Hello Everyone! I'm beyond excited to have gotten the chance to ask Subtlynice some questions for my author interview series, because beyond the fact that she's an amazing writer, she's the reason I'm an avid fanfiction reader in the first place. I started reading fanfiction/found out about it in the first place because I read her story Thy Beauty, and I haven't been able to stop reading FF since then. So this was extremely special to me personally, and MC (because that's the story that i sent her to read to introduce her to the fanfiction world and what got her reading stories with me as well).
So, we are both excited about this and almost like fan girls about this interview (haha).
Read and Enjoy!!
What inspired you to write Edward’s POV of the end of New Moon?
I started writing the first chapter – Death Wish – for a friend, with the assumption that it was just another one-shot like most of my other stories. I enjoyed it so much that I started writing another chapter, but I didn’t expect to post it. When I posted the first chapter of Thy Beauty, I briefly mentioned that I may post another chapter in due course. The general consensus from reviewers was that they’d all set the Volturi on me if I stopped, so I finished the next chapter and posted it. And then I carried on... and on... and before I knew it, I was writing the epilogue.
What was the most difficult part of that to write?
Certain scenes were hard to write. New Moon is my favourite book of the series, because it takes the reader through such a myriad of emotions, and some of it can be truly gut-wrenching to read. Through Edward’s eyes, that pain is intensified because not only is he a vampire, he can read the minds of all the people around him. He knows how much pain he’s caused. So the emotional scenes were very difficult to write, and Edward’s epiphany in particular. Edward learns through his actions in New Moon – he realises that he can’t leave her, and his only option is to change her. And he comes to terms with that. Since Edward’s views on his own immortality are so fixed, it was quite challenging getting him to that point – but luckily, I had Stephenie’s characterisation and dialogue to help me!
What was your favorite part to write?
I loved writing Chapter Six: Family Matters. The Cullen dynamic was broken in New Moon, but it’s never really touched upon in the books. When Edward left Bella it had an impact on all of them – Alice especially. I loved writing the scene between Edward and Alice in that chapter.
I’ve noticed a lot of your stories are other POVs of the books and things like that, any particular reason?
I like getting into the character’s heads and figuring out what makes them tick. There’s an old saying that goes something along the lines of: “a good writer is always just a little bit schizophrenic.” That’s pretty much how I see myself when I’m writing. I try not to think like me, and to think like the character, and I love writing new characters and getting new perspectives.
What did you think of Breaking Dawn?
I’m one of those rare people who absolutely adored it.
Why did you decide to write Edward’s POV for the end of Breaking Dawn?
I started writing “In Loving Memories” literally as soon as I’d put the book down. It was the perfect ending to the series, but my mind still hadn’t really accepted those two little words: The End. One of the reasons I love Breaking Dawn so much is that Edward finds the redemption he has been looking for. He is finally able to accept the happiness he deserves. And when the series ends, Edward finds that he has everything he has ever wanted – and everything he didn’t believe he could have. A child with Bella was able to bring him complete conviction of the existence of his soul. And he is able to be with Bella completely – mind, body and soul. It’s an important moment for Edward, and so it was just begging to be re-written from his perspective.
What’s your favorite type of fanfic to read?
I love angsty fanfiction. Any story that can make me cry, or empathise with the characters, I simply adore. One of my absolute favourites is Détruit by Somah. Every chapter is heartbreaking, but it’s not gratuitous angst, and damn, she knows how to write. The romance plays a significant part, but it’s just one part of the strong plotline which twists and turns at break-neck pace and leaves you begging for the next chapter. I think everyone should read it!
Is there any type you’d never read? Why?
I don’t read non-canon pairings, simply because I don’t think Stephenie’s characters need new relationships. She’s already created perfect relationships for them all. I’m not a big fan of out-of-character fanfiction either. I’ve read some amazing all-human OOC fics, but in the end, it’s not really fanfiction. It’s original fiction and it deserves to be written and published as such. I feel guilty just reading them online – like I should be paying the author who put so much effort into their story.
Who is your favorite character to write? Why?
I love to explore the minds and motives of the less-loved characters. Angela Weber, Mike Newton, Aro, Elizabeth Masen and Charlie Swan are a few of my favourites to think about. There’s just so much more that they have to say, and I like being given the chance to tell their stories.
Is there any music you like to listen to when you write?
Not really. When I write, I tend to shut myself away with nothing to distract me, including music. Music can influence me sometimes though, if I’ve been listening to a song just before I start writing. I recently discovered The Juliets and their music has started to seep into some of the stuff I’ve been writing.
Favorite author, outside of fanfic?
Kelley Armstrong, Cassandra Clare, Suzanne Collins, Philip Reeve, Philip Pullman, Malorie Blackman and Jeanette Winterson are just some of a very long list of favourite authors. I can’t possibly pick just one!
Favorite Twilight couple?
I have to say Edward and Bella. But I have a soft spot for Jasper and Alice, too. They’re adorable.
Which movie did you like more, Twilight or New Moon? Why?
I loved New Moon for the scene in Volterra, because it’s my absolute favourite part of the series (which is why I re-wrote it). New Moon is my favourite book of the series because I think the absolute gut-wrenching pain that Bella feels without Edward’s presence in her life really highlights the reasons why they need each other. But that’s very difficult to bring to the big screen. It’s much easier in film to capture a good relationship through its very beginnings. Which is why the Twilight movie is my favourite.
Do you have a specific writing process?
Not really. I tend to just write whenever the mood takes me. On a good day I can sometimes write a whole short-story and the time just flies by. Most days, I try to write a little bit at a time and take it slowly.
Any advice to aspiring fanfiction writers?
Just write. Whatever crazy idea that springs into your mind, write it. And even if you think it’s terrible, post it. Half of my old fics make me cringe when I look back at them, but that’s okay. I like knowing that I’ve improved. I think the brilliant thing about fanfiction is that it allows us to tone our writing abilities and boost our self-esteem while meeting other fans. So whatever you feel like writing, just give it a go, and as long as you love it, it’s worth the effort. :)
I'd like to just say another thanks to Subtlynice for taking the time to answer all these questions and let us know a little bit more about herself, her writing and her thoughts! I hope you enjoyed reading this, and I'll try to have the next installment up sometime in the next few days.
-Ed
