Welcome back, once again, to Interview with the Author.
The designed ‘victim’, as Ally and I dubbed her, of this month, is Allyson herself, TheMonkeyGirl.
Want to know something more about her, before you run and read her stories? (Because you just have to do it, trust me!)

If you do, then take a seat, a packet of cigarettes (errr… old habits die hard, forgive me) and some tasty food. Ready? Okay…

Let’s begin with an easy question: who is TheMonkeyGirl? TheMonkeyGirl’s alter ego is also known as Allyson or Ally (or Al if you’re my mother). I am??? years old- a lady never reveals her age. I was born and raised in a small town in West Virginia and moved to Dallas, Texas for college (university to some). I just recently moved to Chicago, Illinois where we currently have over a foot of nasty, beautiful snow lying on the ground. In addition to writing, I also love to read- anything from the occasional romance, to mysteries, to science fiction or fantasy. I don’t stick to one particular group as long as the book is interesting. And I am a former hockey player- goalie to be exact. I miss that so much, but after enough injuries the only way I can enjoy the spot is by watching.

For some authors of this board, fan fiction was the first step down the writing line. What about you? Did you begin to write ‘regular’ stories and then shifted to fiction, or jumped straight on the fandom bandwagon?
Fan fiction was not the first thing I wrote, but do the scribblings and poems of a child really count for much. I had a few short stories that I worked on in high school but they usually remained unfinished. The first major story that I ever wrote was a fan fiction and still remains one of my favorites even if the writing style isn’t that good.

As an author, do you have something published?
The only things I have ever seen published are articles I wrote for my college newspaper. I do not have any stories published although it is an eventual goal. My bigger goal would actually be to write screenplays someday. With that in mind, I try to write every story as if I’m envisioning how it would look or play out on a movie screen.

How many stories have you written so far? Tell us something about them.
I’ve written four stories that I am proud to call my own. The first is called “Back to Your Heart.” No one on the EWAC site has ever seen it or probably ever will since it was actually a fan fiction revolving around Nsync.
The second was a joint effort with one of my best friends in Dallas called “Through These Eyes,” which is almost finished, but is no longer posted on the website. We chose that title because it was the first time I had ever written a story in the first person narrative that switched points of view with each section- hence you are seeing the story through the eyes of each character in turn.
And I have two current stories. The first is “As You Desire.” The inspiration was a song by Evanescence where part of it says “I’m so sick of speaking words that no one understands/ Is it clear enough that you can’t live your whole life all alone/ I can hear you in a whisper/ But you can’t even hear me screaming” I started to ponder if that’s the way a celebrity feels sometimes, like he/she is screaming but no one even hears or understands what they’re trying to say or how they feel. And if a “normal” person were put in their shoes, would they begin to feel the same way. So the idea of having Orlando trade lives with someone was born.
The final story “Deceptive Appeal” began because Kimi and I were being goofy and catty one day and totally slamming on Orlando. I asked “wonder how ElfBoy would feel if he knew that fans say something like this?” So we took the opportunity to have Hollywood’s Golden Boy hear some not so nice reviews, if only in the fictional world. The catch is that while Eva and Alex are making fun of celebrities for being fake, they aren’t exactly portraying themselves realistically, either.


Do you think fan fiction is art? Some people of this board (most of them, actually) don’t like to tell around they write fan fiction, despite their stories are undeniably good. What’s your personal attitude towards the matter?
Anything that is born from the imagination of a person is considered art, so therefore every story on this site is a work of art. While what we produce may never be on the walls of the Louvre or compared to Shakespeare’s works, it is still art, pure and unadulterated. We all allow our creative sides to shine through for the enjoyment of others even if it is a small audience. And I don’t see a reason for any of us to be ashamed of our art form. Just the other day, another passenger on an airplane saw me furiously scribbling in my notebook and asked what I was writing. I had no fear in telling him that I was a fiction writer.

Which genres capture your attention? I noticed that love is not the only peculiarity of your stories: it seems like you give a great importance to the funny side of life through your characters, as well as to trust and to a sort of incapability to understand each other. Is it why this is your attitude towards life, as well?
My writing is almost as eclectic as the stories I like to read, so I don’t want every one to follow the same pattern any more than I want each person to be identical to others. I enjoy having fun in my life and like that to show through in my characters. It also makes them more realistic, as does the inclusion of some character flaws. Most people have their own secrets, insecurities, or other issues and that’s what makes them unique. Without something deeper to each character it would be more like watching a one dimensional stick figure walk through the pages instead of a three dimensional image. To quote Shrek “Layers. Onions have layers. Ogres have layers. You get it? We both have layers.” And all those layers make people interesting.

Do you identify with your characters? Some people tend to believe that authors of fan fiction just fit their quirks and personalities into their main characters, in a sort of mental projection that helps them to live new experiences and suit their fantasies. Do you think it is true?
I think I do incorporate some parts of my personality into my characters. I am a true smartass and make use of that talent quite a bit in writing dialogue. I am also very bad on being on time for anything. I’m either extremely early or rushing around like a headless chicken because I’m late and I use that trait quite often in my stories. As far as using stories as a way to live experiences or fantasies- yes, to both. I incorporate both into my stories. Things that I experience frequently work their way into my stories although slightly modified. After being in New Orleans for Mardi Gras last year, I just had to use that experience in my story, although the fictional version was a lot more sober. Even the antics of my cats inspire me for small jokes in my stories- and they even make cameos once in a while. Sometimes things I desire also gain a place in my stories. Would I like to meet the celebrities that I admire... DEFINITELY. Do I think any of it would ever come true in a million years... SURE- when they play hockey in hell.

You posted a comment once that caught my attention: you said that ‘we are often drawn to people similar to ourselves’, even when it comes to writing. So, what kind of famous guests should we expect to bump into, in a story by Allyson? And why?
Wow! What a memory you have. It’s been at least a few months since I said that. Of course we are drawn to people similar to ourselves. As a smartass and a tomboy, I wouldn’t very well have fun spending time with someone that is a prim and proper girlie girl. This also applies to what we enjoy reading. I’m not a huge fan of many alternate reality fics like placing the hobbits in outer space. I also tend to stay away from stories that are overly romantic. Not to say that those aren’t good ideas or stories, but it’s not my cup of tea. I admit that I prefer stories or authors who have a style similar to my own. Now if I could just decide on a famous guest like some other author’s on the site and have people begging for their next chapter and crying because the stories have come to an end.

What about the nasty Writers’ Block, do you suffer it? Share with us your ways to overcome it.
Show me one author that hasn’t had a case of writer’s block and I’ll show you a liar. I went through a period of about three years where I couldn’t bring myself to write anything. As soon as I got a good idea I couldn’t stop myself from writing and that story is now too long to store on a single computer disk. Some bouts of writer’s block are longer than others but almost all are broken by seeing, hearing, or experiencing something that gives me inspiration for my next or a future chapter. Above all though, we should never force ourselves to break through our writer’s block because the result is usually a load of rubbish. One should never write because they feel they have to but because they want to.

What usually inspires you to write?
Like I just said, it could be anything from watching my cat fall off the furniture (which is a weekly event), to hearing a song, or even just needing to unwind after a long day. Some of what I think are my funniest scenes come when I’ve had a terrible day simply because I want to make myself laugh.

I noticed you support joint fictions. Do you like writing them, and, according to you, do they bring along some advantages that ‘solo’ stories lack of?
There is one disadvantage to joint fics versus solo stories- complete control. You can’t make the character do EVERYTHING you want them to do because there is more than one puppeteer. That is also an advantage though. It depends on the story as to whether or not a joint effort is beneficial. For “Through These Eyes” it was useful because we were constantly changing the narrator and there are so many characters. It is difficult to come up with unique personalities for nine major characters. In that instance, the way one character would describe an event would be different from the way another would explain the same thing, so having a fresh brain helps. If a guy is supposed to be telling the story, he would note that they were in a room with a lot of furniture whereas a female narrator would notice how the room was decorated. It also helped in conversations. My co-author and I work on IM or in the same room together actually having the conversation. To me that is more realistic because the way I would think to answer a question may be far different from the way another person would answer it and it gives the dialogue a more natural flow. The same applies to “Deceptive Appeal” when the two main characters are in a scene together. Then when the characters are on their own, the writing style changes slightly to indicate the difference in their personalities.
In “As You Desire,” Jenn and I teamed up after I initially started the story. It began getting confusing for me to write alone because that one is almost like two separate stories woven together- kind of like the movie “Love Actually.” So Jenn can focus on the “New York” side of the story and I can concentrate on the events in “Los Angeles.”

Who would you like to write with, and what? Is there something intriguing that you haven’t tried yet?
Oooh, tough question. I don’t really know who I want to write with until I begin the adventure. Despite being friends, I never would have thought Kimi and I could put our brains together and create something because we have slightly different styles. Someday, I would like to try my hand at a short story. I keep telling myself that I will do that, but then they turn into unending novels. I just can’t make my brain turn off and stop getting good ideas.

I noticed from my personal experience that we tend to get quite sympathetic around people sharing our interests, blame it on a sense of admiration and the fact we are (almost) all women here, and women get chummy quite easily. Tell us something about your friends on this board.
I don’t know if it has so much to do with being sympathetic with people I share interests with or simply people that I consider friends, although I guess they are connected. Women get chummy easily???? I think women can be some of the most vicious creatures in this world. I don’t want to single out any particular friends on the board because each is special to me in their own way. Jenn encouraged my wild idea to pick up and move halfway across the company and has been by my side the whole way. Kimi has been there for me with a supportive shoulder to cry on (figuratively) through the tough times of the past few weeks. Anna and Donna have supported my writing even when I was convinced that it must suck. If I’m forgetting anyone (like this is my Oscar speech or something), I’m sorry. I can’t remember everyone that I’ve met.... and all because we have obsessions with hobbits, elves, or Rangers.

Let’s move on to the reader in you: what kind of stories do you prefer to read, are there authors you recommend?
I love two science fictions/ fantasy writers- Michael Stackpole and Aaron Allston- because they both have a sense of humour similar to mine. But if you’re not a geek like me, you’ve probably never heard of them. I also love the Dan Brown books because even once I reach the last page of the book, I’m still trying to put all the pieces together. While I enjoy reading books that I just read for the fun of it- kind of like some movies- I really adore stories that make me think.

We know it is hard to list the characteristics of a good story, mainly because tastes differ. But on the other way around, is there something you just cannot stand as a reader?
Something that really spoils a good narration, or something absolutely necessary to write properly… As Donna has so appropriately dubbed me, I am the “Grammar Nazi.” If an author is going to take the time to sit down and write a story, spend a few extra minutes learning the rules of grammar or using a little tool on the computer called “Spellcheck.” I know that for a lot of authors on this site, English is a second language so I try not to be too critical, but when that’s not the case.... well, that’s all I’ll say on it. A big turn-off for me is also stories that are one giant paragraph. I will initially try to wade through it, but usually end up giving up.

Your favourite book and writer. Macbeth- Shakespeare. I love all the deceit.

And, last but not least, the Marcel Proust questionnaire!

A book: Angels and Demons by Dan Brown

A Dream: Even at my age, I’m still haunted by the dream where you are in a public place with no clothes on. If I’m going to dream about nakedness, why can’t it be the good kind?

A place: hands down- Walt Disney World.

The name you'd like to have: I’m pretty happy with my name- except when someone uses the whole thing at once.

Favourite colour: Baby blue is my signature color.

A Song: Someday by Nickleback

Your passion: my friends

Your love: my cats- they are spoiled rotten

Your disappointment: not having my dream job of working in radio.

Favourite movie: as if you have to ask??? I only have all three Lord of the Rings movies memorized.

Favourite food: anything Italian

Collection: I don’t really have a collection or anything. My house is a mix match of a lot of things.

Rebel?: HELL YEA!!!!!!!! I’m a middle child and love attention. My mother is appalled that I’m her child with five tattoos.

A fragrance: What could be better than a fresh brewed pot of coffee first thing in the morning

White lies?: what’s the harm... as long as you remember what you told to whom and make sure they don’t conflict.

The most important person in your life: My dad. I’ve never met a person in my life that works harder or appreciates what he has more than he does.

Secret formula for success: Have no fear. Man never would have walked on the moon if he was too afraid.

Inspiring moment: I’ll have to get back to you on that one, when I actually do something inspiring.

Stories or Poems: If this is a pick my favorite question, it’s stories all the way. I enjoy poetry but sometimes it just takes too much brain power.

You'd like to meet: Another question that you really have to ask??? Dominic Monaghan.... we just won’t say what would happen if I did.

Greatest fear: Fear itself. I never want to be afraid to at least try something.

You wish with all of your heart: Just to be successful in life. That doesn’t necessarily mean having a lot of money or anything like that. Just enjoying life and being happy with what I have.

The perfect guy: One that’s breathing and single at this point.

Ideal vacations: again back to Walt Disney World. Gotta love the giant people trap run by the mouse.

Best city to live: Dallas, it was my home for so long.

God?: I have to get philosophical. Yes, there is a greater being. I won’t get into the debate about what that greater being is here.

Do you believe in fate? Very much so. I believe that every person comes into my life for one reason or another. I also believe that somewhere out there is the man I’m meant to spend the rest of my life with- now if he would just ask for directions so he can find me.

Your mission in this life: To be happy

A nightmare: not being happy- been there, done that, survived, and am a better person for it.

Love is: unconditional

War is: Pointless

If you weren't a writer, you'd like to be: a film director... but I guess that means I should have gone to film school instead of studying to be a radio DJ.

An advice for writers: 1. Ask for advice or opinions. 2. NEVER doubt yourself. 3. Spellcheck people- how many times do I have to tell you.


That’s all, folks! I’d like to personally thank Ally for this interview, because she truly is a great writer and I hope she’ll get the attention and rewards she deserves very soon.
I had fun writing the questions for this interview, and a lot more reading her answers.
I am glad of this opportunity to know you a little bit better, girl; not to mention that a smartass quoting the layers scene of Shrek deserves to be praised, definitely!:shine:

It's a very good interview. Congratulations to both girls :). I'm glad I could know you better Ally! (I love your name btw). And Mena, I've already told you this, but I loved the questions.

Andie

Wow, Ally, that was a lovely interview. It really was very interesting to read. You gave us a nice insight into your attitude about writing, and it was refreshing to read it. Thanks for doing this interview, Mena!

Great interview!!

"Back To Your Heart"...where was that posted originally? I used to run in the BSB/Nsync fan fic circles, and it sounds very familiar...lol!

It was great to get to know you a little! :)

Actually, I never posted it. I wrote it about 4 years ago, but no one has ever read it except for my friends. But I might be convinced to share some day. :blush:

Thanks ladies! :heartbeat: Ally

Great interview. ^_^ Twas fun reading your opinions. *Gives you and Mena a cookie each* *Runs away singing loudly*

I loved 'Through These Eyes'. Sorry I was such a lazy bugger and stopped reading all fanfictions at one point of time. It was definitely good and now I'm tempted to read 'As You Desire'! Would we be seeing TTE back again?


Mena, great job with the interview!

Hey,
It was great reading this interview, as I haven't really seen you on these boards, it was great to get to know you a bit. Now i'm going to have to read some of your work. It sounds very interesting.
Anneka

Two of my favorite ladies together, Mena and Ally...thanks girls for being open and candid with the interview. I think all of would agree that it makes reading the fic's so much better to know just a little something about the author. I for one love to know the girls on the board and over the last half year or so, I'm very happy that I call Ally my friend...

It's also amazing to see the personality of people come through, Ally's so multi-dimmensional, such a great girl!

*muwah*

:wub:

Wow, darlin'. I knew you were a special person but darn! I loved reading about other sides of you I didn't know (yet). ;-)

It's interesting but I think some of the the things I "learned" about you I already knew, in one way or another. Maybe just insight, maybe just the smell of that onion! :laugh:

By the way, I gotta love you, my little Grammar Nazi! I'm still learning from you, more and more every day. :bow:

LOL! :laugh: I don't know whether to blush, :blush: bow my head and say "aww... shucks, thanks guys!" or laugh maniacally :devil: and say "boy, do I have ya'll fooled!"