The Heart Is A Storybook

Alex (@zepskies) - Q: I would love to know of all your amazing Dean x OC and Dean x Reader stories, which one is your favorite and why? ❤️

A: My fave has got to be my very first fic… "A View To A Winchester" ~ it's what got me in this fandom. And it's my self-insert Dean x OFC. It was written at the start of COVID. My little escape from reality with Dean, and it brought me here!

Liz (@xpurdyglambertx) - Q: My favorite question to ask... what's the story behind your username?

A: Um, it's actually two episode titles from Supernatural. I felt like it captured my writing style pretty well.

Kasey (@sam-is-my-safe-word) - Q: What is your writing process (and when did you figure out what kind of process made you the happiest?)

A: I am a prepper if you didn't know. Things I try to focus on when I’m writing a longer fic (not a one-shot) and have a storyline I want to see through from A to Z: Does this scene: Advance the plot (main plot, subplots)? Is it revealing something about a character? If I’ve stumbled upon a theme as I’m writing, does it enhance it? (Hero’s Journey, Coming of age, Love and sacrifice, identity and belonging)

Liz - Q: Can you tell us a little bit about your original works? What do you write, etc.? It isn't super often that we get someone who writes stuff besides fanfic!

A: My writing journey: My main reason for writing fanfic has always been to escape reality and bring my imagination and romantic heroes to life. My writing began in my early teens in the 80s. Back then, I wrote straight-up self-inserts involving teen idols like Johnny Depp and New Kids On The Block. Well over a decade later, I wrote a very Mary Sue heroine in a fanfic for the Leonardo DiCaprio movie “The Man in the Iron Mask.” I also wrote a short King Louis XIV fanfic for an online friend I’d met through Leonardo DiCaprio forums. It was another self-insert. I wrote a dystopian YA romance and had it turned into an ebook by a very small online seller around 2003 (I think). OMG, it was so cringe thinking about it now, but maybe I was a little too early for the bandwagon of The Hunger Games and Divergent. This was back in the day when I snail-mailed 200 pages to an editor for review. I’d have to wait a few weeks, then she’d mail them back. I’d make changes, print all the pages, and then mail them back again. In 2015, I shopped my almost two-decades-old Man in the Iron Mask fanfic to small-press publishers as a historical romance. It actually got accepted. My first published romance novel! I wrote a contemporary romance soon after that, and it was accepted by another small press publisher. But, being the smallest of small publishers, there was no marketing, the books didn’t go gangbusters, and I eventually decided to try my hand at self-publishing. I got the rights back to those books and figured out Amazon KDP and other self-publishing platforms like Draft to Digital. In total, I’ve published eight original romance novels under my pen name, Sandra Kyle. I haven’t published a novel since 2022, but I’m currently co-writing a story that I hope to have come out in 2027. If you read some of my novels, you’ll see I do kind of have a type. The misunderstood bad boy with a heart of gold is my go-to hero. So, it’s fitting that my very first Supernatural fanfic (which I began writing in March of 2020) ended up being an original female character who is most definitely a self-insert, but hopefully not a Mary Sue. The fic titled “A View To A Winchester” allowed me to escape the reality of the COVID pandemic, and centered on the most awesome of heroes, Dean Winchester, in a romance with a happy ending. And that was the start of my SPN fic writing journey. I think I tend to lean into the domestic aspects or the relationship drama of romance. But I absolutely love playing in the world of Supernatural, and have found I especially enjoy exploring the magic and witchcraft.

@autisticandroids - What are your character/character ship preferences?

A: I'm a Dean Lover through and through, so he's always my go-to. I could write about him forever, and with anyone, I think. But I ship Dean with me!

@runawaydr3amer - Q: So I know you sometimes write pairings, fandoms, or POVs you're not necessarily super familiar or comfortable with, as a way to get out of your comfort zone. But do you feel, or have you found as time goes on, that experiments like this help grow your skills as a writer? For example, and context for others, writing Sam's POV when you don't feel as confident with him.

A: Oh, absolutely, it pushes me, like you said, out of a comfort zone. I write for comfort primarily, but the challenges have given me a reason to go beyond that. I did a Wincest Big Bang, not because it was uncomfortable, but because I joined with friends and I was able to explore the boys' relationship in a way I hadn't before. I'm extremely Ship and Let Ship. And, yes, doing things like word count challenges, trying a drabble, writing a Sabriel for a gift fic, different things like that push my storytelling and put me in another character's mindset. What drives them would be different than my go-to.

Autisticandroids - Q: Do you find there's a difference between what you like to write and what you like to read, both within the fanwork space in general? Like, stuff you like to read but don't feel like you could pull off yourself, or, conversely, stuff you only like when you write it yourself.

A: I am always in awe of certain writers who can go in dark places and pick at scars and be totally vulnerable in their writing (looking at you, Kasey. Or the 20K sex scenes (cough @runawaydr3amer )). As for stuff I write only for myself, I mean, I think a majority of the stuff I write first and foremost is for me, and I hope others enjoy the journey.

@crowleysmistress - Q: Since I was in a discussion about crack fics and rare pairs earlier, what would be the rare pair you could see yourself writing in the future?

A: I've heard people mention Dean/Crowley lately, and I have to say that sounds very fun to take a stab at.

Liz - Q: Who are your personal favorite fanfic authors?

A: Writers I Love (Trust Me, I wish I had time to read more and find more great authors!) My podcast co-host, Kasey ( @sam-is-my-safe-word ), who’s a Wincest, Sam/Reader, Dean/Reader writer, likes to pick at the scabs and really dig into very uncomfortable topics wrapped up in the most visceral scenes. Their stuff is also scorchingly hot! Their motto might be: If it ain’t explicit, what’s the point? Kasey introduced me to @runawaydr3amer’s West Series (Wincest) way back in 2022, and I love Dreamer’s stuff. She takes such time and care in her writing and has produced novel-worthy works. However, West will always be my favorite! BJ (darali_starscream) is such a solid writer in the Dean realm. She gets him, and her stories linger in my brain and heart. @zepskies has an unending library of stories, and she writes about pretty much any Jensen character. I can always expect to be highly entertained and taken on an awesome journey that tugs at my heartstrings. A Baker’s Dozen Of Relatively New To Me Writers That Have A Soft Spot In My Heart! (Reasons they crossed my radar over the past couple of years: the podcast, being recced, or becoming fandom friends and loving the boys Winchester.) No particular order, and this list could go on and on! @jinkieswouldyoulookatthis (Wincest, Reader Insert) @fictionallemons (Wincest) @nyxocity (J2, Wincest) @compo67 (J2, Wincest) @crowleysmistress (Samifer) @jld71 (Wincest, J2, one of the biggest cheerleaders/hardest workers in the fandom) @masoena (Multishipper) @xpurdyglambertx (Multishipper) @sorryitsmyfirstdayonearth (Reader Insert) @chevroletdean (RI, Destiel) Edge_of_Clairvoyance (Gen, Pre-Canon) @quickreaver (Gencest, also an amazing fanart creator) @zmediaoutlet (Wincest) @copperboom82 (OFCs) @flanneledfae (Multishipper, RI) Old Guard Dean/Reader (some still very active, some not at all → most I found on Tumblr first in 2019 and 2020) Just the tip in terms of my list. The iceberg is huge (get thee minds out of the gutter)! IncogNinja | @thoughtslikeaminefield @littlegreenplasticsoldier @kittenofdoomage @impala-dreamer @smol-and-grumpy @rizlowwritessortof @crashdevlin @deanwinchesterswitch @wayward-and-worn @dandeliondreaming123-blog

Autisticandroids - Q: How do you keep sex scenes fun and exciting? That's always interesting from an erotica writer.

A: I think you have to change up the location to start. Like maybe outside of the bedroom. Bunker kitchen on the table. A tub in the bunker shower no one knew was there.

Bets ( @flanneledfae) Q: What's your favorite trope to write? And is there one you haven't tried yet that you would like to?

A: Friends to lovers. My absolute fave. I don't know about a trope I haven't tried yet, though; I'd have to have more of a think on that. But, I do love me a sex curse or sex pollen.

Runawaydr3amer - Q: So this one's more about the technical side of writing. Maybe it's just the beta in me, but I know when I write, I'm conscious of what I consider my weaknesses or bad habits, like run-on sentences or using too many adverbs. Are you the same way, and do you have any tips for overcoming them?

A: There are a bunch of things I've learned in my writing over the years to kind of keep an eye out for. Passive voice is a thing that can really disconnect a reader. So I try to avoid the "was" and "were" a lot. Adverbs are another thing. I follow Stephen King's motto: the road to hell is paved with adverbs. Is there a more succinct way to say something? And we all have our crutches when we write. I think you become more mindful of them and self-edit as you go. But don't limit yourself by not trying out different things. At the end of the day, write what brings you joy first. And if that's a ton of adverbs, go for it! Just be ready to go to hell!

Autisticandroids - Q: Where do you get the impulse to write from?

A: Escape! Daydreams! I've always been a shy, introverted kid. I lived it in my headspace a ton. So, watching a show or reading a book would want to pull me into that world. And, come on, Dean is great material to work with. I've been obsessed with that character for years, and it shows no sign of stopping.

RunawayDr3amer - Q: Do you put much stock in AO3 stats? I know some authors live and die by them.

A: Sigh, yes. I think it's impossible for me to not do that comparison thing. We are all our harshest critics. But I check them often. But it's the lovely kudos emails and the comments that let me know I'm reaching peeps with my stories. So, it kind of shakes out, I guess.

Andrea ( @walkingaline) - Q: As an author, how do you go about adapting other people's works into podfics? Like, the technical aspect of emphasis and metrics, especially.

A: This is kind of where I get to be the actor I think I always wanted to be. I start off as the narrator and just kind of take cues from the writing. If the writing is amazeballs and the characters (to me) are authentic, then I think it's easy to bring them to life. And we have such amazing talent. I do love voicing Dean, though. Embodying him is super fun! You have to find ways to bring about the character with tone if you can't necessarily do the voice. Is the story fun, is it somber, is it dramatic? The writing helps guide me in my narration.

Andrea - I see! So it's all you? Or do you take "directions" from the authors, aside from the story itself?

A: You know, there was only one time I really asked for clarification, and that was a joint collab PodTogether project. I asked the authors to listen to their parts of the story and give feedback. Only a couple of directions, if you will.

Michelle ( @mrswhozeewhatsis) - Q: Do you make time in your life for writing, or make time in your writing for life? 😂

A: It depends on the state of my brain, but more often than not, I have to make time in my life for writing… boooo.

Kasey - Q: Can we have a peek behind the curtain? Are you currently working on anything?

A: I've done it again, Kasey! I've signed up for another challenge! And one I've never done before, the J2 Big Bang. First time writing them. It came about from a group discussion in the Idling server, so you know that I'm writing it. Very excited.

Kasey - Q: What's your favorite dinosaur?

A: Brontosaurus

Crowleysmistress - Q: Do you write one thing at a time or various things?

A: Um, it depends on how insane I've been to sign up for things. But, I've juggled a couple at a time.

Michelle - Q: As a dedicated pantser myself, outlining and planning a fic seems like Greek to me. Can you describe how you outline? How detailed do you get before you sit down to actually write?

A: Oh, I usually have a start and an ending and try to work on some major plot points. I don't outline or structure the story from start to finish. But I like to sort of feel how the story progresses and see what themes come up as I'm writing. 2 am wake-ups to write that stuff down, it's important! Or shower revelations are very helpful with my outlines. Characters causing detours can be very fun. I love finding these new and interesting things that a character has decided to do. Oh, this is going to be a 30k fic, now, is it?

Liz - Q: What is your absolute favorite aspect of doing pod fics?

A: I gotta say, I have found I love doing narrations live in front of peeps in the smut closet in the Idling discord. But I really do love the acting part of it. I've gained a lot more confidence in that aspect of creating. It's sooo much fun!

Kasey - Q: What made you wanna start an SPN podcast after the show had finished?

A: Would you like to hear about my podcast and narrating journey, Kasey? I just happen to have some notes on that. In 2020, I stumbled onto podfics as I consumed podcasts about Supernatural (mainly show recaps or rewatches). I found a podcast called “Making It Up As We Go” - a Destiel Anthology Podfic Podcast. The creator, NerdyNerdenstein, narrated Destiel fan favorites, and they were extremely entertaining. I didn’t know people did that with fanfic! However, I couldn’t find a podcast that focused on discussing Supernatural fanfic, and I really wanted to hear Reader-Insert or OFC stories. So, if you can’t find it, make it yourself! Kasey agreed to come along for the ride. We started recording and released our first podcast episode of “Idling in the Impala” in December 2021. And, over 250 episodes and almost five years later, we’re still doing the thing. The initial format of the episodes included me reading an excerpt of fanfics we recced. My first full-length fanfic recording was Kasey’s “Need” (Sam/Reader) ~ still one of my all-time favorites of theirs. Since I didn’t have permission to read anyone else’s work, I started to go through more of Kasey's and my own fanfic. When we welcomed guests to the podcast, I started reading one of their fics as a thank you. All of that gave me the confidence to try narrating fiction and non-fiction as a side hustle. I’ve narrated over 70 books over three years, but it proved to be really hard to sustain that workload level without a commensurate or consistent paycheck (and reviews can be quite brutal). Now I mainly podfic stories for great fanfic authors. We have an AO3 series, Podfics in the Impala, where you can find them all. My narration and audio mastering skills have benefited and improved because of my time in the Supernatural fandom. Never in a million years would I have thought I’d be doing this! I recently narrated an original romance by fanfic author @impala-dreamer (Rebekah Jordan), titled “Whatever It Is.” (DM me if you want a free download link!) I’d love to do more of that for fanfic authors who take the leap into original fiction.

Bets - Q: Is there an activity or a hobby you turn to when the words just aren't wording?

A: LOL, podcasting??? It can be very inspiring to see how someone else approaches writing. I also love watching the show to get inspiration. Staring at a beautiful man can give you all sorts of thoughts. I've got two fics for you that prove that: Five Finger Discount and If You Don't Look Good, We Don't Look Good.

Michelle - Q: What are your favorite and least favorite of your own fics?

A: I can't really pick a favorite of all time. But I always love listening to my podficced version of Five Finger Discount. Hmmm, least favorite ~ I'm not super happy with how A Hunter's Helper came out. That could stand to be improved. There was way too much exposition. But we can be too harsh on ourselves. We try, and that's what makes us better.

Michelle - Q: Is there anything that you haven't written, and there's a reason why you haven't written it? What is it and why?

A: If you listen to the podcast next week, you'll hear all about it. But, basically, I don't think I could ever write Soldier Boy. It's too close to home in terms of his personality traits and the fact that I can't find anything redeeming about him. I've had experiences with a man like that, and I don't want to have that in my headspace for long.

Michelle - Is there anything you haven't written and you WANT to write?

A: A fic that gets 100K hits and a New York Times Bestseller!

FYI - Getting a fic turned into a podfic by Sandra is one of the many prizes on our prize list! You can win this by participating in writing sprints or submitting Angel Fish Award nominations, and there are more opportunities to win coming in the future!

The next Pond Diving is not yet scheduled, so keep your eyes peeled for that announcement! (Or, you can watch the events calendar in our Discord server, or add our Google calendar to yours!) For more information about this new version of Pond Diving, click here!

Have questions about this or anything else? Contact our Admins and Manta Rays!

Michelle - @mrswhozeewhatsis

Marie - @mariekoukie6661

Andrea - @walkingaline

Liz - @xpurdyglambertx

Leata - @leatafandom

Russo - @shadowbender19

Kaz - @kazsrm67