Oddly enough, although we’ve both been a part of the hanfic world for a long time, Molly and I haven’t really crossed paths until recently. Thanks to JSOR and the Hanfic Sprints, we’ve started talking and I thought she would be a good author to feature for this month.
Molly runs the site Fractured Fairytales, which is currently on hiatus but will be coming back soon. So be on the lookout for that, and in the meantime, enjoy reading her interview.
ETA: With the closing of AITP, Molly’s site is also now offline.
Why did you start writing hanfic? How long have you been writing?
I think I randomly read something a little after Mmmbop came out, sort of went “Why not?” My first pieces sort of scare me! I’ve been writing hanfic for 12 years now o_O
Technically I left for 2 years, so a decade!
How do you think hanfic has changed since you began writing it?
Everyone has grown and we have honed our skills. If anything writing has improved over the years. We’ve graduated from simple to complex…and its beautiful.
What are your favorite hanfic stories and authors?
Angels Would Fall, Defying Gravity (Aeryn), Emotion Sickness, I Am Not A Pretty Girl, Infinite (Britt), The Starter, Tempest Tossed, Twin Souls Trilogy (Aeryn). I like reading anything from Aeryn, Renee P and Britt. I’d love to see Ensenada finished! Though I’m really behind on reading current and would love to have the time!
What is your writing process like?
Wreckless. I wish I was a writer who did organized things like a plot outline, character worksheets (usually begun + never completed), chapter outlines and etc. It all stays in a strange organized chaos in my head. Sometimes I have ideas jotted down in case, but wind up forgetting about it and remember on my own. I seamlessly keep all the stories straight in my head. How? Hell if I know. So wreckless and unorganized chaos.
Where do your ideas and inspiration come from?
Everyday life, sincerely. One would be amazed as to how much I draw from real life convos and personal experience. I just let things flow and I like writing that way. I’m inspired by music and films or sometimes something minor. I overdose on strange humor from the amazing Kevin Smith. Some hysterical shit happens that amazes me. Stewing helps. It all becomes this large, insane mixture and interesting.
Which stories are you most proud of having written?
My Silence Is Golden (Silence Is Golden, Little Earthquakes and…the 3rd is Cooling) series has always been very close to my heart. I’m also quite proud of Chasing Hearts, I’ll be sad when its completed. One that is quickly growing close to me is Grey. Its more down to earth and I use a lot of real life especially since it takes place in Utah. I’m excited to get it online soon!
Favorite songs to listen to while you write or which inspire your writing?
I listen to music on a constant basis. I make soundtracks for my stories (sleepswithbutterflies84 + cinnamonspite on playlist). Lately I have pandora stations set to Placebo and Joy Division.
“Special Needs” – Placebo
“Everybody Has to Learn Sometime” – Beck
“Hurricane” – 30 Seconds to Mars
“Light After Night” – Jakalope
“Pigs on the Wing” – Pink Floyd
ALBUMS
Battle for the Sun by Placebo
First and Last and Always by Sisters of Mercy
This Is War by 30 Seconds to Mars
Nude by VAST
3 by Black Heart Procession
Crash Love by AFI
Aura by The Mission UK
Substance by Joy Division
Under the Pink by Tori Amos
Thank you Molly, for being the February spotlight!