#everlark-interviews

Oh wow. I’ve just never had a filter. I think it’s a family trait. I’m from a large, loud Eastern European family where everyone speaks their mind, sarcasm is the norm, etc. As far back as high school, my friend and I would read smutty romance novels (mostly Jude Deveraux’s books) out loud at the lunch table just to make our male friends cringe. Totally juvenile, I know. I suppose if I psychoanalyzed myself I might see it as a way to explore sexuality in a safe way or something. Because I’m not nearly so bold in my actions in that way. But even now, I’ll see a double entendre in anything and won’t hesitate to point it out. Cards Against Humanity gives me life. I blame the inner 10-year old boy in me who giggles at inappropriate times. My own 10-year old son is far better behaved than I am in that aspect.

LOL! At some point our inner teen makes a reappearance. 

What Eastern European country is your family from? Have you been there?

We’re Ukrainian on both sides of the family. I’ve never been there but it has been fun to connect with cousins from over there through social media. Some of them grew up in the Soviet days, so when I was a kid, we never really had contact with them.

Give me an example of everhutcher as a ball-buster…

It’s sort of just who I am… again, the no filter thing. I will say I don’t ball-bust in a super-aggressive or antagonistic way, because I know that’s how some people interpret the term. My brand is more teasing. My husband is 14 years older than I am, so the old man jokes are abundant. I’m always telling him at the store to ask about the AARP discount or I’ll remind him that when he was 18, I was in preschool. Just often enough to creep him out.

How did you end up in THG fandom?

That was definitely not a straight line between two points. I knew of the books for a long time, but never read them. I’d also seen THG and CF on DVD at the time they came out, and was entertained enough, but didn’t love them in the way I loved other fandoms like HP or Star Wars.

Then my stepdaughter sort of made me read the books right before MJ1 came out in theaters. She promised I’d love them. And she was right. I loved them and then my love for the whole franchise grew from there.

I can relate to that! It definitely ‘snuck up’!

Have you written for other fandoms?

To be honest, nothing has grabbed me the way THG has, so no.

I get it! Same here.

I guess one exception is that I took part in a RPF Secret Santa thing for JHutch fans. I was really satisfied with how the story turned out but I’m not as comfortable writing about real people, so I have not been compelled to do that since. Kudos to those who can, though.

So what drew you into writing fic?

The ending of MJ just left me unsettled and unsatisfied. 

And although I understand that in a way, it was likely written in the way Katniss would have genuinely told it (i.e., not dwelling on details), as a reader I wanted more. So, I went in search of some insight into Suzanne Collins’ choices as a writer. Instead, I stumbled across fan fiction. I started looking for some good “growing back together” fics. And my love for the entire genre was born. Eventually I felt brave enough to dive in and write some of my own because I couldn’t get enough of Everlark in just about any setting.

What was it like for you when you posted your first fic for all to see?

The same as it is now: I hit “post” or “send” and I squeal and do a panic dance in my home office. I feel like I’m jumping off a cliff or something. 

You never know how it’s going to be received. You don’t want to look or sound stupid (the story or yourself). You might think it’s the best work you’ve done but it’s a load of shit. You just never know what will resonate with people and what won’t. I mean, ultimately you can’t worry about that during the writing process; you have to go with your gut and let the story take you where it wants to go. But you just have to hope people will see something in it that they can relate to as well.

It really never gets any easier, does it? What was a pivotal moment for you in the books?

Arghhhhhh. I think there are so many people who are so much better at noticing details of the book. So many moments. I don’t know if I can classify anything as “pivotal” but I do think some parts resonate with me more than others. The entire sequence of Peeta’s time with the Star Squad in Mockingjay was particularly important to me as a reader, as I think it lends a whole sense of hope, which is so central to the series. In particular, I think the moment Peeta realizes the lizard mutts are coming and he chooses to protect Katniss by yelling for her to run... that, to me, is it. He has already chosen Katniss over Snow in that moment.

Such a good one! What was the hardest moment for you in the series?

I would probably say Everlark’s separation at the end of Catching Fire. I’m such a sucker for those two. Throughout that book they’re connecting in a way they never had before. And unlike the film, Katniss and Peeta are both aware of the other’s presence somewhere around the lightning tree in those final moments in the arena. They can each hear the other calling out. They’re desperate to save one another, and are so close to achieving that. You know, as the reader, that it’s not going to end well for either of them. And, of course, it doesn’t.

What’s the moment you hold onto from the series? That ‘Yes! This is why I love this series’ moment…

That has to be Peeta’s return to 12. As I said earlier, you have these pivotal moments in Mockingjay where Peeta chooses Katniss, in defiance of his hijacking, sometimes without really even being conscious of it. I always wonder what happened to Peeta during his time in the Capitol after Katniss’s trial. Was it a deliberate decision to return to 12? Or was it just instinct driving him to where he felt he belonged? Either way, he returns to Katniss and his first thought is to help Katniss heal. To show Katniss some beauty in the world. He yet again creates a thing of beauty - a simple flowerbed to celebrate Prim’s life - and says “I thought we could plant them for her.” Not me, but we. Even though Katniss isn’t involved in his project, he includes her. They are a team. He is with her, in whatever way she needs. It’s unconditional and pure and lovely to see this reborn in him. Wounded but not broken.

I think you did a lovely job of picking out the details! 

What do you enjoy writing most? (Trope, canon/AU, etc)

I think modern AU is probably what comes easiest to me. For one, it’s fun to imagine Peeta Mellark alive and well and walking amongst us in the modern world just waiting for love  - and who doesn’t want that? LOL. I’m a fairly open book emotionally, more like Peeta, so writing Katniss is a fun challenge for me. And in modern AU, there’s the added challenge in presenting Katniss as someone who stays in character, still finds it hard to open up, without the details of her life in canon District 12 at play. You have to get into the psychology of a modern young woman and the things which might affect her life.

Where do you get your inspirations?

Oh, man. So many places. I suppose, now that I think about it, a lot of of my fics start with real-life events. Some are sad, like the circumstances of a friend of friend which inspired my PiP fic Promise. Others are often inspired by the random convos I have over chat or text with other bloggers. Like, Drill and Fill started with me complaining to another writer about having to go to the dentist but that thank goodness, at least my dentist was cute, and the rest unfolded from there. I also love that there are so many prompt ideas out there, whether on Tumblr or elsewhere. I’m so grateful that someone might not feel comfortable enough writing a fic on their own, but still has a great idea they want to share with others to make the story a reality.

That’s a really great observation. Give me an idea of yours that you will never write, but you would love to read.

Oooooh. That’s so tough because I think, never say never. If it’s something I’d want to read, and it doesn’t already exist, then I generally wouldn’t hesitate to at least attempt to make it a reality myself. That’s why I started writing fic, not just consuming it. I had ideas that I wanted to share. So I’d have to dig deeper to find something I’d read but not also write.

What has been your favorite fic to write?

No fair! My fics are my kids! I love them all for different reasons LOL.

If two of your fics were drowning… see where I’m going with this?

Well, if I have to choose, I’d probably say Under His Wings. I wasn’t sure where I was headed with it at all. Usually I have a strong idea to jump start the process, and my struggle is to keep the momentum of the story going later on. In this case, I had a hard time starting this story, and it picked up steam as I went along. It sort of took on a life of its own very quickly. I think it’s probably my most moving story.

What is the most challenging fic you’ve written?

I tend to write very quickly once an idea hits me, so anytime I end up with a WIP it’s because the mojo isn’t there. I’m currently on the third version of a story that I haven’t published yet. It’s supposed to be part of @papofglencoe’s clearance condom series, which she started after I took a trip to Target while chatting online with her. Her Pumpkin Spice story was such a treat, and I really want to do something fun and sexy with all that inspiration. But if I force it, I know it won’t be as good as it might have been. So WIP it remains.

If you were stranded on a desert island with any THG character, who would you pick? Just one, now!

Peeta. Hands down. Or wherever the hands want to go. See what I mean about raunchy?

HA! Down is a start in the right direction, though, yeah?

We all have that fic that’s our go to - whether it’s our own or someone else’s - that we return to because we love it and know exactly what we’re going to get. What’s yours?

If we’re talking Everlark fic, I’d probably say The Bucket List by Meadowlark27.

Why?

Faith constructed such a beautiful and heart-wrenching story that made me cry several times. If Everlark fans haven’t read it yet, it has it all. Humor and angst and sorrow and friends to lovers, all my favorite elements. And the ending. Ughhhhhh. All the feels, for sure.

What’s your writing process? Some people like to write their stories all at once, then post weekly, while others like to take it one chapter at a time, where posting is more random. Where do you fall in that spectrum?

I’d like to have the discipline to be the former, but I’m definitely the latter. Once I finish a chapter I want people to see it right away. In theory I always think it’s going to force me to work more steadily, because then I can tell myself that people have read it and want more. In reality, life always seems to fill up my time. The older I get, the more of a procrastinator I seem to become.

I get it. Why is that??

Favorite Book? (non THG)

Probably the Lord of the Rings trilogy. 

I first read it in sixth grade, not understanding the historical context in which Tolkien crafted it. At the time I just knew it as a cool good versus evil kind of story. Now I have a much deeper understanding of the historical context, and as a history teacher it speaks to me on that level, for sure. Beyond that, the immense time and energy and effort Tolkien put into creating that universe is just astonishing. The man crafted an entire mythology that the world has embraced as readily as anything mythology of ancient times.

It is incredible. I completely agree, and I love the series!

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I have to think about what spare time is these days lol. I suppose beyond work and family (my husband, son, two stepkids, daughter-in-law and any day now, a stepgrandbaby!) 

Congratulations!

My fandom activities have filled most of my free time. Otherwise, I definitely have a love for genealogy. I’ll go through spurts where I’ll spend hours a day scouring records to add to our family tree. And I enjoy traveling. I wish I had more resources for that, but I try to get out of town every couple of months, even for just a night or two. Living in the Northeast helps, being so close to so much. I’m basically halfway between NYC and Toronto; I have a ton of family and connections in Philly so I’m always there, too. I just spent my birthday in Vegas and I really want to get back out to L.A. soon. Been an East Coast girl my whole life but I love California.

Favorite thing about Tumblr?

The friendships. They’ve gone so far beyond fandom it’s sort of astonishing. The ladies I connect with the most are just about the most open, take-me-as-I-am group of people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. I have my group of girlfriends here in “real” life, particularly my friends from work. But my blogger friends are a constant presence as well. Maybe even more so, because you can always shoot off a text or a group chat throughout the day, come back and find someone three time zones away has weighed in on whatever was on your mind. We throw story ideas at each other, talk about our jobs and kids, nothing is off limits. And when you know most of you write Everlark smut you can’t really hide anything after that lol. They’ve become some of the best friends I’ve ever had.

Can you give some advice to new writers?

Just don’t be afraid to jump in and try something. Challenge yourself. There is a vast community of writers out there with a huge array of talents and strengths and styles. If you are worried about how your work compares to someone else’s, and allow it to make you hesitate to write, you’re bound to hold yourself back due to fear of failure. The only failure is to not let you idea come to life in one way or another. Put it out there and share it. Audiences are always going to be better off for it.

Thank you for taking time to talk to me!

I have a tattoo of a dolphin on my foot! I wanted to be a dolphin trainer and so as soon as I turned 18 I went and had one drawn on me. Lol. I am also a foodie. I’m really digging Asian cuisine at the moment. Spicy Thai noodles and sushi are things I crave weekly!

Oh my god. I planned on getting one on my birthday. Which was in October (p.s it was my 18th too) I don't really like sushi and coz I tend to eat loads of Asian food I've been liking Italian and Spanish food more these days.

Mom tip the first! Get one you can live with when you're 50. And 60. And one you don't mind showing off if trends and ambitions and interests change. (cuz they do!)

So you find yourself unable to say no… do you also find yourself very busy?? Lol.

Yeah one hundred percent. Part of the reason why it takes me ages and ages to respond to your questions.

Don't be so hard on yourself! I've only aged a little since we started. ;)

I have a huge course load and I stay with my uncle and aunt and their 3 dogs. There tends to be a lot of work to do. Also I hardly sleep through the week because of all these assignments I have to do.

Mom tip the second! Whatever you do, don’t say yes right away. Practice these lines - let me get back to you on that, or I need to check my calendar, I’d hate to do a poor job at the favor because I can’t give it the attention it deserves. Then think about it, figure out why you can/can’t do it. If you decide you can’t, politely say I’m so sorry, *insert reason here*. Mom tip the third? Never let someone guilt trip you. ;) I feel like I’ve just set you up for success in your twenties! Lol.

Now, back to our regularly scheduled programming - how did you end up in the Hunger Games fandom?

Well I kind of stumbled upon it really. I discovered fanfic at the end of my 11th grade. And I scoured the net for fanfic on different stuff that I was interested in. I found Everlark and I fell in love. At first it was closure and I read only Canon fics but now I'm obsessed with all these different tropes.

I hear you on the closure. I found one fic that was perfect for closure, and still I’m here reading and writing. I don’t understand.

What’s your favorite trope? Least favorite?

My favorite trope has to be fake relationship AUs and arranged marriage ones. I don't really have a least favorite but if given a choice I would read the ones where either one of K or P are engaged in another relationship (I don't like the idea of them cheating on others). Also super angsty stuff isn't an A-lister for me.

I used to feel the same. Then I found myself unable to get enough angst. Then I started putting them in angsty situations in my head, and then on paper. You’ll get there, trust me! Lol.

What are your favorite fandom fics?

I don't really have a favorite fic but I tend to re-read a lot of fics.  But those are usually when I stumble upon them. I also love The Act, Fated to Love, The Cassie Chronicles, and so many more but I just can't seem to remember.

All fandom faves! Why did you start writing fanfiction?

I don't really remember why I did but what I do remember is that I was watching tv and I got up and was like, ok I'm writing something. I wrote about 7 chapters of this story when I realised that the characters were basically from the THG universe. So all I did was change their names to Katniss and Peeta and there I had my first fanfic.

What’s it called and where can we find it?

I never did post that story anywhere. It's lying written in one of my old diaries back home. I really need to check up on that story when I go home for the break.

Yes, you do! Give us a little summary of it....

Hmmm. It's sort of an in-Panem canon divergent story.  It's about pre decided relationships and a different sort of ginger games. I'll tell you what. I won't give out the story now and use this as motivation to start writing it again so I can post it asap.

What's your favorite story that you've written so far?

I've only written really fluffy stuff, but there's this one drabble that I wrote for a birthday request that just makes me smile each time I read it. Otherwise the fic Masterclass is a work in progress, and I haven’t really worked on it in a while, but I think I'll post a new chapter this week.

New chapters! Excellent! Tell me about Masterclass. What is it about, and where did you come up with it?

Masterchef Australia. I'm absolutely obsessed with that show. And I have always had this fantasy of meeting my celebrity crush. So I combined the two and Everlarked it. A lot of the fumbling and mistakes that Katniss makes through the story (which btw hasn't really come up yet in the first few chapters) reflects me or how I would react in those situations.

So we’ll get a little feel of what it’s like to live a Mellarkablegirl life. Awesome!

What was the birthday request about?

I wrote this fluffy drabble for @everlarkbirthdaydrabbles about Katniss and Peeta with a family. It's the perfect recipe for fluff. It has dogs, kids, a wedding dress trial, balloons, a toastbaby birthday, and of course loads of Everlark.

It sounds wonderful!

Where do you find inspiration for your stories?

Most of my stories are spur of the moment stuff. If an idea comes into my head or if I see anything that I want to Everlark, I go ahead and do it. And at times I just start writing and make up the story as I go. I don't write a lot of angst because it just makes me depressed. So instead, I write fluffy stuff and that's what I like to read.

Oh, but when that depression is lifted when Everlark finally gets together because all of the secrets and feelings are finally, finally out in the open, it’s the greatest thing! There is no emotional high like it IMO.

Who is your favorite THG character and why?

Other than Peeta because he is *with all his little glitches because he is human after all* the best. I absolutely adore Finnick. He is that one fun character in every single story but what I love about him is that with all his playfulness, Finnick as a character is always strong and steady and a voice of reason in all the emotional storm that usually comprise a fanfic. Also Finnick features in my favorite scene from the THG trilogy.

Which scene would that be?  

It's the scene where Katniss and Finnick apply the capitol meds over their scars from the fog and scare Peeta together when he wakes up.

Why does it top every other scene in the trilogy for you?

For me the scene just shows happiness and playfulness. Which I think isn't very emphasized in the series. I mean there is loads of happiness, but it's always because of  a serious outcome.  It's never just frivolous playfulness and the comment about Peeta trying his hardest to keep an annoyed face at their antics just makes me smile.

That is definitely a fun, light hearted moment needed in the series! Give a shout out to your tumblr friends. Who have you connected with here in the fandom?

@jlalafics @booksrockmyface, and you are the only few I've really connected with on tumblr but I do read about and follow loads of others.

We’ve had some turnover in the fandom. Some have moved on, others are just getting started. Where do you find yourself in this cycle, and what keeps you hanging around?

I'm probably one of those people who's not exactly a newbie, but I also can't say I'm a seasoned pro. I haven't really written plenty but I'm sure that I'm not going anywhere for a while.

If you could have dinner with any person in the whole world, who would it be?

That would definitely be my Mom.

Hold up! Shouldn’t Mellarkablegirl want to have dinner with her super hero counterpart??

It's been ages since I've seen her and even when I was home she would hardly be home in time from work to have dinner with me. But, if I could magically make it happen I'd have dinner with Peeta Mellark.

Wouldn’t we all?

Last words and advice to fandom bloggers, new and old… what are your words of wisdom?

I don't know if I can really give any advice but this I know - don't be discouraged by a poor response to a post and please, please, please feel free enough to voice your opinion about anything I write. I love feedback and comments :p

LOL! You were hooked.

About a year later I discovered fan fiction. I was home sick and bored out of my mind. I found some really good fan made Hunger Games videos on YouTube, and, while searching for more, I came across FFN. And I was blown away by the phenomenal quality of some of the works that I had found there. Oh yes, I was hooked, all right!

What was it about it that appealed to you? And what made you decide to write. Had you ever done it before?

The way the authors tweaked events, told stories from other POVs, and filled in gaps had me mesmerized. And, of course, I discovered Everlark. The romantic aspect of the original story had a certain appeal to it and the FFN authors just fleshed it out. The main appeal, I think, was that Katniss never thought she was anything special. She just did what she needed to do to keep her family alive. And Peeta, holding onto a crush for all those years. I really could feel his pain, even more so at the end of The Hunger Games when he confronted Katniss and realized that much of what she had done with regards to their "Star-Crossed Lovers" romance was part of the game. But, by her own admission, not all of it was strategy. He stirred feelings inside her that she had no experience with.

I decided to write after reading different works for a few months. I found some stories that had really excellent plots and storylines, but were poorly written. So I began thinking "I could probably do these stories justice," so I sat down one day and wrote Chapter 1 of A Tale of Two Victors. And, until that day, the last time I had ever written anything creative was in 1974, when I took a semester of Creative Writing in my junior year of high school!

And now you've got several fantastic stories under your belt. Did you know that Absolution is one of the Top 10 most read Everlark fics out there?

I wasn't aware of that! Wow! Guess that's the equivalent of a New York Times best-seller :-)

I'd say. It's fantastic. What inspired that one?

Well, I had done A Tale of Two Victors, which takes place between The Hunger Games and Catching Fire, and Renaissance, which was my post-Mockingjay contribution, and I had even delved into the events that started the whole HG universe with my Catastrophes fic, Ragnarok (the fandoms best-kept secret, BTW...LOL), but I had the idea for Absolution kicking around in my head for several months. What if I take the original story and tweak it slightly, to where Gale volunteers for Peeta? And, at the same time, make Peeta's life a living hell? So I took that basic idea and ran with it :-)

You are very mean to both of my babies in that fic. There were days I wanted to reach through the screen and throttle you. And then I'd chew my nails until the next week. But you made me think a lot about what could have happened to Peeta and Katniss if they hadn't had the other for protection. They would have been so isolated. Did you know where you wanted to take the story arc from the very beginning or do you prefer to write without an outline?

I caught so much grief from everyone at my brutal treatment of both Katniss and Peeta. And, thinking back, maybe I was just a little too mean to Peeta. But in writing the story, I kept thinking about how Gale's presence in the Games would change everything and how that would affect events. Considering the brutal world of Panem, everything that happened to them were things that happened to others in the original trilogy. And, like you just said, they didn't have each other for protection and support; at least, not until the end. I've never written a real detailed outline for any of my stories. Just a general synopsis. I know generally where I want the story to go, but I let the story live its own life and sometimes events go off on tangents that I really didn't expect.

I was going to ask you how people reacted to your treatment of their faves. How do you handle that? When readers react negatively to a particular path you are on?

On AO3, the "Peeta and Cressida do the deed" chapter generated a storm of comments. Around a hundred for that chapter alone. And many were negative, but not necessarily in the context of attacks on me for writing it. More along the lines of "How could Peeta do that to Katniss? She'll never trust him again!" I welcome constructive criticism, but I've also had the occasional snarky remark from people just looking to troll. Those I ignore. But I find constructive criticism to be very helpful. Hopefully it makes me a better writer.

Do you still answer all of your reviews and comments?

Yes. Each and every one. The only ones that I don't answer are the guest reviews on FFN, and that's only because I can't send a personal message to the reviewer. But, sometimes I will respond to an FFN guest review by posting a comment of my own.

I think that's really admirable. And so exciting for the reader, to be able to interact with you. Why do you feel that's so important?

I know that I enjoy hearing back from writers when I comment on their work. It's an acknowledgement that this person took time to read MY story and comment on it. There are so many choices out there. So, if nothing else, I just like to tell my readers "Thank you!"

Tell me about Ragnarok? You said people are missing out...

Well, I don't think it was a popular story because it's all original characters, and there's very little romance. But I'm very proud of it just the same. I had to craft an entirely original story and I had to give all of my characters their own personalities. The story deals with my view of the Catastrophes that ended the world that we know and created the nation of Panem. I think it would appeal more to hard-core apocalyptic fans. That being said, I did have a core of followers that reviewed each and every chapter faithfully. But nothing like Absolution :-)

And Epiphany? How's that going?

Slow but sure. I had never intended to write a sequel to Absolution, so the story progression is a bit slower. Plus, I'm also writing an original novel at the same time, so my updates on Epiphany are not nearly as frequent as they were for Absolution or some of my earlier works.

An original! That's great. Is this a path you you ever expected to be on?

If you had told me, three years ago, that I would be writing an original novel to be self-published, I would have asked you what you were smoking ;-) So no, I had never even expected to even attempt something like this!

Give me a teaser!

It's historical in nature, about a man that is virtually immortal. I drew a ton of inspiration from The Hunger Games. My immortal is faced with problems such as keeping his true nature a secret, always having to change identities, and never being able to find true love or have any sort of relationship....until he meets an extraordinary woman.

Excellent!! You're going to let us know when it publishes, right?

Of course. I'm nowhere close to that yet, though. I have two alpha-readers and I spend as much time editing each chapter as I do writing each chapter...LOL!

:) I wish you tons of luck with that. And now, I'm going to wrap this up with the same question I ask everyone. What's your advice for a would-be writer who's thinking about posting their first fic?

Never think that it's not good enough. Accept constructive criticism. And please don't abandon your story half-way through! Thank you so much for choosing me to interview :-) It's been a genuine pleasure!

Good advice! Thanks so much for doing this. Keep in touch, OK?

Awesome! Thanks again :-)I will!

Thanks so much for doing this.

Not a problem. I'm so flattered to be on your list!

:) We're trying to reach out to as many writers as we can.

It's a good thing you're doing.

Thanks! So tell me about you and Everlark. What first brought you to the fandom?

I stumbled upon it by accident. It was right after Catching Fire was released in the theatre. I remembered when the first one came out and thought it looked like an intriguing story, but forgot about it. I was determined to see The Hunger Games  on TV and then go see Catching Fire and get all caught up. I mentioned it to my neighbour and she gave me the book and said "Read this first." I did, and I was hooked! I went out and bought the book series, watched the first two films and then started looking for somewhere to explore the story more fully.

I eventually found some essays posted by @posthungergamessyndrome and that brought me to tumblr and a whole bunch of other people who shared the passion for these characters and their story.

Had you ever been part of a fandom before?

No, this was the first for me! I hadn't even been involved in social media before that. I started a tumblr blog and immersed myself mainly in meta analysis and discussion.

When did you start writing? This was a first for me too, by the way...

I was introduced to the fanfiction side of the fandom by my tumblr friend @finduilasnumenesse. She posted that she was thinking about writing the entire series from Peeta's POV and I encouraged her. She asked if I would beta for her. I had no idea what that was, but I was game to help a friend! Eventually we got to the end of Mockingjay and I mentioned a few ideas for the growing back together.

Way to go! And?

She encouraged me to try writing myself. That led to my first one-shot Scars.

Had you ever written creatively before?

No. Maybe a few things way back in high school, but that's a long time ago. (I'm a 'mature' fangirl!) This was definitely a new world for me. But I loved being able to explore THG universe this way, and the collaborative process is really rewarding.

I'm ignoring the 'mature' comment. LOL.

Okay!

Tell me about that first experience. What was it like for you?

The one-shot came to me out of the blue, and it just felt natural as it unfolded. It gave me the confidence to try a longer story, a multi-chapter. That was a little more challenging. Every step I tried to push my comfort zone a little bit further and see what I could do.

:) That's excellent. And how did the fandom react to your work?

What really helped was having a supportive beta. I didn't have a big following so there wasn't a lot of feedback, but it was really rewarding when someone reblogged my stuff or gave a positive feedback.

I got ahead a little there! I set up an AO3 account when I wrote Embers (the first multi-chapter). I didn't get a lot of feedback, but what I did was so appreciated. It wasn't Everlark, so that maybe played a part, but I wasn't ready to write a big story for Everlark at that point.

But you've gotten there now. I'm really enjoying Wildflower!

Thank you! I am so grateful for Wildflower. It was the best collaborative venture! I think it's a good moment to mention to new writers that it takes time for people to find you. And that's okay!

It does take time. And you really have to put yourself out there, I've found. Being part of Tumblr has made a big difference in the traffic to my stories. Why do you see Wildflower as a collaborative venture?

I had two amazing source materials, my faithful beta Hinke ( @finduilasnumenesse ) who went out and read Centennial when I mentioned my idea to write a cross-over, then @titaniasfics and @papofglencoe came on board offering to help, and suddenly I've got a team of people willing to partner with me! I got brave and decided to post it as a WiP, and @bethylark offered her assistance with Native American culture. And two talented artists offered to create banners. It was wonderful to have all that support.

So let's talk about betas. You've done a fair bit of beta work and also have great relationships with your own betas. Why is a beta so important? What do they bring to the story?

I'd love to talk about betas! First, it's a fun way to enjoy the fandom, bonding over something creative. But it's so important when you are writing and feeling self-doubt. Or just struggling with some aspect of the story. To have people to reach out to, who offer their encouragement and advice... it's wonderful!

Nice! Everlarkers are the bomb!

True!

What do you think is a beta's most important job?

I think it's to do what is asked. Sometimes a writer just needs that warm hug to help them when their confidence is lagging. Other times it's to help fix a problem the writer is experiencing with their story, or help with a suggestions or options if the writer is stuck.

I didn't mention my banner makers names (for Wildflower)!! @otrascosasseries and @loving-mellark!

They both do wonderful work! Wait'll you see the new banner loving-mellark made for my mermaid fic. Whoa! What's the rewarding part of being a beta for you?

Being part of the creative process, seeing a story unfold is exciting. But I value the friendships that build because of that process very much! That's the best reward of all. :-)

So, tell me about your fics. Do you have a favourite?

Oh, that's a hard one, since each helped me grow in confidence. Certainly Wildflower has been a HUGE boost to my self esteem. I've received as much as I've given with that one, if that makes sense. But I have a special place for The Place Where I Love You. It was my first multi-chapter Everlark. I had to do a lot of world building, and create original characters. It was scary and challenging, and even if it's not my best technical work, I'm proud of that one.

I think that was the first of your stories that I read. What inspired that one?

I wanted to write about the Dark Days Rebellion. I thought it would interesting to write it with Katniss and Peeta as the ancestors for their counterpoints in THG. And then link all the characters together at the end, show how they all connected to each other between the two stories.

It's a great concept! I really enjoyed it. So what are you working on now?

Thank you! I'm almost finished another multi-chapter story that I wrote for Camp Nanowrimo. This one is also set during the DD Rebellion, but a different type of story. I have to mention what a great experience Camp is! I loved the supportive atmosphere, and the chance to get to know my cabin mates a little better. The new story is an enemies to lovers trope. That's been fun to write!

Ooo! Can't wait to dig into that!

I should be ready to post Chapter 1 in a couple of weeks. I have my amazing beta team helping again, so it's getting close! It's called Silver Thaw. (Note from the mods: Check it out -- sooo good!)

What's the best thing about being part of this fandom?

I've loved being able to dig into the series, to have a place to post meta, to get to enjoy what others have to say. And the creativity - gifs, edits, fan art, videos. But when people come together and support and nurture each other's form of expression, that's the best! We all come from such diverse places, walks of life, and parts of the world. But we get to bond over a shared love. :-)

I agree! Being part of this fandom has been a really enriching experience.

I'm glad to see that even though the movies are done, we are still here writing and enjoying it together.

Me too! And I think that even though the fandom is going to change, be a little less intense, it's going to last. Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to me. I think I've got all I need. It was lovely to meet you. Let's keep in touch OK?

Thank you so reaching out to me! I was kind of nervous, but you made it easy! Take care and yes, let's keep in touch! Hugs!

It was my pleasure!!

:-)

Hey you, I'm just sitting here reading No Unicorns for what has to be the 10th time. Let me know when you're free to chat.

Oh my god, LOL. Shut up! I'm ready. (Just kidding about shutting up, thank you.)

LOL. Hey. So, we'll just chat and all will be cool, okay?

Okay, sounds excellent. Because this is making me nervous for some reason. LOL

I was biting my nails when the interview @xerxia31 did with me was finally posted. So, I get it. Let's talk about writing! When did you start?

I feel like I've been writing forever. Since I was a little kid, really. But do you mean fanfic in particular?

We'll get to fic. What is it about writing that appeals to you?

I guess it's because I love stories, and I've always got some sort of fantasy running through my head. So sometimes those fantasies need to come out. And since I'm a lifelong reader, I guess I was just drawn naturally to writing as an outlet for my internal stories.

Makes sense! What do you like to read?

Oh, everything. YA, NA, fantasy/sci-fi, horror. I'll give anything a try, especially if it has a good romance, because shipping is important to me, obviously.

Obviously! LOL. Do you always have a book on the go?

Always. It makes me insane to not have a back-up or five. I'm always looking for the next awesome thing. It's like crack.

Your Goodreads list must be awesome!

Thanks! It's definitely got a variety of things. I can have weird taste sometimes, though, so some of the stuff might not appeal to everyone. Do you like to read? Because I'll take recs, man.

I do! Working my way through the new HP script at the moment. Oh, and a Dan Brown novel. I like lots of different things. Romance, fantasy, Sci-Fi (to a point), dystopian stuff, mystery, drama. I'll read most anything. I'm thinking that maybe your tastes are so diverse because you read so much!

So, after all the things you've read. What appeals to you about Everlark?

Everything really. I love the childhood connection, the push and pull of their relationship (enemies to friends to lovers), and Peeta's utter dedication. And just the idea of inevitable love.

I think that's one of the most beautiful things about the story: the idea that they had always shared a connection, and that Katniss had always watched him, kept track of him while he worshipped her from afar. His promise of Always and the way he's able to come back from such horrific torture to be with her the way that it's meant? Sigh… I guess there's not really a question there. LOL.

LOL. No, but I enjoyed it anyway. I completely agree with everything you said.

So, what made you decide to write fanfic?

It was after I watched the first THG movie. I'd already read the books years before, but watching the film really just did me in. I immediately craved fanfic afterwards, and then once I started reading them, ideas of my own started popping up.

Had you written fanfic before?

A few times, but nothing serious. I actually wrote a Dramione one once for HP, but it's since been deleted...because it was terrible LOL.

LOL at the idea that you could write something terrible. Although, I've got my nose wrinkled at Dramoine.

LOL. Well, thank you, but I definitely write some pretty shitty things. And don't you dare look at Dramione that way.

:p I won't mess with your ship, I swear! Your work is totally different than most Everlark fic that gets posted. Where do your ideas come from?

Umm, I don't really know. I suppose it's just a combination of being a weirdo with a big imagination. And I'm also inspired by the shows, movies and books I consume, so it's a collective effort. Also, I think it's important to write the things you personally want to read about, but may not already exist in the form that you want it. Which is what I try to do.

What is it about Peeta's character that makes you want to explore Dark!Peeta?

I just like to corrupt puppies. :) Plus, I believe he has his own inner darkness in canon, shown by his hijacked!Peeta personality -- which to me was just the worst version of himself that was exacerbated by what the Capitol did to him. But also I like to mess around with angels and make them do devilish things. Sometimes it's more interesting that way.

I think you're right that his past abuse and the arena had left some dark spots that the Capitol was able to exploit. Do you have a favourite among your fics?

Hmm. I guess if I had to choose, it would be First We Feast. Second place would be one I took down called Covet. But it's sort of hard to say, because you sort of love and hate all of your fics in different ways...sort of like your children. Just kidding. I don't have any children. But I imagine it's much the same.

I love mine equally but for different reasons (but I guess that applies to both my kids and my fics!) Why did you take down Covet? Are you thinking about turning it into an original fic?

Yes, I am. I have big plans for it. I think I've come up with a few ways to make it an even better as an original. And honestly, it was already pretty OOC anyway when I look back on it, so it's just a matter of setting it apart a few steps further.

I'm really excited for you! That's amazing. What made you decide you were ready to make the leap?

I had an idea in my head for an original book that wasn't fanfiction, and I thought, "Okay, it's time. Capitalize on this inspiration and just go for it." And then before I knew it, I had a book written. However, it's sitting there right now collecting dust, waiting for more edits, but I really just needed space from it for awhile. I'm planning for my next originals to be the reworked Covet one, and also Heartsick which I took down for that purpose as well. I don't think you ever really feel ready, but if you don't start now, time will still pass regardless. And the only difference is that in six months you won't have a book if you didn't at least try.

Very true. Are you planning to self-publish or are you going to try to shop it?

I would like to try to shop it, but I'm willing to self-publish. I have a friend who's already done that and I'll beg her for guidance if necessary. But right now it's a mess, so it's hard to envision it on anyone's Kindle, LOL. But at least the bare bones are done. It'll be ready when it's ready and great when that happens, I'm sure. There's crazy talent in this fandom. Better than a lot of what I see on the shelves these days.

I completely agree with you there. I've always been floored by the writers in this fandom. The stuff people did for @promptsinpanem (PIP) blew me away consistently. I need to talk to you about PIP. That all started before I joined the fandom. What brought that about?

It was a pretty simple thing at first. One day Essie ( @silvercistern ) and I decided that our fandom needed a writing challenge, because one didn't exist yet. We were thirsty for more fics, so we basically just cobbled the idea together in a weekend and then launched it right away. We didn't even know if anyone would participate other than us, and our friends. But people did, and it became this great thing. I think it was when the fandom was at its purest. Everyone was excited and just wanted to write, or read, and create. And all the ideas were so fresh. It was an idyllic time.

Do you think the fandom is going through a transition?

I think it's just going through the natural process that all fandoms undergo. It's never going to be like it once was, but there are still plenty of people who love THG and Everlark. So while there is a decline in activity, there will also always be new fans, which is comforting.

Do you think PIP was a reflection of the enthusiasm at the time, or that it was part of the reason for it?

I think maybe a little of both.

How so?

A community effort like that is definitely going to foster a sense of camaraderie, but you're also not going to participate and produce quality work unless you REALLY love the subject matter.

Very true! Well, I think the fandom owes you and Essie quite a lot for what your weekend brainstorming session created. I've got one more question for you. I always ask the same one at the end. Part of the reason for the blog is to encourage new writers to share their work. If you had a piece of advice to a new writer, or a shy writer, what would it be?

I know that it's really intimidating to put your work out there for the first time, but remember that there's an audience out there who is dying to read something new and will be incredibly excited to read what you've done. And it's just fic, not life or death. Have fun with it and try not to take it too seriously.

We're a pretty supportive bunch, that's for sure.

For sure. I've definitely appreciated all the support I've gotten over the years.

Thank you so much for doing this!! It was a pleasure talking to you. Also, one more question. Inmate. I'm totally possessed by it. Will there be another part?

Yes, there will be a last part! I've got a good chunk of it done, but I sort of got lost in real life and inspiration. I know what's going to happen, but I just haven't finished, LOL. I'm sorry, I feel like a loser because of it.

Ah!! Well, I hope it comes back to you. I, for one, am looking forward to it. And erm, I may have a half-finished fic posted that hasn't been updated in about year. So, I can't throw any shade, my friend. We'll talk soon!

Okay! Thanks again.

So you're a fast reader :) What made you decide to write Everlark fanfiction? After Mockingjay, I just needed more and so I started to read fanfiction, Everlark specific. I've been writing fanfiction for awhile now for other fandoms and wanted to give it a go with Everlark. There is something about a couple whose been through what they have and get a happy ending. You want to know how they got there. So I just visually created in my head my own play on their story. Which other fandoms did you write for? Sailormoon was my first fandom when I was in my teens, then Harry Potter. Somewhere out there, my Sailormoon fanfics posted...unbeta'd...written on Notepad and in text format...

That is all kinds of awesome!! So you've been writing most of your life. Do you write original fic/non fic too? Yes, it's a passion that I love to do outside of work, home life, etc. I didn't major in it though because I don't necessarily want to make a job and keep it a passion, something just for me. I am working on an original fiction very loosely based on We Go Down which I pulled out of FFn and AO3 That's fantastic, best of luck with that!! So let's talk about some of your other fanfics. I think everyone is reading Fated to Love right now (and waiting with bated breath for every update!). Can you tell me about it? What prompted you to choose that particular story to adapt to the everlark universe? I know! I've got people going kind of crazy because it's so soap opera-ish. But Fated to Love is based on a Korean Drama called Fated to Love You. The story is about a mousy office girl who accidentally has one night with a snobbish business mogul which results in a pregnancy and a marriage. It's the story of them trying to coexist and try to become a couple as well as a family.

I'm a big fan of Korean dramas and the characters were just well written. I'm always looking for ideas around me and during the middle of binge watching, I turned to my husband and told him that I wanted to Everlark it.

He agreed. Also I really loved the thought of changing up Katniss and Peeta's personalities. And how has the response been, both to the story, and to the characterizations? I think it has been going well. A lot of readers are big Korean drama watchers as well so they enjoyed what I pulled from the series. Some will even make suggestions on what they'd like to see. I think I've kept a good balance between the actual series and my story. It was a big change for people to see Peeta as sort of this cold person, even mean at times. However, seeing him progress, even fall in love with Katniss and have her reciprocate was a big deal when it happened.

Which is what I wanted. I wanted readers to react at the end of chapters. Just like I did while I was watching the series. And react they have! How do you feel, in general, about the feedback you receive? Do you incorporate suggestions or change your fics in response to what readers are telling you? I definitely take suggestions into account, I took in a lot of suggestions when I wrote Two Wrongs. I've never changed a fic in response however. I've always had a set idea on what I wanted out of my characters and stories. So are you an outliner? What does your writing process look like? I rarely outline. I outlined maybe the last two chapters of Two Wrongs. I always know how my story begins and how it ends. The fun part is writing the in-between. Okay so you rarely outline, you're a 'pantser' for the most part. (Me too). So where do your story ideas come from? I know some are adaptations of books and movies, but you're hugely prolific, there are a lot of stories out there with your name on them... Let's see...Two Wrongs was developed during a walk on the beach. There was a really souped-up car, the kind that had a huge back seat and this image of Katniss and Peeta sitting in one just hit me. Also, I wanted to showcase them in San Francisco. Again came from my love of the 90's as it was really a time that I had a lot of life changing moments. Prompts, of course, will jump start an idea like Shameless or Good Enough. We Go Down was from a similar that I wrote for the Sailormoon fandom.

I get fixated on images or memories will also just get me to write something. Okay, talk to me about your pairings, because you're primarily an Everlark writer, but you've also written Everlarkthorne, Hayhanna and a little bit of Galeniss. What do you enjoy about the challenges of the 'alternative' pairings? The challenge of getting them together. When a pairing isn't in canon or not even thought of, you  have to creatively think of situations and parts of the characters that would bring them together, give them that spark. Everlarkthorne, for example, can be difficult because Gale and Peeta are very different characters both in love with the same woman, but that can also bring them a sort of kinship. Also, the fact that Gale and Katniss shared similar traits even features would attract someone like Peeta and the things Katniss loves about Peeta could very well cause Gale to fall for him as well. I love that idea!

Do your real-life experiences show up in your fics, by the way? I meant to ask before... Yes, all the time. A lot of things in Again happened to friends or family of mine. Like Thresh being jumped for his Niners jacket in Again, that happened to my cousin in the early 90's. A lot of the sites in Two Wrongs are places I frequent in real life, too. Personally, miscarriages and fertility issues in my fics are from my own experiences. It's a good way of healing and I find a lot of people can relate, it ends up helping them too. Something cathartic about sharing those difficult pieces of our lives and knowing they might help someone else in a similar situation not feel so alone? Yes, I've had readers who personally message me and tell me that they got a good cry from a story and even shared it with their sibling, significant other, etc. It definitely lets me know that I'm not only one out there with these experiences and feelings It's amazing how a bunch of books can bring together a community! So... tell me what's next for you? You're working on original fiction, but you'll still be writing THG fics? Yes, I'm not quite done with THG and writing everyday keeps my brain fresh! I'm slowly archiving all my drabbles and will eventually post them on the fanfiction sites. I love the fresh brain idea :) You write every single day? Do you set aside a specific block of time, or set a word target, or do you just follow the muse? I follow the muse. I can be on a bus and suddenly write on my notepad on my phone. It will vary from one sentence to a paragraph. What advice would you give the starting out writer? Know that any story idea is a good idea if they are sure and passionate about it. That in the end, writing is about enjoying and celebrating characters that you love, not about reviews or popularity. Good advice! Okay, in that vein, tell me which if your own stories is the most under appreciated, and why should people run over and read it right now? I always say this but Lazy because each character has an oddity about them (each person is based on a deadly sin) but they make this odd little family in the end. They all have each other's backs. Also, I think I wrote my best incantation of Hayffie in it. Shameless because I love an immoral Everlark. Also, Look to the West because I love that it has a supernatural aspect to it and the Galerose pairing is tragically lovely. I love Shameless, it's one of my favourites!

Which authors are your guilty pleasure? I am a big V.C. Andrews fan, if that wasn't apparent by Good Enough. I'm very into the Confession of a Shopaholic series--I relate a little too much to the main character... Lol I think we all do! Anything else you would like to mention? Any other projects you'd like to highlight it any shout-outs? There are just too many people that I am thankful to have in our fandom, yourself included :) I would like people to know that if they ever need anything that my box is always open for them. It doesn't even have to be about writing. I just think it's important for everyone in the fandom to feel like they have support. Oh that's so sweet! I think people will be thrilled to yo now how nice and approachable you are!

I'll wrap up now, thank you so much for chatting with me!! No problem, I hope that it was a little entertaining and hope everyone will enjoy it! Thank you for taking the time to do these interviews! You're completely entertaining :) Thank you, my dear! Enjoy the rest of your day!