*cameras pan in on a blonde woman sitting in an overstuffed chair*
Welcome back to Interview with the Author! I’m Blondie and I will be your host tonight. *flashes cheesy grin at the camera* We have quite an amazing show for you tonight, if I do say so myself. You may recognize her name as one of the established EWAC authors. Some of her current works, "Collide" and "Forks in the Road", may ring a bell for all you fiction junkies. Join me as I welcome author extraordinaire, Celandine!
*audience cheers wildly*
*Celandine walks in, smiles broadly and waves frantically to the crowd and joins Blondie center stage*
Celandine, it is wonderful to have you here today. It is honestly such an honor.
*Celandine smiles politely*
Well thank you Blondie, it truly is an honor to be here. It is all just so…exciting.
*the audience laughs*
Why don’t you tell us a little bit about yourself? Inquiring minds want to know just who the heck Celandine is!
Let's see, well, first off, Celandine's not my real name...big shocker, huh? It's actually Alicia, or Licia for short. Celandine, or people call me Celly here, I think it's so funny...oh wait, I was going to tell you about the name, sorry, I get off on tangents sometimes. *laughs*
*Blondie smiles a knowing smile and a nod of the head*
Back during my junior year of high school when The Two Towers came out, my good friend ~Jewelz~ and I went LotR nuts. We were writing notes using the elvish alphabet, started reading the books and all that jazz. I happened upon thebarrowdowns.com and typed my name in, and there it said that my hobbit name was "Celandine Maggot of Deephallow". I thought it was amusing, so that was my screen name on EWFN, but when I came here I cut off the "Maggot", because that's not such a pleasant name. So yes...I'm 19 (almost 20! Huzzah!) and live in sunny California, but I have no idea how to surf. I do say "dude" though, and "awesome". I'm pretty shy in person but I yap my fingers off online sometimes, and I hear it's pretty amusing to talk to me sometimes because well, I tend to say every random thing that pops into my head. Just ask ~Jewelz~.
Let’s talk writing…when and why did you decide to start writing fanfics? Did you have any sort of experience in writing before your venture into the land of fandom?
I started writing fanfics after I first came here back in ol' 2004, January to be exact. My friends had started writing fanfics and I didn't really take much interest in writing, but one day I got a fantastic idea that turned into "Collide", and quite frankly, I started writing it because it wouldn't leave me alone. I tried to ignore it, but those ideas swimming around in my head just kept bugging me, so I gave in, said "fine, as long as you'll be quiet if I write you down" and started writing.
How many stories have you written so far?
Well, heh, I haven't finished any yet, but I'm writing and almost halfway through "Collide", and I'm writing Forks in the Road slowly but surely. I've done a couple short stories but nothing that big.
*Blondie holds up a copy of “Collide”* "Collide" is the fic that Celandine has chosen to pin. I strongly urge everyone to go check it out; you can find it in the Original achievement section.
Do you have a favorite story that you have written? If you do, indulge us a bit and tell us what makes that one so special to you.
Out of the long long list of all those *laughs* my favorite would have to be Collide. It's my baby fic, it's been with me since the beginning and I hold all the characters dear to my heart. I'd have to say that there's a big piece of myself in Rosalyn, the main character, so that might be why I'm so attached to it. I also amuse myself while writing it...I hope that didn't sound like I think my writing is stupendous, it's just one of those "this is so funny I can barely type what's in my head" things. And Legolas and Gimli are like the fantasy Laurel and Hardy or Abbott and Costello. I could just picture them having a comedy act somewhere. Or playing good cop, bad cop.
So right you are about Legolas and Gimli. I can definitely see that and understand how that could lead to many humorous situations.
I am a curious bugger, and I am just dying to know – when you are not writing, how do you pass your time?
When my schoolwork isn't taking up most of my time, I love to read, watch random movies...oh...ok, I must tell you guys this...I'm a musical fanatic. I have seen a lot, but I haven't seen a lot, if that makes sense. My music library is about one third musicals and movie soundtracks. But yes, otherwise, I love talking to people online. I gained several international friends here and on another forum that I'm so glad to have met, they're so amusing and fun to chat with.
How would you describe your own style of writing?
Wow, hmm, I think it's a fair balance of description and dialogue.
*Blondie arches her eyebrow* Care to maybe elaborate just a little bit.
*Celandine giggles* Ok, that was vague, I'll try again. I try not to go from a first person perspective too much because I want people to get a good view of what's going on from everyone, more of a big picture approach. I think it's fairly light-hearted; I tend to make things humorous if I can because it makes things more fun to read. I think another characteristic of my writing is that it's very head-in-the-clouds, I try to stretch my imagination and come up with things that are really cool and would fit into the story well.
If I may interject my own humble opinion, I have to agree with you on your description. You definitely push the boundaries of one’s imagination, which is always great. It makes for an interesting read.
But we aren’t here for my opinions, so let’s move on before I get in trouble with the producers. In your opinion, are there any bad sides to writing?
I love it, I don't think there are many bad sides, but there are a few. Like for example, when you post something and then months later wish you could go back and redo it, but it would involve changing other parts of the story too, and would just confuse the readers.
*Blondie nods her head in agreement* Yes. I can see how that can be confusing, yet I can relate with wanting to go back and change previous parts of a story. Been there done that.
I also hate writing when I don't want to, but feel like I should. And when I start writing things that I think my readers would like...I have to stop and think "okay, no, this is writing for me, if they don't like this, then that's ok".
That is a good attitude to take. One that I know that I personally will try to remember for the future. You have already pointed out that you like to stretch your imagination, so tell us, where does the inspiration for your stories come from? Do they just come to you in a dream or is it something far more complicated and complex?
Actually, one chapter in "Collide" came from a dream I had before I even started writing the story...part of chapter 6 for those of you who know what I'm talking about. But I've had inspiration from songs, movies, or random things that I see during the day. Often I get ideas when I'm just sitting there minding my own business, and they just hit me like that. I won't even be thinking about the story. When that happens, I have to scramble for a piece of paper to write it down before I forget. As a result, I have at least five pieces of paper with notes scribbled down...the rest are on my computer for later use.
Okay, let’s talk for a minute about “Forks in the Road”, which I happen to adore. Where on earth did you come up with the idea of a choose your own adventure type of story?
It's funny that you ask that. I don't even remember how it started, I just got to thinking about a year ago that I wanted to write a fantasy story that wasn't a fan fic, and also light and possibly could change at any given moment. Something I could write off the top of my head when I just felt like writing and didn't want to go through a more in depth writing process like with "Collide". And I wanted to write something that no one I knew here had written before, something challenging to improve my writing. Then it just hit me that I could do choose your own adventure, I mean, I loved those books when I was younger.
Oh gosh, so did I. I would read them over and over, constantly choosing different options to see how it affected the ending.
So I decided to go for it and give it a try. But then came the question of "how can I make it choose your own adventure? They can't turn the pages, so I can't have multiple paths that the story can go." I eventually figured out that the best way was to have people vote, so they create the story but I would be the brains behind the operation.
To be honest, this sounds quite challenging. What types of challenges have you encountered while writing this?
Yes, it's actually been really challenging. I think it's only because I have to involve so many characters, and I didn't give myself any boundaries at all. I know what I want to do in little snippets, but coming up with multiple possible situations is tough. I really love it though and want to finish it eventually, which probably won't happen for a while. So I'm not abandoning it, don't worry! It just takes me forever sometimes to write a chapter that I actually like.
Characterization is always important in a story line. In my opinion, characters can make or break a story. Do your character set where the story is heading, or do you find characters that match the storyline you already have in your head?
Hmm, well, for Collide, it was a mix of the two. I knew I wanted to involve Legolas and Gimli, because the thought of them gallivanting off by themselves after the Ring was destroyed just seemed so amusing to me. The characters from the "real world" were ones I thought up to fit the story in my head. But you know, it's become more obvious that the characters are controlling the story, because I find myself thinking of how they would respond to certain things, and where that would take them. For Forks in the Road, I started with Wesley and went from there, so I'd say finding characters who fit the story for that one.
You mentioned this a bit earlier, that Rosalyn from “Collide” shares many of the characteristics that you do. Are the characters you create inspired by people you know or are they just a creation of your mind? Basically, what shapes your characters and makes them so special?
Rosalyn is part me, part what I wish I could be, and part a creation of my mind. Julianna is most definitely ~Jewelz~ to a T despite some alterations to her behavior to fit the story. I think it would be hard not to include her in a story of mine because I've been friends with her since I was 7.
*audiences awwwwws out loud*
Uh, the best friend in Collide, Alexander, is a big melting pot of all the awesome and funny guys I've known in my life. Some other characters have pieces of people I know in them, but others, like Wesley, just popped out of nowhere. I think it would be really hard to write a character that reminded you of no one you knew.
Let’s talk genres for a moment. I would say you are a pretty seasoned fantasy writer, are there any other genres out there that you would like to try your hand at writing? What do you feel would challenge you the most?
I think it would be really fun to write a mystery/thriller, one of those "whodunit" stories with the clever clues dropped here and there that don't make sense until the very end. I hope to write one of those eventually. I think something that would challenge me most would be a romantic story, because I really can't do the mushiness very well, I feel like I'm being unbelievably corny most of the time. That and horror. I hate being scared, so I don't think I could easily come up with something truly frightening.
Okay, the question that is on everyone’s mind but they are too afraid to ask…Have you ever suffered from the dreaded writers block and if so, how do you deal with it?
I think if anyone ever said they never had writer's block, they would be lying. It happens to all of us. I find it happens when I know what I want to write but can't seem to get it down right.
Now that we know about you as an author, I’m curious to hear about what you like to read personally. What is your idea of the perfect story? And on the flip side, what do you dislike reading most in a story?
I think the perfect story would have elements in everything in them: action, adventure, romance, comedy, horror, thrills, tragedy, and all that. I love stories that suck you in and keep you wanting to read more of the story, even thinking about what's going to happen next after you've put the book down, if you even do. I love feeling an attachment to the characters, feeling sad, happy, angry with them, etc. And what I dislike most in a story? When it's all about a guy and a girl hooking up, but not much else. I try to avoid fanfics that are too much of the "get my character hooked up with a hot Lad in some cool place with no outside plot other than that" design. I also don't like reading really violent stories, like when all these horrible things happen to innocent people, dark stories like that. It's just too depressing.
I know they say curiosity killed the cat, but I am practically dying to find out what authors (real life and on EWAC) that you admire.
In real life, I admire CS Lewis, JRR Tolkien, TA Barron (The Lost Years of Merlin series), JK Rowling, and Stephen Lawhead (he wrote the Pendragon Cycle, an amazing Arthurian series). Oh, and Christopher Paolini, who wrote Aragon and Eldest. I haven't read them yet, but putting out a novel at 15 and getting it to be a best seller at 19 is really awesome. On this site I admire my good friends ~Jewelz~, Nefduliniel, han, Cat, and Spuddy (Airefeaiel). They write awesome stories. Others of you who I don't know that much but are still fantastic writers: Ambrosia, Stacy, Blondie, JadeSalSolo, ninque elen, and JIM. I really hope I didn't forget anyone...but yeah, you guys rock my socks off.
Speaking of admired authors, what do you think of joint fics? Would you do it? Why or why not?
I think they're a great way to flex your writing muscles, but I don't think I could ever do it myself. I'd feel bad for getting behind on my chapters, because my updating is here and there and everywhere. I've almost written a bunch of joint fics, but I don't know if I'd have time to keep up with it. But everyone else who's thinking about doing it, go ahead and have fun with it, it's a new experience!
Well, Celly, if I may, we are just about out of time. One last question before we go. Is there anything you would like to share with us, anything you think is important, funny, or just down right handy to know?
Something important and handy to know is that I'm a fraternal twin, which isn't identical, thank you. My sister is awesome and a minute older than I am. Something funny? Oh, I've got a good one. One time I pulled out a bottle of what I thought was mouthwash from under the sink...it was blue and mouthwash looking and everything...but apparently it was astringent. That was the nastiest thing I'd ever tasted. The moral of the story is: Always look at the label. Hah, I guess that would be funny to you guys and not to me. I laugh at it now though, it's pretty hard to embarrass me...which is another handy thing to know!
My, that is quite the story. I will definitely make a mental note to myself to check all suspicious blue liquids before putting them in my mouth. Well, I want to thank you Celandine for stopping by and indulging us with this interview. I know I enjoyed myself and I am pretty sure everyone else did too.
*audience cheers wildly*
*dances around* Aww, thank you guys so much for choosing me for this! I had a lot of fun answering the questions. And thanks Blondie! You did that wonderfully! I laughed, and I liked your input too. comeon
| QUOTE |
| **throws knickers on stage** ZEFFY I'M PREGNANT!!! IT'S YOURS!!! I SWEAR!!! |
Haha *bows and flashes the peace sign* Can we name it Bob? :hug:
| QUOTE |
ahahaha and WHO got you to read Eragon and Eldest hmmm? lol
Pat
YAY FOR ALICIA!!! |
:shine: That would be you...I don't have them yet but I can guarantee I'll read them very soon! *hugs you too* You're awesome, Spud!
| QUOTE |
Great interview Blondie.
I sure enjoyed the way you shaped it
Licia it was great to get to know a bit more about you.
You totally desrved to have this interview and the answers you gave were fun and insightful. |
Hehe, yeah, she did a great job!
Awww, thanks Dana! :hug: I'm glad you like those two goofballs, haha.
| QUOTE |
Cellllyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!
I loved your interview so much!! YAY HARRY POTTERISM!!!
I didn't know you were a fraternal twin! That's so cool! |
Cat! *huggles you* Thanks! I think you're the coolest Cat around, hehe. Yes, the HP shall live on in our hearts, especially the Marauders! And I do, it's fun, I had many matching clothes as a youngin, lol.
| QUOTE |
| That's so true! I definitely have issues with that, and so now I'm going to keep the 'writing-for-me' thing in mind!! |
Yay! I had good advice *dances* I hope it helps, that gets me all the time.
| QUOTE |
*rofl*
Nice interview Celly (and Blodie for doing it) Quite amusing and full of things I pretty much already know, teh heh... |
Eheh, gracias mi amiga (equal mentos? rofl)! Yeah yeah, you've got like eleven years on most people here in knowing me. *laughs*
Okay, even though I hosted the interview, I had to come and leave some comments.
Licia, as Dana mentioned, it was really great getting to know you. Your personality definitely shined through in the interview, just as it does in your writing. Which I personally think is awesome.
I loved hearing about how "Collide" came to fruition. I can relate to the whole "baby/first" story syndrome as I mentioned to you earlier, and I can also relate to the constant nagging of ideas.
Thanks again for the shout out, it totally made my day to read that. :hug:
By the way, that is cool that you are a twin, and I loved that mouthwash/antiseptic story. I was giggling for a good 5 minutes. Of course, laughing with you, not at you. ^_^
| QUOTE (Blondie @ Mar 5 2006, 09:57 AM) |
Okay, even though I hosted the interview, I had to come and leave some comments.
Licia, as Dana mentioned, it was really great getting to know you. Your personality definitely shined through in the interview, just as it does in your writing. Which I personally think is awesome.
I loved hearing about how "Collide" came to fruition. I can relate to the whole "baby/first" story syndrome as I mentioned to you earlier, and I can also relate to the constant nagging of ideas.
Thanks again for the shout out, it totally made my day to read that. :hug:
By the way, that is cool that you are a twin, and I loved that mouthwash/antiseptic story. I was giggling for a good 5 minutes. Of course, laughing with you, not at you. ^_^
|
Aww, thanks, it was fun doing the interview with you! And you're welcome, you deserved it.
Yep, I am! It's funny because most people think that Jewelz is my twin or my sister's twin since we have similar coloring (blue eyes, pale skin, brown-ish red-ish blonde-ish hair)*laughs* I'm glad you were amused by the story, and are you sure you weren't laughing near me? :lol:
| QUOTE |
Aw, lovely interview, girls!
I feel ashamed to say, but I never knew your name was Alicia. Tis very pretty, and it actaully makes me really happy to know it. I'm so glad you got this interview, you really deserved it! Your story at the end about the astringent made me laugh. Thanks for mentioning me as an author! |
Aw, it's ok, not many people know my name here, mostly I get called "Celly". 'm glad you like my name, I like it too. ^_^ I've only been in school with one other Alicia, and boy was that amusing when we sat in the same row in the same class. :lol: Glad you liked the story as well, I just hope that everyone will take my advice and look at the label every time, haha. And you're welcome! You were the first author I ever read here, I'll never forget "Friends" and the "good ol' days". ^_^