#infamous

What was the inspiration for this game, and why did you want to write a story in this genre?

Infamous was inspired by my love of music and reality TV. I was a big pop culture nerd when I was younger and was even an admin of a fanbase for an artist (that I won’t mention!). I met a few of my best friends through artists’ fandoms and learned a lot about the fan culture of pop stars and artists that way. As for the reality part, I grew up on trashy reality television. Admittedly, I was definitely too young for half the stuff I watched, but thankfully it worked out! My first IF being a contemporary band drama story felt right. Everything I write in Infamous comes from the knowledge I’ve picked up over the years consuming pop culture.

How has your identity, heritage/background, or personal experience influenced your storytelling?

A lot of the dynamics in Infamous are picked up from my real life. My social circle is so different in both identity and life experience that it only made sense the band in Infamous would look the same. My friends are always there to lend their experience and/or perspectives which has made the band in Infamous feel more ‘real’ to me. 

What’s the one thing you’re really proud of that you’ve written so far? Do you have a favorite character or scene that you’ve written? 

A lot of MC’s story is about the uncertainty of the future. There’s a constant theme of ‘making this work because there’s no backup.’ MC is taking (celebrity) life as it comes and that’s something I definitely relate to. Working a creative job, being unlabeled, dropping out of college with no backup plan…that kind of theme resonates with me! I’ve always been a “go-with-the-flow” kind of person. Not too worried about putting a label on myself or planning what’s next for my life. Of course, MC has a lot more at stake!

While I’ve said August is my favorite character, I am really proud to have created Seven. They’re still really hard to pin down sometimes, even years later, which I feel like is a good thing. I’ve never written a character that people are so attached to and invested in, both positively and negatively. It amazes me the things people latch to, even things about them that I didn’t even think about until readers point it out to me. I’ve been jokingly told Seven is probably my peak when it comes to character writing, and honestly, I wouldn’t mind it if that’s the case. 

I also really like G Reign. They’re another character whose complexity really puts my writing abilities to the test. I can write an entire separate story about them alone. 

For folks who enjoyed your IF, what other book/music/movie should they check out with the same ‘vibe’, (whatever that means to you)?

Coyote Ugly, Scott Pilgrim vs The World, Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, Daisy Jones & The Six (both the book and show—the book is better). I binged all of this in one weekend and that’s how I came up with the idea for Infamous. I’ve said this a million times but Infamous seriously wouldn’t exist without this list! 

What're you excited to implement or work on next?

The romance in Infamous! Ironically enough for a romance there hasn’t been much of it but we’re finally getting there and I’m super excited. I’m also super excited to work on another IF when this one is all said and done. It’s a long way out but the prospect of playing in a new sandbox is great motivation! 

Fun with the modern/slice-of-life genre

Personal fave profession: Artist! (Surprise.) 

Personal fave modern setting: A small town.