This week's author interview is from the lovely Shirley007. Shirley was kind enough to take some time out of her schedule to answer a few questions for us. Shirley is a busy woman. She's a lieutenant in The Major's Army, a Trustee with Rogue Fanfiction and a prolific author in the Twilight & Supernatural fandoms, among other things! You can see more about Shirley at the following:
(Just) Shirley007: http://allaboutshirley007.
http://shirley007.deviantart.
http://supernaturaltilltheend.
http://www.youtube.com/user/
Mistress Shirley: http://exhilarating-existance.
Salacious S: http://eviltwinscopyrighted.
http://glospawards.blogspot.
Rogue Staff/Trustee Shirley007: http://roguefanfic.com/
Fanfic Author Shirley007: http://www.fanfiction.net/u/1913641/Shirley007
http://shirley007.livejournal.
Where are you from?
I'm from this tiny little European country, known as Belgium.
Tell us your latest news?
My latest news? Personal or fandom-related? Um...let's see.
Well, I found out today that I got nominated twelve times for the Gem Awards (Onyx Round) which was a big surprise. I'm currently still flailing all around the place from sheer happiness. There's nothing more rewarding in my book, so I'm really excited.
Why did you begin writing fanfiction?
Curiosity mostly. I wanted to know what it would be like to create something with only a couple of guidelines and nothing but my own mind to help me. You could say, I was mostly just testing myself, to see if I could actually do it. According to some readers, I could, which is why I'm still writing today. *winks*
When did you first consider writing your own fic?
Considered it? Oh boy...I think it was when I read this awful story where Jasper lost a fatal fight to Edward. I kept shouting at my computer, because there's no way Jasper would lose from the pussy-mindreader. I thought about how I would have written that entire chapter differently. It was fleeting, but one of many moments before I actually got up the nerve to write.
What inspired you to write your first fanfic?
A great friend actually. She reminded me of this story I once wrote in the school newspaper when I was thirteen. I didn't even remember I had done such a thing (but then again I'm forgetful). She said it had been amazing and that if I ever wanted to write again, I should try it.
And seeing as how I was into reading fanfic at the time, I thought it was the perfect place to test myself.
I also wanted to read more Jasper fics (because at the time Jasper wasn't as popular), and so I wrote my first ever Jasper/Bella.
Do you have a specific writing style?
No, not really. It changes, depending on what character, or the general mood of the story.
How do you come up with your titles? Oh my...I'm the worst person to turn to when it comes to titles. I usually just take the first thing that pops into my head, which isn't all that great. There are some titles that I've taken from songs I listened to while writing, that somehow seemed to fit with the story. But most of the time, they are just random sentences. 'I'll find you', 'The Prophecy',...not all that original, now are they? What fanfic authors do you drop everything to read? There are so many authors I love, but I don't always have the time to read their updates. Although, I do have some that I will take a break for, no matter what I'm doing. Those are lifelesslyndsey, kitty cullen-03, Oracle Vas and The Perisher. There might be others, but I don't remember on the top of my head. What draws you to Jasper as a fic subject? Gosh, a lot of things. He's sort of an enigma, you know. He's vulnerable, yet strong. Controlled, yet wild. And he's such a blank page. You can do pretty much anything with Jasper as your leading character, because his history in the books has barely even been touched. I loved Eclipse, but even that didn't give us enough history to truly form an established characterization of him. And it's perfect. All those holes leave room for creativity, ya know? And no matter what, Jasper is always the perfect man for the job, whether you want a gentleman, a geek, a struggling vampire or one who's very dark; Jasper just fits. And the history we do know, makes you respect the guy. He's been through so many struggles in his life, and yet he's there, strong and dedicated. Your heart breaks for him and at the same time you can't help but admire the man. It's amazing. I love Jasper so much... Are any of the events in your fics based on someone you know, or events in your own life? Frequently. Almost all my fics have parts which were inspired by my own experiences. Most of my characters even have certain character traits that I recognize in myself. It's easier to write what you know. And other than that, I just let my imagination run wild, I guess. What books or fanfic have most influenced your writing the most? Hm...I don't think I could really give you any; not in fanfic anyway. My stories are very different from each other. I don't really stick to a theme, or a genre. And I do my hardest to keep what I read separated from what I write. If I get a plotbunny from reading something, I'll rather kill it with loud music and copious amounts of alcohol (not that I drink often, just in case ya know) than write something based off someone else's work. But there is of course one, the reason this whole fandom even exists; the Twilight Saga (and technically that's four) If you had to choose, which writer would you consider your biggest influence? lifelesslyndsey and kitty cullen-03. Not for the reasons you're thinking off though. I don't get my inspiration from reading their work or anything. I just love those two girls, and I fangirl over them on occasion, because let's face it, they are awesome writers. And they have made me stronger in a way, better even. I'm starting to stand up more for myself and appreciate my own work, something that I couldn't do - at all. Because no matter what sort of shitty work I come up with, I know they've got my back, whether by pointing out just how craptastic the story is, to praising it and telling me to post it. I've got a lot of amazing people behind me, who are always ready to pre-read and set my mind at ease, or just to smack me up the head when I'm acting stupid and insecure. And I feel bad for not being able to pick them as well, because they save my ass on a daily base. But these two were there from early on, and their impact on me was much greater, because when I met them they were authors I looked up to. I still do, in fact. So their words will always be true to me, no matter what they are. What are you reading now (fanfic or “real”)? I'm a very chaotic reader, and I take time to read whenever I can. I have a book in my bathroom for when I'm taking a bath or something else - Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. I have one lying in the kitchen for when I'm eating or cooking - After The Dark by Max Allan Collins (Dark Angel Series) One on my nightstand for when I can't sleep - Flowers in the Attic by Virginia Andrews One on my coffee table for when I don't like the movie playing or there are commercials on - Haunted by Chuck Palahniuk One in my car for when I'm in a traffic jam - Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen And finally, one in my purse for when I have to wait somewhere (doctor's office, etc) - Little Women by Louisa May Alcott Then the fanfic I'm reading right now? I don't have a clue. I currently have about 200 story updates in my mailbox, because I simply can't keep up. Let's just say, it's A LOT. Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest? No. And I'm sorry if that sounds rude, but I'm so busy already that I don't really look out for new authors. I stumble upon them occasionally when I'm researching for one of the blogs, but their names don't really stick. I'm bad with names and titles anyway. And besides, what's 'new' anyway? What are your current projects? Oh lord. Are you ready for a book? This is going to be long... Mine: It's my first Darklisle and recently only has two chapters. Basically, the story's about Bella being Carlisle's true mate. After they left her in Forks, he becomes enraged with his family and leaves them. Crazed with anger and grief, he leaves the vegetarian lifestyle behind. The story starts out years later. The family is hot on his heels, still trying to talk sense into him and convert him back. And he's outrunning them, but then he finds Bella...Oooh. It's very dark, but hey...It's DARKISLE! Save My Body: This is a Supernatural/Twilight Crossover and currently 44 chapters long. It's a story about Sam and Bella. And I have to say, this Bella is one of my favorites, because she's sort of like a female Dean, which always makes me smile. It's no wonder I call her 'Deanerella' in my head. The story starts out during the end of Eclipse. Bella is engaged to Edward, but then Sam strolls into town... One Night Only: This is an Edward/Bella story. Aw, don't look at me like that. It was the reader's choice from my previous poll. And I always live up to my promises, even if they take me a while to fulfill. Anyway, back to the story. Edward and Bella shared one night of passion many years ago. The next morning, they both ended up alone and made their own foolish conclusions. Heartbroken, Bella avoids him, while Edward makes arrangements to study abroad. The story starts out with Bella being a mother of the beautiful Cat (Catherine) and having an ideal relationship with Jasper. But then Edward returns and craziness ensues. And I really mean craziness, because there's even a psycho bitch hidden in the story. 0_0 Family Matters: This is irrelevant for this blog, because it's a Supernatural story, but still something I'm working on. Lead me out of the Darkness: Same as above, only it's a Dark Angel story. The Prophecy: Ah, my baby. *pets angel!Bella* I love this story and I've poured most of my heart and soul into it. It has a bunch of mythological creatures and if you're into that sort of thing, then you'll surely find your fix. It starts out with a human and institutionalized Bella. The wolves break her out, only to find her mom under attack by vampires. Our sweet little crazy Bella gets bitten and Jasper takes her with him (after promising the wolves to take care of her) to Maria's army. Bella proves to be a very unusual newborn, spreading wisdom and love wherever she goes. Add in the Cullens and all those creatures I mentioned and you've got my favorite Twilight baby right there. (currently 47 chapters) Marionette: This one makes me cry, because it makes me feel like the biggest failure ever. It's been over four months since I updated, even though this Bella is also one of my favorites (Twitchy Stressball Bella FTW). It's a Peter/Bella story, or will be eventually. Bella has bought a journal from a yard sale (from creepy Laurent) and uses it to write a story. Her story is about a vampire named Peter Whitlock, who lives with the Cullens. Only, she doesn't know that everything she writes happens to a Peter Whitlock, who indeed lives with the Cullens and is a vampire! Peter can't control himself when it happens. His body taking on a mind of its own and the events that Bella writes down, play out perfecly. What happens when Bella has to go to Forks for her father's wedding? 0_0 (currently four chapters) Your First: Not my favorite story, but that might be because I'm not into all the fluff. Although, I like the awkwardness. And that's what this story is; awkwardness and a lot of it! Because it's a story about first love, and the usually tough, cool Jasper reforms to a clumsy, stuttering fool whenever he's around Bella. It only has two chapters so far and although I intended for it to be a short fic, I doubt it will stay that way. *sighs* I just don't have any discipline, whatsoever. After All: This story is nearly finished! Thank God, because all the WIP's are making my brain melt. It has three of the four chapters posted, and the forth is nearly done. It's another Bellsper story, but tragic and real. Bella and Jasper start out as a married couple, and like with every married couple there are issues. They let it fester, rotting inside until they can't take it anymore. A big blow out and they separate, although they still love each other. Will they find their way back to each other? Different Paths: This one is on hiatus, and has been for a very long time. It's non-fiction, although I altered the real names to those of Twilight characters and is very hard for me to write, because those bearing the names of Jasper, Rosalie, Alice, and several others (not the jews though) are my family. It's a story about WWII and every try I try to write it, I end up crying. So, it might be a while before I get the courage to continue this. Or I might just have to delete it? *muses* Livejournal: I have several ongoing projects, challenges and others to write here, but it's solely Supernatural. Current projects include a thirty ficlet challenge (the rule of thirty) which are all BDSM or other kink themes, Family Matters, the same one as mentioned before about Gabriel and Castiel, and several one shots based upon prompts that I've gotten. I'm also currently working on seven one shots, including four Twilight-related ones. And from these, I have to finish two within the next couple of hours (FandomFightsTsunami) Like I said, this list is long! And insane. *coughs* Do people outside of the fandom know about your writing? If so, who? Yes. Not everyone of course, but my parents know, some of my closest friends and others just know I write, they just don't know what I write. Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing? Lemons. I write a lot of porn these days, but still they are the most challenging part to me. Slash seems to come easier than hetero sex for some reason, which is kinda weird. But all in all, they take up most of my time. I always keep freezing when writing a lemon, as if my brain doesn't know where to go first and just stops. Because a lot goes on during a moment like this; someone's grabbing here, the other's rubbing there and in the meantime they keep feeling all these things and making noises and oh my god, my brain melted just thinking about it... It's the multiple actions at one single moment that makes it hard, I guess. No one wants to read something fast and simple, because it's not real. It lacks too much. For example: "Jasper grunted and pounded into her with an increasing speed. She whimpered and bucked up to meet him." It has a very different feel to it than this: "Grunting with pleasure, Jasper lifted her slightly, positioning her just right to where he could pound into her more easily and far deeper than before. Her whimpers drove Jasper mad, encouraging him to speed up and increase this overwhelming desire, as she squirmed and tried to meet his thrusts; Bella was always eager to please her lover." I'll prefer the second description any day... What are your top five fics? Of all times? 1. Once Bitten, Twice Shy (lifelesslyndsey) 2. Control (kitty cullen-03) 3. Conversations with my Killer (Oracle Vas) 4. First Love Lost & Last Love Found (Oracle Vas) 5. Fate/Love/Hope trilogy (Cullen818) If Jasper was a song, which song would he be? Oh, that's a tough one. Um...I'd say 'Beautiful Monster' by Ne-Yo, but I already claimed that one as theme song for Jasper's Darkella in 'My Beautiful Monster', so... *rushes to playlists* Oh I know! Monster by Skillet! Yeah, I've got a thing for Darksper. What do you do to overcome writer’s block? I suffer from WB a lot. Currently, I've been having a lot of trouble getting chapters out. I usually try to write other things; my LiveJournal can testify to that. And sometimes it helps and other times it doesn't. But I keep trying, because creativity leads to creativity, right? Or I'll just do other things I like so I can relax and start with a fresh start. Some of these things are watching TV or movies, listening to music, taking a hot bath etc. Anything to clear my head. Which of the Twilight Saga books is your favorite? Least favorite? My favorite is Eclipse, for obvious reasons. And my least favorite is -oddly enough- Twilight. I'm really not into all the fluffy stuff. Do you write or read any other fandoms? Yes! I write Dark Angel and Supernatural too. And I read Dark Angel, Supernatural, The Vampire Diaries and True Blood on occasion. Supernatural most though. Is there any genre or pairing that you don’t read? I tend to cower away from all things involving wolves. I just don't like it. If you had to pick one fandom author to collaborate with, who would it be? Another tough one, but I'd say Kitty Cullen-03. In fact, we were working on something, but it just slipped out of our minds, I think. This question made me remember it. *chuckles* Do you have any plot bunnies begging to be written? Can you share? Oh, I have several. I just don't know when I'll get around to them. One of them is the venom fic most of the readers have been voting for on my poll. It would be a Jasper/Bella story that takes place right after James bit Bella. The official summary I wrote up for the poll is: After what happened with James, Bella feels suddenly more attracted to the brother of her boyfriend aka the husband of her best friend. What will happen? What's really going on is that the venom wasn't removed fast enough and altered some minor things inside of Bella, allowing her to recognize her true mate and draw him to her in return. And I hope that's not spoiling too much... Then there's a Bella fic I had in mind, where she's a wallflower. A very lonely, pathetic girl really. Until she decides that enough is enough. She wants to throw her life around and decides there are several experiences she just 'needs' to have in her life. Going out, looking for sexual encounters, she starts to become more comfortable in her own skin and she also starts to show that confidence in her every day life. There'll be a lot of lemons, and the most important Twi-men will be included one way or another. *coughs* It's a pretty dirty fic... And the other ones I have in mind -and am not already working on- are mostly Supernatural fics, so I don't think that'd be something you'd want to know. Good luck in the Gem Awards Onyx Round and thank you for letting us interview you, Shirley!  |
June 23, 2011 at 1:15 AM
I'm so sorry. I saw this really late! But thank you for interviewing me, darling! It's an honor!! Love you girls!
January 1, 2014 at 5:10 AM
I don't know if you'll get this. I'm trying to find your stories again. I'm cleaning out my fanfiction account, and noticed that you took your stories down. I have a very long TBR. Several of your stories where there.. I tried going into your blog and livejournal. I need permission for your blog and lj was down.
Can you please e-mail me at kim67255@gmail.com please. I would love to read your stories.
Post a Comment