Although I always try to interview new authors when they pop up, it’s inevitable that I’ll miss a few, both new and old. Well, it might be a bit belated, but I’m happy to finally be interviewing Ashley.
You can read her stories, which include Sure About It and You Can’t Always Get What You Want, on her website Stories Will Be Told, and check out her interview below.
Why did you start writing hanfic? How long have you been writing?
I started writing when I was like 13 (I’m 29 now). I actually cringe at my first story. It’s not posted on my website cause it really was just me and my friend meet Hanson and Zac and Tay fall in love with us. There’s not too much rhyme or reason to it and not much detail. I still have it but I won’t post it. I’ve always enjoyed writing, mainly poems though. I used to have an Opendiary that I posted my poems and stories on. Never had many readers even though I tried my darndest. Back then was even harder to connect with fans. The internet was new and not as many places to talk. So that was definitely a way to connect.
What’s your favorite genre/pairing to write and why?
I noticed I write drama/romance. Though it’s been quite awhile since I actually have written. With no feedback and not sure anyone even follows, it’s not worth much for me to write fanfiction. I wish I had a community built like some of these great fanfictions do.
I would like to expand though since I’m no longer a starry eyed teen.
What are your favorite hanfic stories and authors?
Sadly I don’t remember authors anymore. I used to gorge myself on hanfics. The ones that stick in my mind are Catapult and Zac Says Tay Still Wets the Bed trilogy – that one wasn’t finished. But it was so good.
What is your writing process like?
I would just jump in and write as I go. I have learned a lot as I’ve grown that mapping out a story can only help it though. I didn’t know that when I was 15 though!
Where do your ideas and inspiration come from?
Back then, again, kind of fantasies, teen wants a Hanson. haha But I did try not to make my stories all happy endings and throw in some twists to make the reader go what? Plus I wanted different storylines.
Which stories are you most proud of having written?
I only have a few but honestly each is special in their own way cause I was learning with each one.
I would surprisingly have to say though, my unfinished one “You can’t always get what you want” because I really took my time and focused on each sentence and made it detailed. I was very proud of each line of that. I had so many comments when I was writing it that it wasn’t plausible, the storyline, but hey it is fiction after all.
Favorite songs to listen to while you write or which inspire your writing?
That would really depend on the part of the story. If I’m in a happy part then a happy song, a sad part, sad. This isn’t a cop out answer. Hanson usually make me happy so I probably wouldn’t be listening to them if I’m trying to write a sad part. They also don’t make me angry, might have to throw some Eminem on for angry parts.
Thank you, Ashley, for being the January spotlight! Happy New Year to you and the rest of the hanfic world 🙂