*cameras pan in on a blonde woman sitting in an overstuffed chair*

Once again 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. Tonight I have the honor of interviewing one of the recent EWAC award winning authors. A relatively new face to the board, but she managed to captivate and entice the masses with her amazing and daring story Downfall. Join me as I welcome the amazingly talented Skilos!

*audience cheers wildly*

*A rather tall and curvy red head walks onto stage, blinks rapidly while her eyes adjust to all the cameras. A warm smile fills her face as she continues on to join Blondie in the center of the stage*

Skilos, welcome to the show! Let me start out by thanking you for accepting our invitation for this little get together. It is such a pleasure to have you on the show. And might I add that you are absolutely lovely, I adore the short red hair!

*Skilos blushes slightly as a nervous hand snakes up to her flaming hair.*

Oh you are too kind, but thank you. And thank you for having me on the show. I must admit, I am quite the fan of Interview with the Author. I never in a million years pictured myself here.

Well, you are. So why don’t we get the show on the road. Let’s start out with an easy question. Why don’t you tell us a little bit about yourself? As a relative new writer to EWAC, I’m sure there are a few individuals that are curious as to just who Skilos is.

Well I am Ramona, a 21 year old chick from Holland. IJmuiden to be precise. A small city dominated by steel and fishing industry. Some people smell the roses when they wake up, I smell the fish.

*Blondie chuckles and the audience follows suit*

I am currently working full time, but my goal is to go back to school to study and become a nurse. I also work as a volunteer in the local youth centre. Our team organizes discos, walk-in evenings, droppings and informational evenings (sex-ed, homework) for yougsters.

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?

Well I never really did write fan fictions to be honest. I had read them but always based on a character instead of the person. Real person fiction has a tendency to give me crawls because of there average writing. It wasn't until I started digging deeper and found this board my opinion actually changed. Before this I wrote drabbles mostly. I have this little book that I carry with me to drabble down thoughts and quotes in. Things I feel I need to read again. Or feel again.

How would you describe your own style of writing?

Angsty and Emotional, I have a tendency to have a really vague backdrop in order to focus on my characters emotions. I haven't mastered the art of describing a location like for instant, someone as Mena. She has a way of making you feel as if you're there.

*Blondie nods her head in agreement*

Everyone values writing differently, so tell me how does your writing make you feel and just how important it is to you?

It makes me feel whole. I couldn't do without it. If I have important things to tell to friends or family, I usually give them a letter. As easy as the words come to me when I am writing, as hard as they come out while talking. With big things I have a tendency to turn into a mute mumbling stuttering fool, and manage to look like Mister Bean when I do it.... I know, not a pretty picture to paint.

*a sea of laughter rips through the studio*

Oh my, Mr. Bean. Anyway, carrying on…what different genres, if any, would you like to attempt writing? What do you feel would challenge you the most?

Comedy. It is harder to make people laugh then it is to make them cry. I would love to try and write a good comedy. Katie and Am are really good at that. They can make you smile behind your screen and even laugh out loud.

Interesting thoughts. And I would have to agree with you on your comments about Katie and Amber, two very fine writers who have been known to make me bust a gut from time to time. But this isn’t about Kate, Amber, or Mena, this is about you. So tell us a bit about your story Downfall. Where did you get your inspiration for the story?

Just look around you, so many people have to deal with some form of abuse everyday, and it sickens me to the bone. I hate it, it makes me cry. A friend of mine ended a relationship and only afterwards I realized what went on in that home. Again I cried, because I accepted it that she slowly cut herself of from me; I never really took the time to try harder. And I still feel so guilty over that. But it went so slowly and by the time the S*** hit the fan, I wasn't there to help her because I had just stopped looking. And that's how it started; I couldn't stop thinking what it must have been like. I would love to say I dramatized a lot of things and maybe I did in my friends case... the violence wasn't as bad as I describe it, but it was still there, you know?? But in a lot of other cases this is harsh reality. And nobody really wants to know, don't they?

You are so true Skilos, so true. *Blondie holds up a copy of “Downfall”* Downfall is the fic that Skilos has chosen to pin. I strongly urge everyone to go and check it out, you will not be disappointed. You can find this amazing story in the Lads section.

Let’s delve more into your writing, when you are writing, do your characters set where the story is heading, or do you find characters that match the storyline you already have in your head?

My characters, definitely. I start with a thought and probably an end scene and what happens in between is not really in my hands. Sounds strange I know since I'm the one writing. But when I write I am in a different place, I place myself in her head.... Don't I sound Intellectual *snickers* I also forget the time completely, all of a sudden it is 4 hours later…. And I just love it. Seeing where the story goes.

So if I was Dana I would be able to come up with some amazing insight to your comment, discussing the psychology behind putting yourself in your characters head, but since I am not Dana and I would probably just rambling on about nothing, I will stick with the safe thing to do and nod my head in awe. See, *Blondie nods her head* nodding.
Downfall is a story of very serious nature, were you a bit scared to tackle a story about abuse? What steps did you go through to prepare yourself for this journey?

Anxious to the point of peeing myself, I was really scared posting it especially because I used a loved character.

Ah yes, that is something very scary to do. If you want to know what character we are referring to…you will just have to check out Skilos’ Downfall. *once again holds up copy of Downfall*

Intentionally it was meant to be an original story, but I decided to take a chance, that and the fact the original section is often passed up. To prepare myself I dug up Psychology reports and looked for foundations on the internet. Just some more background info to help me make it more real for myself.
I didn't want to write a story that was unrealistic. I wanted to make it feel real. So I did spend a lot of time gathering info, down to the point of reading statistics.

Well, I will be the first in line of many to commend you for going outside of the “safe zone” and writing about a very intimate and often unspoken comment. I know that a lot of writers, myself include, are far too afraid to take that leap of faith and actually write a story that focuses on the negative aspects of life. Sure, some writers use it as a little back story, but to use it as a focus point. Ballsy. But you know what, you pull it off. Your time spent researching really gives your story the credibility that it needs and doesn’t make a mockery of the subject. There is a sense of respect in your writing and a sense of realism. Okay, I’m getting off my podium, sorry about that. I have a tendency to get carried away.
Moving on…What is your idea of the perfect story? What do you dislike reading most in a story?

I love good plot twists, when an author challenges you to think along. To me that is the key. Or when an author thinks of a plot that is so freaking fantastic and complicated. Then you realize the detail they have put into their work. Take the plot in Chosen on this board. Damn fine plot writing if you ask me. And I hate reading Mary Sue stories. God please kill me now... Or the author of such a story. The main female character that is smart, funny, sexy, sweet... Perfect and if there is one thing I cannot stand then it's perfect. Blegh!! That ruins the whole story for me; it takes away its humanity. I want to read about women that have PMS, that are stubborn and Pig out on ice cream when heartbroken. Not about women that have three kids, the perfect marriage and job and manage to look like a model all the time, fighting crime while manicuring there nails. So Yeah. Mary Sues.

Time for the moment of truth, have you ever suffered from a writers block and if so how do you deal with it?

Thankfully no. I don't write chapters ahead nor do I set a deadline for myself, those are killers dude.

Hmph. Have to admit, I’m a bit jealous that the dreaded writers block is something you have never experienced. What do you think joint fics? Would you do it?

Sounds like fun, I’d do it. I think you could learn a lot from the other writers

Speaking of learning from other writers, what authors do you admire from real life and EWAC?

Tolkien (yawn) for his imagination.
Mo Hayder, she writes these eerie thrillers and they chill you to the bone.
Stephen King, the horror master of the blank pages. My favourite King book is Rose Madder, it is a pure coincidence that that book also contains the abuse topic.
*Blondie nods head once again* Oh yes, I too am a Stephen King fan. Absolutely brilliant. Please, continue.

On the site… Well sit back for the list:

Mena, for her ability to suck you into her story with your entire soul
Ambrosia, The romance *sigh*
Katie, she makes you laugh
Jewelz, does the melodrama with flair.
Dana, the plot queen in my eyes.
Samma, The way she describes friendships between two people. Amazing.

In a while the list will become larger as I have still so much to read, but yeah, these pop into my head.

I think that is a fair list. We are such devils here at Interview with the Author for putting you on the spot and asking such a question. It truly is difficult to rattle off a list that is not twenty pages long of amazing and talented authors from the site. We truly are blessed with a lot of talented individuals.
Back to you, which stories have you written so far?

Not much that is posted yet, there is Downfall, after that I posted I Still. A poem about broken friendships. Possession, a song fic about being the “other” woman. Recently I opened a thread on the song fic board called A Different downfall. There I will post song fics related to Downfall in the lads section, but it’s done in different POV’s. By her family and friends and of course Billy. Downfall is purely written from Myra’s POV and I wanted to give the others a chance to “speak” so to say. So every song will tell a different story. And I challenged the readers that if they see lyrics that they think would be perfect, to send them in.

Oooh, what an interesting thing to do. I like that idea. Especially since I am one, and I know that others do this, that when reading will have different songs pop into my head and I immediately relate it to the story.

Well, Skilos, I’m getting the sign from the camera men that it is time to wrap things up. So, 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?

Uhm… I am a klutz, I have the gift of making a complete idiot of myself without even verbally introducing myself. In Spain, Barcelona, I managed to fall into a fountain before this spectacular show…. In front of about 250 people.
*laughter from the audience*
I love constructive criticism, it helps so, so I like it if people are honest. I cry at Disney movies… really I am that pathetic.

Well, you heard it from right from the source, Skilos loves constructive criticism, so once again I encourage everyone to check out Downfall and provide some honest input for this up and coming writer. I want to thank Skilos for taking the time to spend with us here at Interview with the Author. I know I enjoyed myself and I am pretty sure everyone else did too.

*audience cheers wildly*

*as the camera pans out, Blondie leans in and whispers to Skilos*
Don’t worry, I cry at Disney movies also.

Great great interview!!!
I had so much fun in reading it.

First Blondie; you have done great and I love the way you are doing it. You have your own stuyle and it is lovely to read. And thanks for the compli dear :blush: I really am feeling flattered!

Skilos; It is great getting to know you better. I totally understand you when it comes to descriptions....bloody difficult indeed. It is something I struggle with to.
And it is so nice to read that this board changed your oppinion about fanfics. I totally agree with you that there are many many talented writers here.

:hug: That must have been really hard on you. Seeing someone slipping away is horrible. I think you are honouring her with writing this and hopefully helping some other girls/ women who go (or have gone) through this. I admire your courage for writing this fic with this subject!

And thanks so much for mentioning me. I feel so flattered that you really like chosen and think me to be the plot-queen :blush:

Lovely girls!
:love:

Haha, Blondie I adore how you made this interview. Awesome!

I always love reading these interviews. They give you such an insight on the writers. Moon, that's so terrible that Downfall's somewhat based/inspired on/by a friend. :cry:

And, uh :blush: thank you for the compliment.

:heartbeat:
Samma

Thanks girls,

And yeah it is sort of sad that a moment with a friend caused this, even if the violence is not as bad as it is in my story.. but still *le sigh*.

And yes Dana and Samma you most defenitly deserved the comment.
Hihi I was so nervous about this.

But me like very Mucho.

Thanks Blondie!! You did a lovely job

*laughs* Ah ha, Blondie, your interviews are so great, hehe. Love it.

And congratz to Skilos for "being on the show" haha- you deserve it hun. An amazingly talent writer you are...heh.

Awww, and you mentioned lil ol me :blush: Thanks hun, it means a lot (and makes me feel like I should probably get back to work on LG... eh...heh...*hides*).

Great to get to know you a bit better :)

(Yea, I definitely cry in Disney movies; I'm such a sap haha...)

Yes offcourse I did hahaha I love your story...

And while I was reading it I noticed one Important Person Missing.
I failed to mention dear Kloey.

As for that I will just have to mention her seperatly.

Kloey: Girl you rock big time. I love your story and you have been a blessing from the start. Your comments have been the biggest boost I could wish for.

:hug:

I don't know what to say Moon, you really like my writing? lol...believe it or not, I'm shocked...lol...it's not that I don't have the confidence or anything, but my writings is really based off of conversations I have with people and I'm usually not that funny, only by accident if that does happen lol.

Blondie, you were a great tv host and Moon you were great as a guest, I loved this and hopefully one day I would love to be in the spotlight chair hehehe. I really enjoyed reading all of this, thanks again soooo much :hug:

Katie

Blondie! YOU ARE A TRUE KILLER!

Awesome interview! And it was really cool getting to know Ramona better!

Great interview.

Leave it to Blondie, to bring forth the most kickass interviews in the coolest fashion!

And I gotta say, I had been looking forward to read this one, because 'Downfall' is such an intereting and cool story and I alreday knew it had to be written by a cool author, and this interview confirmed my idea.

You have a sense of humor and an ability in observing details that surface through your writing, as well,dear, but that here shine a lot more.

It filled me with pride to read your praises to other authors, and personal friends,althogh I was pretty surprised to spot my name there! I sweat I smiled, scrolled my headand rolled my eyes.

But as Blondie pointed out, this was YOUR interview,and it was amaxing!

Thanks girls,

I am really blushing and I love that everybody liked the interview.
And Yes after reading some material on the site I couldn't help but to get a list of favourite authors.

Okay, even though I did the interview, I still have a few comments to make, besides the ones I snuck in the interview. Tee hee. -_-

I loved your interview. I was especially interested in hearing how Downfall came about and all the work you put into it, making it believable and what not. I am sorry that your friend was the inspiration for the story. That had to be rough to witness. I commend you for taking that horrible situation and using as a tool to educate others and to vent some steam, so to speak.

I think it is cute that you shared that you cry at Disney movies. And I was being serious when I said I do the same. Never fails.

Once again, excellent interview Skilos and I am looking forward to seeing more fics from you in the future.

Oh and just a quick thanks to everyone for your kind words about the interview. It really means a lot! :blush: