I always feel a bit sheepish when I have to introduce an interview I’ve done with an author who has been around the fandom for ages. To be fair, Julia did take a bit of a hiatus, but she’s now back in full force and I’m finally correcting egregious lack of an interview with her.
You might recognize her name from such stories as Closet Case, which can be read here, and The Silent One, an unauthorized sequel to The Quiet One which can be read here.
Why did you start writing hanfic? How long have you been writing?
I started writing hanfic as a way to bond with my two best friends back in middle school. My two friends and I were huge Fansons back in the day and the only thing we ever found ourself talking about was Hanson and thought it would be fun to put them and us into an imaginary world (consisting of a very large notebook that got passed around for each of is to write a chapter). When they lost their obsession with the band, I continued on writing my own stories.
You mostly write Zaylor. What attracts you to that genre/pairing?
I actually have no idea why I’m so attracted to Zaylor. Two hot guys that I couldn’t really complain about being together? =^^= also being a taboo subject adds that layer of exciting forbidden feels to it.
What are your favorite hanfic stories and authors?
I like em all! My all time favorite hanfic still has to be Zac Says Taylor Still Wets the Bed and The Quiet One. It’s been forever since I’ve read any new stories, but chances are, if I’ve added you as a friend, your stories have been favored.
What is your writing process like?
I gain ideas for stories from anywhere, be it people watching or day dreaming. When I have an idea, I write it down and plot a story around it. I have an app, A Novel Idea, that allows me to diagram my stories out. I am definitely not a pantser; I can’t improvise writing without some kind of a chart to follow.
Where do your ideas and inspiration come from?
They’ve come from everywhere and anywhere. Sometimes they’re ideas I’ve carried around for years, for instance a hanfic story I wrote back in early 2000’s, Ragnarok, that I flipped and turned into an original for nano2012, started with a book I have on mythical beasts and wanting to do a story with them. Other times I’ve just stared deeply into the reflective surface of my coffee and have an epiphany moment. The ideas will sit and fester in my mind until something makes it click, and the plot line is born.
Which stories are you most proud of having written?
Akea (the flipped version of Ragnarok) is my baby. It was one of the first Hanfic’s I dedicated time to, and then spent most of the time reforming into a story I hope to get published some day along with two sequels I have been planning for it since day 1. I’ve also been planning one for years now that I’m quite proud of coming up with, but only time will release it for everyone to read.
Favorite songs to listen to while you write or which inspire your writing?
I mainly listen to instrumental music while I’m writing. The instrumental tracks of Nightwish are a godsend, as is any of the Cirque Du Soleil soundtracks. I like music that is mysterious and edgy. Anything with a glockenspiel is always welcome, especially Danny Elfman music, which gives off that fantasy, magical feel.
Thank you, Julia, for being the September spotlight! Can’t wait to read what you’ve got in store for NaNoWriMo this year!