(no subject)

[turps]

James and Corey went to the Metro Center this morning. In the last hour they've phoned 7 times. All I want to do is go in the shower. Is that too much to ask!?

I need to go visit the relatives soon, so am going to grab a quick shower while there's a phone silence.

Before I go though, I saw this on friendsfriends last night and have just finished it.

1. How about a brief introduction?

I'm Terri and right now my main writing fandom is popslash, but bandslash has hold of me too, so I'm sort of jumping between the two at the moment. I first found fandom a long time ago, and as I didn't have a computer of my own went to the library to check out that crazy internet thing everyone was talking about. The first show I ever looked up? Poltergeist the Legacy.

We then got our own computer, and dial up that was free after 6 at night and all weekend. Now the thought of those hours makes me laugh, but back then I happily surfed on mega slow connections for about two hours a day. Oh how things change.

My first fannish experience was for Star Trek Voyager. I'm a huge fan, and found a mailing list for the Paris/Torres pairing. I joined and spent months reading all about that pairing, a total P/T shipper. Then one day I was at e-groups, as it was called then, saw a category for slash under the Voyager listings, and thought, what the heck is that? Thinking it was some kind of horror thing, I clicked, and oh baby, in that moment I came home.

My first slash fic I ever read was a Chakotay/Paris n/c torture mega angst thing, which set the bar for the rest of my fannish reading *g*

As the years went on I joined a lot of mailing lists, Trek, and Sentinel mostly, and and then one day, one of my list sibs on a TS group offered live journal codes. I decided to take one, and on the 29th of September 2002 I created this journal. I've used it ever since. It was LJ that showed me how fantastic popslash could be, and I slowly migrated from TS fandom to that shiny new sparkly fandom, and have been here ever since.



2. What got you into fanfiction?

It's all Mouse's fault! It started on the the A Slash mailing list ( yes, I read and enjoy A Team slash, I have no shame at this ) a certain castalie replied to one of my posts, and from that time I knew I'd met someone that pretty much shared my brain on many things. Mouse is amazing, through her I found many new stories/fandoms to read, and one day she wrote saying she'd found this amazing archive. 852 Prospect. And with that the next stage of my fannish life started.

Jim/Blair consumed my life for a long time, and one day I happened to mention to Mouse that Jim should come in Blair's hair. I wrote her a silly little ficlet about that, the first non school assigned fiction ever, and that was the first fanfic I ever wrote. That year I wrote my first real story, a birthday gift for Mouse. It was a Sentinel blood/knife fic story, and I was lucky enough that Starwatcher saw a draft, and offered to make it readable, because ouch! I didn't know not to throw huge blocks of text at people, or even the basics like how to pace or make things readable. I guess it's why I cut many newbies a break. Because sometimes you really don't know how to present a story. Still, you have to learn, like I did.


3. What kind of fanfiction do you write?

Well if it's asking the basics, slash. Slash which very much tends toward the non sexual side. With lots of group interaction and hand touching and often scenes in public bathrooms *g*


4. Do you write for the same pairings/characters?

Totally. I was actually comment chatting with Turlough and she said that it's more like I have a One true character rather than an OTP, and it's true. I need to have a character I love to get invested in a fandom. It was Blair in TS, Brennan in Mutant X, Chris in popslash, Mikey in bandom ( all the fandoms I've written in) While I do write stories away from those characters, the vast majority of time they're the focus of the story. Even if I do write a story where they're not the main focus, there's still a good chance they'll appear somewhere. Like in Travel On, which is a JuC story set on a bus, yet there's still phone conversations with Chris.

5. What is your most popular fic and why do you think people like it so?

Boxes. It's the one that keeps getting asked for and I see recced often. It's also the only story I get unexpected email comments about even now. I'm not even sure why people like it so much. Maybe I hit the prime period for posting a homeless AU? Maybe because at its heart it's a story about five guys who love each other so much despite the circumstances in which they live. Maybe because Chris would give his life for any one of them, and nearly did. Maybe because it's the story I love the most myself, and that shows. I don't really know. I mean, it's not the best written thing I've done, but it remains my favourite despite that.


6. Forget other people; what is the fanfic/post/prompt you've written that you're most proud of?

Apart from Boxes, I really like Always Known, which was my SeSa story for 2006. I wrote it when the Lance and Reichen thing was at its height, people loved them together, and I planned to break them up. Then that happened for real, and I wanted to head desk as I saw people posting about how trickyfish writers would take advantage of the situation. But I love the story, and think it worked well.

I also really like The M and G thing. I was terrified about posting something for the bandom fandom, still am in many ways, but I love how it turned out.


7. Do you find writing easy? Hard? What aspects do you struggle with?

It depends. Sometimes the words flow, others not so much. I hate writing sex scenes, and will gloss over them if I can. Dialogue can still trip me up at times too, it's all too easy to make it sound stilted.


8. Write a few sentences of your favorite pairing or character.

Have a bit of Boxes.

Chris wakes when the sun shines in his face. He yawns, rubs at his eyes, then gently detangles himself from JC´s hold. Squirming from under the blankets, Chris kneels, then covers JC back up as he mumbles in his sleep. Each movement is painful as Chris backs out of their shelter; his muscles are stiff after yet another night sleeping on the hard ground, so he stands and stretches, grimacing as his joints pop into place.

And wow, I haven't written a trickc focussed story for a long time. What's up with that?

9. Are there any fanfiction trends/cliches you hate?

Man, yes.

10. Are you guilty of any of the trends you hate?

Probably, but if I ever write JC as a kitty, just shoot me.

11. What was the first fandom you wrote for? Do you still write for it?

The Sentinel, and yes, I do. Not seriously but considering I co mod a TS flashfic comm, I answer one of the challenges every now and then.

12. Name your OTPs and explain what it is about them you love to write.

Well, like I said about I technically have OTC, but still, I have favourites of those.

Chris/JC
Chakotay/Paris
Jim/Blair
Kevin/Nick
Mikey/Pete
Methos/Richie
Brennan/Jesse
Harper/Ty
Nick/Philip
Face/Murdoch
Nick/Greg
Danny/Martin

I could go on, and obviously I've only written a handful of those. Why do I write them? Because to me the pairings make sense. It's that simple.

13. What would you call your writing style?

Barely scraping through? I don't know. I'd say steady I guess. I'm no wordy genius, that's for sure.

14. Do you read other people's writing? If so, what do you find yourself reading the most?

Hell yes I do. I read more than I write. Right now I'm on a bandslash kick, with a healthy side of popslash, Without a Trace and NCIS.

15. Name one thing you'd love to write but have been too afraid or too shy to do.

I want to write a really hot MCR gsf where Mikey is passed around and used by his bandmates. It'll be a first time and Gerard would lie next to Mikey and stroke his fingers along his jaw, telling him how he's going to love it and how good he looks and kisses Mikey when Bob takes him for the first time, taking in Mikey's gasp of surprise as Frank plays with Mikey's hair and Ray casually strokes himself while resting his hand on the dip of Bob's back.

It would be cliched but damn hot and way beyond my ability to write. I'd have to peek through my fingers as I tapped out each word.

16. Do you feel uncomfortable taking criticism? Or worse, do you have the dreaded bloated ego?

Again, it depends what kind. I can take anything my betas say to me, because I trust them totally. I don't mind people pointing out mistakes at all. If someone posted that a story sucked and I needed to stop writing already, that I wouldn't like. I hope I don't have a bloated ego, I've nothing that deserves one, that's for sure.

17. When you write, is there anything that helps?

I write best in total silence. I'm so easily distracted that I could never listen to music and write at the same time.

18. What inspires you?

Things I see in footage, interviews, things like that. Nothing special really.

19. Lastly, how would you sum up your fanfiction experiences and you as a writer?

Very positive. I'm lucky in that I've never been flamed, and the only online crit I've seen has been gentle and easily taken. I'm lucky enough to get good comments, and people seem to enjoy what I write, which is awesome.

Me as a writer? Probably a 6 out of 10. There's a lot better than me, but a lot worse.

Comments

[castalie.livejournal.com]

Oh, man, #2 was such a trip down memory lane! I remember everything! Hee so cool :-)

I'm always thrilled to hear that your Boxes series is such a success because it is one hell of a good piece of work! It deserves all the attention it's getting. Which reminds me, I was talking with Jem - a member of the FP - the other day and I was talking about you - I think the subject was popslash and bandlash - and then she remembered your name from somewhere so I said you were a writer in popslash and know what? She's a fan of your Boxes story. I was so proud, dude! lol

Actually, I think I'll go and tab the fic for later reading *nods* It's been quite some time since I read it :-)

[turps33.livejournal.com]

It was cool writing it down too. It's all your fault!

Hee! That makes me smile about Jem knowing Boxes. It really is the story I'm known for by a big margin, and it always surprises me when I realise just how far back in my popslash writing time it is.

You're a star *beams*

[starwatcher]

.
a birthday gift for Mouse. It was a Sentinel blood/knife fic story, and I was lucky enough that Starwatcher saw a draft, and offered to make it readable, because ouch!

Oh, wow, Mouse, I didn't know that story was for YOU. I didn't even know you then, and now I beta for you. What a trip!

And, Terri -- I was soooo new and green at the beta process, it's amazing we managed to get that story whipped into shape. We did good together, but I'm not sure how, LOL!
.

[turps33.livejournal.com]

It's funny how the universe works :)

We totally muddled through together, and look at us now! It just shows good things come from the smallest of starts.

[sperrywink]

That was fascinating! Among other things, I didn't know you were so heavily into The Sentinel back in the day. I can see why you would like the Nick as a sentinel story idea. *g*

I can read popslash GSF occasionally, but I'm really resistant to it in bandslash. It's partly the brothers thing, partly the Gerard=asexual thing, and partly something else. Who knows what. Still, I'm sure many people would love it if you wrote your hot little bandslash GSF. LOVE IT. It seems right up bandslash's alley.

All our common OTC's are the same. We have good taste, huh? *g*

This was a fun read! Thanks for sharing.

[turps33.livejournal.com]

Oh yes, Sentinel was my whole fannish existence for a long time. I was on multiple TS lists and really, it's where I moved from lurking in fandom, to actually contributing something.

It's funny. While I do love the idea of a bandom gsf, I can't go that last step to Gerard actually having sex with Mikey. Kissing, yep, caresses, totally, but it seems sex is over that line. Which makes no sense, because it's not like Gerard kissing his brother and petting him while Mikey's being fucked by one of his bandmates hasn't crossed multiple lines anyway.

But yes, I think people would like it. So would I if I could write it without blushing to death *g*

We have awesome taste!

[lucylooo.livejournal.com]

I love when you do these! I am so stealing this a lot. :D

[turps33.livejournal.com]

Yay! I love reading these too. It's fascinating to see how people write.

[yami-tai.livejournal.com]

A really interesting meme :-)! Hope you managed to grab your shower!

[turps33.livejournal.com]

It was fun remembering back when. It's funny how many things come back to Mouse *g*

[turloughishere.livejournal.com]

"Brief" introduction? ;-)

if I ever write JC as a kitty, just shoot me

Now I've got a terrible urge to make you write a story where JC is turned into a small, fluffy kitten :-P

You should sooo write that MCR GSF!!!

[turps33.livejournal.com]

Well, I didn't add the Mutant X years in there, so it was kinda brief *g*

You know something? I don't know if I could even write JC as a real fluffy kitten. I mean, if I was asked I'd try, but I'd be shuddering with every word.

Dude! I want to read that MCR gsf! But sadly it's not the type of story I'm good at at all!

[turloughishere.livejournal.com]

Interesting. Is it only JC, because of the kitten cliche? Could you write anyone else as a fluffy kitten? Chris or Lance or Mikey or Gerard?

[turps33.livejournal.com]

It's only JC. The pretty kitty JC thing has such a negative connotation to me now, and I'm aware I get too annoyed about it, but I can't help it. Anyone else, bring on that transformation. Chris the hyperactive kitten that sharpens his claws in your leg one moment, purrs in your ear the next. Lance with his huge green eyes and stumpy legs, Mikey the skinny kitty with floppy hair and dark ringed eyes, Gerard the mangy kitty who likes to rake in the rubbish bins but you can tell is beautiful under the lank fur.

Actually, thinking of JC, I could probably fit him into that basket of kittens, just without the pretty kitty description.

[turloughishere.livejournal.com]

Now I want to read a story about Gerard and Mikey suddenly turning into cats! I love animal transformation stories and trying to imagine what kind of animal/dog/cat etc etc the different guys would turn into. There are far too few of them in bandslash :-)

[turps33.livejournal.com]

Will this little bit help that need?

When Bob climbs aboard the bus, the first thing he sees is the kitten. It’s sitting in the middle of the table, surrounded by empty drinks cans, sheets of paper and uncapped pens that roll to the floor, batted away by a tiny white paw. It’s kind of cute, and Bob can’t help smiling as he moves close. Then takes a step back, because while the kitten is cute from a distance, up close its fur is long and lank, and there’s something crusted on its back leg, and it smells like it’s been rolling in garbage --garbage that had been left to rot for days.

Backing up until he’s resting against the kitchen bench, Bob observes the kitten. Watching as it flops on its side and stretches one paw in the air, its mouth open wide to reveal tiny sharp teeth.

Which okay, is cute despite the greasy fur and crazed looking eyes, except it’s then the kitten starts to scratch, leg frantically moving and Bob’s wondering if fleas can transfer to humans when he hears a high-pitched squeak.

At first he thinks it’s coming from the mangy kitten on the table, then he realises that the sound is too low, coming from somewhere near his foot. He looks down, and sees yet another kitten. This one all bandy legs and a whip thin tail that droops to the ground, and when it stumbles into Bob’s foot and looks up, he sees its eyes are scrunched almost closed and ringed with an unbroken line of black.

“Hey,” Bob says softly, and bends down, carefully scooping the kitten into his hand. It fits perfectly and immediately curls up, its black nose against tiny pink paws and Bob’s too enchanted to even care that this one has greasy fur too, lying lank against his palm.

Meow!

Attention brought back to the first kitten, Bob sees it’s moved to the edge of the table, ears pricked up high and whiskers trembling as it strains its neck and looks up. Meowing frantically until Bob rests his hand on the table, and the second kitten stumbles forward, bumping into cans and tripping over pens until the first kitten runs close, pressing it’s nose against the others neck.

They stand still, then flop down, legs tangled, noses close, slipping into sleep.

Wiping his hand against his thigh, Bob sits, watches and realises under the unwashed fur and smell there’s actually two good looking kittens, that actually look similar now they’re lying so close. In fact, despite the differences they could be brothers and Bob’s making plans to clean them up and give them to Gerard and Mikey – though maybe not because Bob’s seen the unnatural interest Mikey has in catcostumes.com.

Still, it would be a nice gift and Bob’s about to search for the gentle shampoo Ray uses on his hair, when the door opens and Frank hurries inside.

“Hey,” he says, and the kittens shift in their sleep as Frank looks along the bus toward the bunks. “Have you seen Gerard or Mikey? Worm says they were talking to some weird looking woman, and no one’s seen them since.”

The kittens wake then, mewing as they stand, and Bob’s stomach clenches in realisation.

“Erm, Frank, we may have a problem.”

[turloughishere.livejournal.com]

Eeeeeeeeee!!!!!! *bounces with happiness* It's wonderful!! Thank you so much, Terri!! (Though now I want to know how they're going to solve this little problem ;-)

PS I just posted something for you here (http://turloughishere.livejournal.com/376513.html).

[sperrywink]

That is just the cutest thing! Poor kittens with their lank hair and Bob wiping his hand off after handling Mikey, AHAHAHAHA!

[turps33.livejournal.com]

They'd be such pathetic looking kittens, and Bob would so wipe his hand off *g*

[duoshinigami.livejournal.com]

*snickers* Oh my this was so cute! Those kittens do needs baths, much like the Way brothers as humans do sometimes ;P

But holy crap the combination of Bob+kittens is magical! I want him to lean down and nuzzle them (after their baths.) Is there any chance of a sequal ficlet? Possibly with a sleepy Bob and snoozing kittens on his tummy? And them trying to figure out how to turn them back :D because I do love this so much, even if it was just a ficlet!

[turps33.livejournal.com]

Hee! Yes! They do need bath, but will clean up beautifully I'm sure.

Dude, for you anything. I'll get on that today.

[frausorge]

Ahahaha, that's delightful! I love how the Way hygiene issues persist in all species manifestations. And yet they do have their good looks and their mutual affection to make them happy. ♥

[turps33.livejournal.com]

The Way hugiene issues make me all awwww. Which is weird because in reality I'd be sure to find it gross. Ways, what have you done to me!?

Thanks for reading :)

[turloughishere.livejournal.com]

It's like they're brainwashing us! It's terrible!! :-)

[turps33.livejournal.com]

I have to admit, I'd join their cult.

I think I already have.

[rikes]

My first slash fic I ever read was a Chakotay/Paris n/c torture mega angst thing, which set the bar for the rest of my fannish reading *g*

This explains so much. :D

[turps33.livejournal.com]

It really does!

[turloughishere.livejournal.com]

My thought exactly!!!

[frausorge]

I definitely vote for more TrickC from you. Also, that MCR GSF. It sounds, uh, very intriguing. Tell us more?

Also, I think you have the least bloated ego of anyone I know. 6 out of 10 is totally lowballing your talent, come on!

[turps33.livejournal.com]

I was shocked to see how long it had been since I wrote something trickc centric. That has to change!

Oh, the MCR GSF. I have such pretty images in my head. I was thinking it could take place before Mikey got married, a case of them knowing he loves them and arranging the whole thing to show they love him too. Mikey would be the center of all the attention, and each touch, each easy word would show him how much he's adored. Group sex but with a healthy dose of love.

You say such lovely things. Thank you.

[frausorge]

Group sex with a healthy dose of love sounds just about perfect, and no one could deserve it more than Mikey. A beautiful thing to contemplate!

[ihearthings-ii.livejournal.com]

OMG you write GAY PORN! *DEFRIENDS*

[turps33.livejournal.com]

Dude, you are never allowed to defriend me!!!11!!!

[ihearthings-ii.livejournal.com]

BUT YOU LIKES THE BUTTSECKS!!!1!!!!!11