I’ve known Keri for quite a while, but I only recently discovered that she’s a writer, too! You know me: I love finding new authors, so I was very excited to feature Keri here.
Her first published hanfic, Already Home is just getting started, but I highly recommend that you check it out… after you read her interview, of course 😉
Why did you start writing hanfic? How long have you been writing?
I have loved Taylor Hanson since I first laid eyes on him back in 1997. I always dreamed we’d marry. I had so many fantasies about how our life would be, so I decided, why not turn them into stories? Thus began my first hanfic. My sister and I co-wrote a story on the legend of the Weeping Willow when I was in middle school. I got an A on it. Ever since then, I was hooked.
Do you write other fiction and/or fanfic as well? If so, what genres/fandoms/etc?
I’ve never written any other fanfic, but I do have quite a few other hanfics, all of which are works in progress, none of which I’m comfortable with publishing online lol. As mentioned in the first question, I have a story called Weeping Willow that I’m so incredibly proud of. It’s about how the willow tree really came to be. I also have written a lot of poetry and a few songs.
What are your favorite hanfic stories and authors?
Honestly, I know this is going to sound stupid, but I don’t really read hanfic, lol. In fact, I’ve only read 3, and they were all by the same author: Abby Young. The only reason I started reading hers was because I saw all the compliments she was getting on it, so I finally caved. I’m glad I did, because hers are so incredibly well-written. I’ve read Ten Years and Muses; Ten Years and Muses: The Wedding; and Panic in the Streets.
What is your writing process like?
My writing process, lol. In case you haven’t noticed, I only have 4 chapters of my story published. 4 chapters. And I started writing it 15 years ago. I’ll get an idea in my head and write it down. Then I’ll get an idea for a different story, so I’ll start on that one and forget about the other one. I know how I want Already Home to go, and I have some future parts written. It’s just filling the rest of the story in that I’m having trouble with. I get writer’s block easily, especially now that I’m a mom. Too many distractions!
Where do your ideas and inspiration come from?
I mainly write about my life. A lot of my poetry is about experiences/emotions I’ve had, like the death of my mother, becoming a wife, becoming a mother, etc. I threw pieces of my real life in Already Home.
Which stories are you most proud of having written?
Weeping Willow is my absolute favorite story I’ve ever written. I’m so proud of that piece. I hope to someday have it published, maybe in a book of short stories or something. I might even add to it and make it a full-length story.
Favorite songs to listen to while you write or which inspire your writing?
Really, it all depends on what the story is about. Sometimes I prefer silence, so I can concentrate. For Already Home, I listened to all of Hanson’s albums, since the story is about their struggles with IDJ and life afterwards. Watching Strong Enough to Break was a huge inspiration to this story, as well. Meeting the guys quite a few times, along with watching their documentaries and livestreams, I feel like I “know” them, so that has also helped in building their characters.
Thank you, Keri, for being the December spotlight! I’m looking forward to reading more of your writing 🙂