missed or to say they liked the story. To be honest I’m still blown away by the fact that anyone reads my writing anyway so it all means a lot to me. I read every single message I get but I’m usually not sure how to respond. I wish AO3 had a comment like button!

How do you handle writer’s block?

Not very well honestly! I’m usually good while I’m working on something but as soon as I’m done my brain short circuits and forgets how to word. I’m still working on it and definitely don’t have all the answers, but I’ve found that I do best when I just allow myself to have an off day rather than beating myself up for it.

Which Supernatural fanfic of yours are you most proud of and why?

I love all of my fics for very different reasons, but if I have to pick just one I’d say Soul Survivor. That story was, and probably always will be, the most difficult thing I ever wrote. Not only was it my first challenge, it was my first casefic and I am not a plot based writer. More importantly though, I wrote this story during a time when my whole world had just been turned on end. The story didn’t beat me and neither did my life. This fic will always remind me of that.

What/who has had the biggest influence on your writing?

It probably goes without saying but I’ll say it anyway: read, read, read! I read over 300 full length DeanCas fics in around a 3 month time period before I ever even considered the idea of writing fic. (No. I am not joking! I read really fast and was very depressed when I first found the fandom. The stories helped get me through :) ) I’ve been a writer my whole life but I can see a drastic difference in my writing since I started reading more. Also, just having other writer friends to talk to. That was something I never had before I got into this fandom. These days that usually involves multiple challenge chats and a lot of yelling into the void (aka brainstorming and editing) with LoversAntiquities/tragidean.

What are you currently working on?

I’m currently working on final edits for the DeanCas Tropefest mid-winter 5k (ed: fic is up now, here). This year’s theme was an AU under 5k! It was a lot of fun to write but that’s all I can tell you about it until posting, which starts this weekend. Spoilers! ;)

If you could give one piece of advice to a new and/or struggling writer, what would it be?

You can’t fix a blank page.

I don’t remember who said it originally but I love it and it’s so true. Just keep on trying and get the words out there. That’s the hardest part. Everything else can be fixed later.

9 questions with marmeladyorange

This week: @marmeladyorange talks using fanfic writing as a means to practice English; the struggle against writing OOC, and the joys of the mid-read commenter.

ASS: What do you most enjoy about writing fanfiction?

marmeladyorange: Probably the fact that I get to play with characters I love. It’s like back when I was a kid and played with my Barbie! She could be anything I wanted her to be: a lounge singer, a hairdresser, living in mansions with walls made of books. I find it’s a very similar process. As in, it was always the same doll, but she was always different from one time to the next. Same thing goes for Dean, Sam, Castiel, or any character I feel like playing with. I build the setting, dress ‘em up, do their hair and then just let my imagination go. If I’m being a little bit more down to earth, I find writing fanfiction is a great way for me to practice, especially since English isn’t my first language.

What aspects of writing do you find difficult when you write fanfiction?

Keeping them in character. Doesn’t matter that we have no choice but to bend their personalities a little to serve our stories sometimes. Especially when getting them get together, like Destiel or any other pairing that’s not canon. I have committed this sin before myself, especially with my latest DCBB. (In hindsight, I think it would have been better as original work rather than a Destiel piece, to be honest.) Still, I know not everyone will see things the same way, so someone somewhere is bound to not appreciate the way a character will be written. Comes with the territory, I guess. But yeah, that’s what I struggle with the most. Or, it’s my greatest fear, I should say.

Have you ever received hateful comments on your fic and how do you deal with it?

I’ve been incredibly lucky. As far as I remember, I’ve only gotten one message I could qualify as hateful. I chose to respond, saying they had a right to their opinion and thanked them for their comments, bent on not answering again if they decided to keep going. lol  They never wrote back, and that’s the only time it happened, so I can’t say I have “a way” of dealing with them. I don’t know how I’d react if it became a regular occurrence, honestly; if someone decided to kill me with their words. I also know I can get a bit defensive in face of criticism. Still, I do my best to keep an open mind. I just tend to want to wanna explain my side of things… when there’s a side to have, that is.

Conversely: what’s been some of your favorite feedback on your fanfic?

Honestly, any comment is just so awesome. Still, I do have a soft spot for when people react as they read, would it be a simple thumb up or a more elaborate comment after they’ve read a chapter; doesn’t matter that it’s “praise” or critics, really. Some readers have brought up great points by leaving comments mid-read, allowing me to correct my mistakes. Or at the very least explain whatever they might have been struggling with. It’s almost like being there with them as they read. As I said, all comments are just amazing to get and read, it’s just… getting a note mid-read is always a wonderful surprise. Like, they couldn’t wait anymore and had to share their feelings, or thoughts, and even ideas. It’s delectable, really.

How do you handle writer’s block?

I kind of don’t? When I get in that headspace, nothing will come out. All I can do is stop and find something else to pass the time; watch a movie, go to bed if it’s late enough (or if I’m tired enough), find something to read, build houses in the Sims, walk the dog… anything!! It can take a long time for me to be able to come back to whatever I’ve been writing so I wait it out. I know it’ll come back eventually.

Which Supernatural fanfic of yours are you most proud of and why?

Hmm… right now, I’d say my 2016 DCBB is at the top of my personal list. It doesn’t matter that my characterization didn’t seem to work for most readers, I still like that story very much. It’s far from perfect, but it’s pretty different from anything I’ve written before. Which might explain why I have such a soft spot for it. I also kind of like that story I wrote a while ago, with a Dean/Impala twist. And that one part of my “Intervention” series with the brothers getting trapped in a Mario Bros. like game by Gabriel. loll (Is it sad that I crack myself up?)

What/who has had the biggest influence on your writing?

I’ve been wanting to write for almost as long as I remember. Being an author has always been a dream of mine and I can honestly say that for a long time, Stephen King was my biggest influence. How I wished I’d be able to write horror stories the way he does. I still love him (although I don’t read as much), but I now know horror’s not my shtick… not “supernatural” horror anyway. I think Chuck Palahniuk’s books are what have been driving me these past years. Psychological weirdness/horror is much more scary and interesting to me than actual monsters. When it comes to writing, anyway. Weirdly, when it comes to reading & writing in my native French, my influences tend to be very different. People like Amélie Nothomb or Bernard Werber are those I look up to the most, I’d say. Amélie is probably my biggest influence of the two though. I love them weird authors.

What are you currently working on?

In the midst of writing an Alternate Season 9 story… lots of angst, slow burn… very slow burn!!! I’ve been publishing a chapter per week for a couple of months now, every Monday. That’s pretty much all I have going on right now, if we talk about fanfics. Mostly because trying to write multiple stories at once will usually end in disaster. I did start thinking about the next story I might be writing, probably for the 2017 DCBB. Got a couple of ideas floating around, so who knows, it could still change. There’s also the dim possibility of foregoing the DCBB altogether and just publish whatever I decide to write. So, really, I’m kinda working on being indecisive.

If you could give one piece of advice to a new and/or struggling writer, what would it be?

Oh dear! I know absolutely nothing!!! Especially when it comes to anything that has to do with juggling a full-time job and wanting to write (can’t even imagine having kids on top of it). When I worked – and I worked a lot – I’d be so tired and fed up to be sitting in front of a computer that I pretty much stopped writing altogether (doing it by hand doesn’t do it for me, I type faster than I think). Spent about 15 years like that, not inspired in the slightest. It’s actually Supernatural that inspired me again… well, this and discovering fanfiction after Season 8 had aired and I needed MORE. You know what I’m talking about, right? You know… THAT season… with all the sub and all the text! It might have helped to fall into a depression and eventually stop working, hence the extra free time I could use to write, but… that story is boring as hell! lol