I am a bit beside myself today introducing these two...
We've got our Naughty Librarian &
A Naughty English teacher Sorceresscirce!!!
The amazing SorceressCirce, author of Just One of the Guys, was gracious enough to spend several evenings chatting with me, The Naughty Librarian (author of I Caught Myself), for this interview. She and I had previously bonded over Broadway musicals, Ryan Reynolds, Ben Godfre and more, but the evening of our first 'official interview' chat, we really only managed to cover a couple of questions.
Here's a little peek at why (me = Naughty Librarian; Jewt-guh = SorceressCirce ~ 'Jewt-guh' being my phonetic spelling for the acronym JOotG [Just One of the Guys] because I'm a dork like that...:)
me: Hey ~ Lemme ask you a few basic questions, k?
Jewt-guh: Of course bb
me: Where were you born?
Jewt-guh: Carrollton, GA - Southern girl through and through ;)
me: WOOT *bumps fist* or *grabs boob*
Jewt-guh: *giggles and bumps fist* Oooh... hell yes.
me: nomnomnom
Jewt-guh: *gropes*
me: *tingles*
Jewt-guh: *whimpers*
me: Where were we?
Jewt-guh: Umm...I was groping you, I think?
Oh wait.
Interview. Right.
You asked where I was born.
me: Fuck the interview
Jewt-guh: Fuck yes.
me: *pounces!*
Jewt-guh: I have the margaritas bb
me: I'm on my way!! ;)
Jewt-guh: Yum. ;)
me: We share so much love...
Jewt-guh: yes, yes we do... :)
me: Margaritas, Ry, Benji, boobs, er..
Jewt-guh: Oh dear
me: Twilight...
This chat derailed at the sight of a naked picture of Ben Godfre. We then got all sortsa hot and bothered and never recovered. We groped, talked of safe words for our interview (determining SorceressCirce chose 'orangutan' to fuck me up) and broken moral compasses. We ended up horny as hell and in a Writing Challenge. Thankfully for you, dear pervlings, we did manage to contain our libidos (well, not really...) and get down to some questions. Here you go:SorceressCirce = SC Naughty Librarian =NL
NL: So, "SorceressCirce"...what the hell is that name? I mean, I picture some sort of Harry Potter meets Circe du Soleil...help me out here.
SC: Nice imagery! No, I was obsessed with Greek mythology as a kid, and Circe was always one of my favorite figures - anyone who can turn people into animals is win. So when I started coding for a MUD (yes, I'm a gamer geek - this shouldn't be surprising) six years or so ago, I chose the name Circe. When I started writing on fanfiction.net, that was taken, so I added the Sorceress in front of it. I have a terrible memory, so I tend to use the same creen names everywhereNL: So, no nimble, half naked wizards standing on one another's shoulders? Damn
SC: I know...sadly disappointing, right?
NL: No, you could never disappoint.
SC: We could always go with that though. I'm good with half-naked wizards. ;)
NL: Speaking of gaming...what was that MUD you referenced? Gaming is a big part of your Bella's life, as well as Jasper & her other guys. For those of us n00bs, give us some insight into the gaming world.
SC: Umm...a MUD is a multi-user dungeon. It's a text-based computer game where people read the descriptions of rooms and characters and that sort of thing. They interact pretty freely with the environment, and the MUD I code for is all about roleplay (you know I like that ;)). MUDs were sort of the precursors to MMOs like WoW (World of Warcraft), which is what Bella and Jasper play most often. When they get together with the guys, though, it's all about D&D (Dungeons & Dragons) - which is usually just an excuse to get together, be loud, eat pizza, and goof off.NL: Umm...MMOs? Sorry, I am fail.
SC: *grins* MMOs are massively multiplayer online games...they're basically just huge servers for graphic games where thousands of people can play together at once.
NL: Is JOotG your first fan fiction offering?
SC: It is...I just discovered fan fiction in December or January...can't remember which. I found several stories that I loved, but suddenly in February, they all stopped updating at once. They seriously all went on a month-long hiatus or something. So midway through the month, I thought, "Huh...wonder if I could do this...?" I sat down that night, wrote the first chapter of JOotG, nervously chatted with AHelm for awhile, and finally posted it.NL: Had you done any other type of creative writing previously because...um, well...you're kind of fuckawesome at it.
SC: *blushes* Well, I've always loved to write, and I have ridiculous amounts of notebooks and backs of receipts and half-finished files on my computer filled with character concepts and outlines and things. I've written some short stories and have been working on novels, but I've never shared anything with any sort of audience before JOotG. The only person who has ever read my work before now is my friend N, and he is fucking brutal - we both are. So I wasn't expecting a very warm welcome. :PNL: Speaking of warm welcomes, your story is about to crest 2000 reviews. I'm sure it will by the time this interview posts.
SC: That's just baffling to me...honestly. I love each of my reviewers so much, and I always wait anxiously to see what they have to say. Some of their thoughts and questions have prompted a few changes and explanations as well as pointed out some things I'd never really thought about. I have some of the best readers around.NL: Seeing as I'm one of your adoring fans, I will say thank you. :)
NL: Tell me a little about where your inspiration for Bella comes from. She's a broken, broken girl.
SC: Bella...Alright, so this may sound a little strange, but what about me isn't? ;)NL: Heh, I just had a 'Wicked' moment...
SC: Oooh, Wicked! Love that shit!NL: I KNOW! One of the many things I love about you...
NL: Isn't she though?
SC: Haha, yeah...considering it's how I met you, huh? Squealing and gushing about musicals in a review reply. Musicals have always been the one thing about me that nobody gets - I mean, I have a strange group of interests anyway, but it's hard to find someone who appreciates that one. So when I read your profile, I went all fangirl on you.
NL: Oh, yes! I read your reply and was in fangirl Orgasmatopia...SC: *laughs* What were we talking about?
NL: Your Bella... weird inspiration.
SC: Oh, right...my Bella. Not weird to me, but it may sound strange...
NL: No judging here...this is a safe zone. ;)
SC: When I was sixteen, I was pretty violently raped. Not to the extent that Bella was beaten, but portions of her trauma and subsequent paranoia - the stairs, the being followed - come from that. The rest of Bella's personality is drawn from a girl I met in group therapy...she just completely broke my heart, and I was scared as fuck that I was going to be her. Years later, she still couldn't stand for anyone to touch her - not even us - and she had horrible nightmares and just...she was really broken. So my Bella is a mixture of us. Edward is not actually based on anyone I know (and this is probably the part that sounds weird)...he's what I hope she found.NL: Wow. I don't think that is strange at all. That's what friends do ~ we hold out hope for one another when we don't have any on our own.
SC: Bella's personality is largely mine, as are her nightmares and such...Jasper is based on my college roommate (we'll call him Real Life Jasper or RLJ), who helped me get through all of that.
NL: I will tell you, I had to really stop & ask myself if I wanted to read the chapter where Bella tells Edward.
SC: I can understand not really wanting to read that chapter.NL: Having lived through a date rape myself, I wasn't sure I wanted to go there. I'm sorry that you had to live it, too.
SC: You know, that's a big part of why I chose to write this particular story. There are so many women out there who have gone through various versions of this. I have been amazed by the number of reviews and PMs I've gotten from people telling me their stories and thanking me for telling this one. Several have made me cry, but I am so happy that I'm able to put something out there that people can relate to. And I am so sorry you had to experience anything along those lines, bb. No one should have to go through that.
NL: Yes, I agree...it's a sick world sometimes. But stories like yours that show how love heals and mends give credence to the strength & power of hope.
SC: Wow, thank you so much for that!
NL: This latest chapter? I seriously was Rocky-pumping the air when the you-know-what happened (don't want to spoil it for any who haven't read yet..).
SC: *laughs* That's fucking awesome. I kind of was, too, when I wrote it. I have been literally dancing for weeks that it was coming up.
NL: I bet! It was such a huge milestone for both Bella AND Edward.
NL: Okay, I have to ask...
SC: Uh oh.
NL: What is your favorite musical?
SC: Oh man...
NL: (you can do it)
SC: Probably predictable, but Les Miserables has to be my all time favorite. And it's because of the songcrush I have on Jean Valjean and Javert when they sing "Confrontation." Yes, I have a crush on a song.
NL: That's probably one of my favorite things you've EVER told me. The second time is no less charming.SC: *blushes*
NL: Kinda makes me wanna low-dip kiss you. ;)
SC: Oh, hell yes...come here, bb.NL: *dips and sluuuuuuurps*
SC: *forgets her name*NL: You are SorceressCirce. You are a fucktabulous fanfic writer. I am your biggest fan and am totally young and hot.
SC: Fuck, girl. I'm blushing more than my Bella...which is saying a lot.NL: Well, speaking of youth & hotness...tell our rabid pervlings a little about the real you. How old are you? Married? Kids? Where in the world are you?
SC: I don't know how much "youth" and "hotness" are applying any more... ;) I'm 32, and I'm married to a fantastically funny foul-mouthed Marine who actually taught me to curse and now says that I say "fuck" too much. Thanks for that, honey! We just had our first baby, a little girl named Naomi...she's eight months old now, and she's just wonderful. I never knew I wanted to be a mom until I had her. I teach eighth grade English in a fairly small town in Georgia...again something I never knew I wanted to do, but I fucking love my kids. They are dense at times, but they make my days fun and rewarding - sometimes.
NL: Did you grow up in the South...are you a GRIT (girls raised in the south) like me?SC: Absofuckinglutely!
NL: So, do you have the Jimmy Carter Georgia accent? Do you eat grits & livermush?
SC: *laughs* Apparently, I have a "cute" accent according to AHelm, hammondgirl, and LittleMissWhitlock...I don't hear it. I do eat grits, and I avoid pretty much anything with the word "liver" in it. Eww. What about you? Do you have the sexy Southern belle accent? You can't possibly have the redneck one.
NL: I do NOT speak redneck, but I do speak Southernese. And according to my Tater, Bri (antiaol), it's quite sexy. ;) Well, when she's not laughing at it...which is quite often.
SC: I'll have to hear it sometime. *winks* At least you know I won't laugh...
NL: Back to questions about your story for a bit. Here's one about your Real Life Jasper (RLJ). You told me previously that he's now married. What does his wife think of you and your friendship?
SC: His wife is extremely cool. Our friendship has changed over the years - it started when he moved. We have, sadly, lost touch in a lot of ways now, but we do talk on the phone several times a year, email a good bit, and that sort of thing. Now, we talk about JOotG a lot because he thinks I'm painting him in too good a light. His wife is very understanding of all of it, and she is actually really supportive of me - and of our being friends. She is an Alice in truth, although she didn't have to start her relationship with him while he and I were still living together.NL: Awesome...I'm so glad that this came up. And I know you and I have talked about it, but tell our readers how your real life Edward (husband) feels about RLJ.
SC: *smiles* My husband is awesome, honestly. I'm very lucky to have married the man who became my best friend, and he knew pretty much everything about me before we ever decided to start dating. He'd seen some of my meltdowns, he'd met (and gamed with) RLJ and the other guys. There was no animosity or jealousy there. They get along just like the rest of my guys do.
NL: Your story contains canon couples. Tell me, do you enjoy alternate ships and slash fics?
SC: Slash...good god. Cuffward fucking owns me. I have developed a serious weakness for slash because of him.NL: You're referring to Edward in manyafandom's All I Ever Knew (and the new All I Ever Wanted)?
SC: Yes... *sighs longingly* What I wouldn't do to grow a dick and meet him...NL: God, don't I know... I didn't do slash until I read that story. Totally made me a gay man.
SC: I don't even know why I started reading "All I Ever Knew" in the first place. I was sort of moping one night because I'd finished the last chapter of "The Arrangement." I saw AIEK on manyafandom's link, and was kind of like, "Eww..." not because it was slash, but because it was Edward and Jasper. But it kept taunting me... So I clicked on it and read the first chapter...and like eight hours later was pulling my hair out that I was finished with it too. And yes. I was never a gay man before I read AIEK.
NL: Hope's writing has that effect on people. The Fairy fucking Godmother of Twific...only her wand is a peen. ;)
NL: So, I know a couple of your characters have tattoos. Do you?
SC: Actually, I don't. I'm contemplating my first because I love ink. You?NL: I have one and plans for two more.
NL: So, I was kind of a bad girl before I settled down...what about you?
SC: Actually, I was sort of always a good girl, up until the rape. Instead of being like my Bella, I...kind of went the opposite way. I was never one to do anything that wild, really, but I was a virgin up until that point, and I was scared as fuck that I was going to end up like that girl that no one could touch. So I sort of forced myself early on to become intimate...and then I had a lot of different partners, but never anything that wild.NL: Um...wow. I did the same thing.
SC: Really?
NL: I wasn't a virgin, my date raper was my second, but after that, I was having it on my terms. It became about control for me. I would choose, you know?
SC: I think that was really what it was about for me, too. I completely understand that. If I initiated, then I was in control. I'm still a little too forceful at times - luckily the husband doesn't mind.
NL: Yes, exactly. It was years later that I realized it [the control factor]. I'm actually a more submissive personality ~ but that can translate to manipulation...just a subtler form of control. And hubs doesn't complain about my 'manipulation' of him... ;)
SC: I've actually realized over the last few months that I like being submissive more than I thought I did.
NL: Yeah?SC: Umm...yeah, actually, I've always been that way, but I just became more aware of it, I guess. And part of that came about from reading "The Submissive" and recognizing a lot of myself in it...then some talks with the Dom I know, and...yeah. She's actually very cool with talking about it, and she helped me work through some of the things I was confused/concerned about.
NL: So, have you and your husband done any BDSM role-playing? Is that something you guys enjoy?SC: We have done a bit of role-playing, but I think I tend to enjoy it more than he does. ;)
NL: Alright...a couple more pervy questions:
SC: Bring it. ;)NL: Even if this wasn't for the Shack, I'd totes be asking...just sayin'...Favorite sexual posish?
SC: Hmm...there are so many...NL: Just one.
SC: My favorite, honestly, is probably doggy. And god, I love when he grabs my hair... (see, a bit of that submissive thing...) Yours?NL: Yes, I love that one too. For the same reason ~ well, that and the *ahem* action that position causes with the swinging and subsequent, er...slapping. Clear as mud?
SC: *grins* Yes, the err...slapping is one of my favorite parts, too.(see Chapter Two, Balcony Sex, of antiaol's Les Autres Rendezvous for a perfect example of this!)NL: What are your thoughts on pubic hair...we all know everyone has an opinion. These are major discussion points in the Pack... ;) Do you prefer bald? Landing strip? 70s style bush mama?(Thank you, Purdue Liz, for these terms in your Poll of the Week) For yourself as well as your partner.
SC: I prefer bald for myself, personally. I can feel everything so much better, and the hubs is much more umm...attentive. For him, I like it trimmed but not bald...I don't mind bald, but sometimes it kind of freaks me out for some reason.NL: Do you have a celebrity Do-list/Top Five? If so, who's on it? If not, why the fuck not?
SC: I do...and god, it's shifting lately.
NL: Heh...I hear ya...so many hot bods, so little time.SC: I blame Bri's interview. ;) (and yes, I'm counting him :P)
SC: So, let's see... Ryan Reynolds, Ben Godfre, Kellan Lutz (seeing a pattern on the bods yet?).
NL: Mmm...fine taste you've got there, b.SC: The last two spots are the hardest...hmm... *thinks carefully* God, I have to go with Rob just because his awkwardness owns me
NL: I know, right?! Oh, he's sooo on my list.
SC: Then let's see...*ponders* Gah, I know who it would have been. Dear god...Layne Staley. First celebrity obsession.
NL: Umm...who?
SC: *grins* He was the lead singer for Alice in Chains. So since I
can't have him, I guess I'll have to say...Fuck, I'm like possessive of that last spot! LOL
NL: I will note that you have the right to amend your list. I'm not locking you into anything, I promise. ;)
SC: Alright, then I'll say Chris Cornell for now, to get my musician fix in there. Who are your five?
NL: Ryan Reynolds.
SC: Ryan's your #1 too? God, I love you even more...
NL: He bounces between one and two, depending on my mood for older versus younger. I love you, too. <3
SC: Who's #2?
NL: Hugh Jackman...
NL: ...cause that motherfucker can SING and DANCE and be HOT AS FUCK all at once. Have you seen him in the London production of Oklahoma!? Holy fucking Curly on a cracker!
SC: Yes...good god! *laughs*
NL: (yes, that was my Mr. Horrible moment) So, Hugh...then Gerard Butler...
SC: Ooh, another good one.
NL: ...cause that motherfucker can sing & be a badass Spartan then turn right around and be Nimh's daddy. *sigh*
SC: So you have Ryan, Hugh, Gerard...you said Rob's in there?
NL: Robert Pattinson, oh yes. And Djimon Hounsou. He gets tied sometimes with Taye Diggs, but I can't ever separate Taye from Idina (Menzel)...I kind of want them both at once.
SC: Rob's fingers just...kill me. His hands are always doing something random and awkward, and I need them.
NL: OH, I KNOW!
SC: Nice last choice...and I can see that.
NL: My bestie and I have an ongoing thing about Rob's fingers...
SC: *laughs* I've got the same thing going on...it's like he doesn't even know what his hands are doing...
SC: Oh, here's one for you. If your husband went all caveman and said you could read updates from only one story, which would it be?
NL: Ooh...that's tough. It would be an angsty fic - I love angst because it's like a drug...you HAVE to know what happens. Right now, I would have to say Medication by MojoPen. It's angsty as all fuck, surprising, and well-written. I'm dying to know what happens next...I do so love the angst.
SC:Interesting...I don't know that one. I'll have to check it out.
NL: Stories like Medication and Mutually Assured Destruction pwn me...they make me stalk my inbox for updates.
NL: Hey, I know what I wanted to ask you. Does your past include any relationships or encounters with the same sex?
SC: No relationships with members of the same sex, but some very, very close friendships of the cuddle/flirt variety, and a few largely innocent encounters - just kissing and maybe a little boob action. It was always a possibility for me, but I never met someone that really interested me that much.
NL: I never had a f/f relationship either. When I was very young, probably 12? I had an experience with an older girl. We were 'pretending' I was the boy.
SC: Oh wow, really? I sometimes wish, now, that I'd tried a bit more...but you never know these things at the time.
NL: Well, I started young and had WAY too much experience with the boys. I never thought about REALLY being with a woman til college, and then there were too many guys. ;)
NL: This just in...we have a special question from bellaslover, one of the resident boytoys in the fandom. He loves you, by the way. Says to tell you your fic is awesome.
SC: That made me all giddy for some reason.
NL: Yeah, I think he makes us all a little giddy...
SC: Can I go fangirl him? And how did I not put together that "bellaslover" is a guy?? What the fuck is wrong with me? *facepalm*
NL: *laughs* I only knew because he was a frequent visitor on the AIEK thread when I was. Which brings me to his question...
SC: God, I'm grinning like a fucking idiot. I've been wondering what a guy (other than RLJ, 'cause I make him read it, and he blushes whenever Jasper is awesome) would think of JOotG...
NL: Aww, yay! Well, here is his question ~ he has requested both our responses: Which actual act of male on male gets you the hottest? Please be specific...
NL: Guests first. :)
SC: Oh wow...That's a tough one because I have to admit to a fierce love for gay porn (that predates my slash obsession, actually). I'm trying to think of my favorite images...Okay, I have a serious thing for any guy stroking himself...so I think my absolute favorite has to be one guy giving the other a blowjob and stroking himself while doing it. God...Fuck. Me. *laughs* I'm not shy, am I?
NL: I. Just. Fell. In. Love. Harder. *thud*
SC: Eeee! Really?
NL: I cannot tell you how much I love gay porn. It's an auditory thing for me, as well as the presence of twice or thrice the peen. :)
SC: YES, YES, YES! I prefer it to traditional porn most of the time.
SC: I do, too...and I hate the fake look most of the time.
NL: ...but hot guys grunting? HOLY FUCK.
SC: YES! Good god...Hey, what's your favorite? You didn't answer.
NL: Okay...my favorite. *thinkthinkthink*
SC: *giggles* I'm a total twelve year old girl right now because of bellaslover...
NL: Did I mention that he's bisexual? *wiggles eyebrows* He just got even sexier, didn't he?
SC: Oh, hell. That's all kinds of hot. *clears throat*
NL: BWAHAHAHAHAHA! Okay, okay...back to the hot bisexual's wonderful question. My favorite actual specific thing about m/m sexin...
SC: Aside from the grunts and moans and cursing and two fuckhot peens instead of one?
NL: Yes...that's a biggie for me ~ the auditory element. Then there's the rubbing of the peens together...that's fucking HOT.
SC: Oh, god YES. I love the just raw physical strength, too. The way they can just sort of shove each other around.
NL: Mmm...yes.
SC: But the act, bb...which act? :)
NL: For me, it's the actual moment of penetration.
SC: See, that was second on my list. What do you like about it?
NL: The slow trust in the thrust.
SC: Mmmm...I can definitely see that. For me, penetration of any kind is a major turn on.
NL: Agreed. I feel that way about f/m penetration, too.
SC: *laughs* Seriously...let's get married!
NL: Yes! I'll bring the strappie...you bring the sexy bi-boy!
SC: Fuck, yes!
NL: It'll be a HOT time in the old town TONIGHT! ;)
From acireamos:
Do you actually play WoW? Pre BC? Are you rp, pve or pvp? What about Bella and Jasper?
SC: I started playing WoW about two months after release and was part of the oldest guild on my server for a long time. We play on an RP server, and that was an RP guild, but there was some drama over raiding - the hard core RPers didn't like us raiding, basically - so we ended up splitting off. I became a raid leader way back in the days of Molten Core and Onyxia's Lair, and I've lead all through vanilla WoW and Burning Crusade. I have not lead during Wrath of the Lich King because something else *coughs* caught my attention. Bella plays a human warrior and is one of the guild's MTs while Jasper plays a female human rogue - he thinks the male figures are too big to be rogues.
I am assuming Bella is using her main in the raiding, but what would her alt be?
SC: Bella's alt is a draenei human priest. She likes healing. I think about this way too much, don't I?
Bella playing D&D is really cool, i love that she is doing things that are not considered mainstream. How detailed are you planning on writing the D&D and what kind of character do you think Edward would be? Your Edward and Canon Edward. Lawful Good?
SC: I am not planning to write the D&D sessions too in depth because I think it would be pointless for a lot of the readers ;) I will likely do an outtake though. Edward...that's a tough one. I think he would enjoy the more protective roles, such as a paladin or a warrior. Could there be a Lawful Morose? Because I think that would be soooo Edward ;) As it is, I think canon Edward is LG, but my Edward is probably NG at heart.
Will you be using the old rules for D&D or the new manual?
SC: Bella was resistant at first, but the guys convinced her to try fourth edition, which is what they're rolling up at the moment.
From serenecaffeine (for both):
We'll start off with the tame questions... What was your reaction when you got your very first review?
SC: I was actually pretty terrified to read it, even though I knew it was from AHelm. I'd been talking to her for a couple of days about possibly publishing it, so I figured she'd be nice - I was still scared :P I got three reviews for chapter 1 before I published 2, and I was afraid of each of them. :) Of course, I'm still terrified each time I publish a new chapter.
NL: Terrified is a good word for it, SC. My first review was from my Tater, antiaol. She had beta'd my monster of a one-shot ~ I can't tell you how many times she read through that damn chapter. Still, she cheered me on & encouraged me by leaving an awesome review. My reaction? "Well, if no one else does, at least my beta likes my story." ;)What inspires/drives you to write? Music, movies, people, real life, etc.?
SC: Most of my characters are based at least in part on people I know, so they definitely drive me. This particular story has a lot of my own life in it, but I draw inspiration from everywhere. I never write without music, and I often find inspiration in odd places - poetry, novels, sometimes movies, just everywhere. There's no one source of inspiration for me. My playlist for this story is all over the place and would probably make anyone else a little afraid.NL: Heh...I'm sure I would love your playlist,
SC: However, I could not write to it. No reflection on you there, however. I can't write to music. Music moves me too fully. I cannot listen and not get swept up in the music. I always end up singing along. I even tried writing to Vivaldi. Yeah...I was conducting the orchestra in the middle of the coffeeshop. *sigh* So while I can't draw on music while I'm writing, there's always a song in my head. The characters I write tend to reflect people I know ~ I can't do 'pick a personality out of the air.' They almost always have attributes of people in my real life.
Have you ever had an AVID reader/fan? And my AVID, I basically mean a stalker? Ha ha ha!
SC: Umm...yes. And I love her very much ;)
NL: Aww...thanks, SC. I love you, too. :) You did mean me, right...?
SC: Oh god, you just made me blush and go all fangirl...Any tips you could give to newbies who've just started posting and those who are considering posting their first fic?
SC: I would say that the hardest part is to actually click that submit button. To make yourself feel a little more comfortable, I'd suggest trying to meet someone you can talk to - connecting with an author through the way you review their fics, maybe contacting an author through PMs...it helps to have someone you have a good relationship with who understands that feeling of "Oh fuck! What did I just do??" Beyond that, I'd say just write the best story you can, edit it the best it can be, and just publish it. It will never be perfect, but you want to get it as close as you can. As far as gaining readers, I think answering reviews goes a long way. If there's a twilighted thread for your story, go answer posts there. It takes some time and effort to build a stronger reader base, but I would not trade it for anything. I love talking to readers.
NL: One piece of advice I would give is if you aren't sure of your grammar/punctuation skills, get a beta. Or two. I would be a comma DISASTER were it not for mine. Also, be a thoughtful reviewer. Anyone who writes knows how much effort goes into each and every chapter. A polite, encouraging review goes a long way in building good in the fandom, as well as relationships, as SC mentioned. Finally, do what my bestie and I do. We read our chapters out loud to one another. I read hers. She reads mine. Does it get awkward? Hell, YES! Still, we think it's a great exercise in hearing how someone else reads your work.Now for the racier ones... Ever done something you wish you could take back? Stolen something? Hurt a friend? Sex with someone? Etc., etc.?
SC: Oh good lord...absolutely. Umm...to pick one, I'd say there was a guy I dated after my college boyfriend that I really, really should have avoided. My now-husband told me at the time I was a "fucking idiot" - and he was right.
NL: There are WAY too many to mention...things that shouldn't have been done or said. Would I reduce the number of guys who got the goods? Most assuredly. Still, I am of the belief that all of our choices make us who we are. I'm pretty content with who I am today, so it's hard to look back with too much regret.
Do you own a Rabbit? If no, you so should! If yes, very smart lady! (*psst... Also if yes, who doesn't? ;) *)
SC: Yes. Mmmm...
NL: Okay, answering this question could likely cause me to be unceremoniously kicked OUT of the Perv Pack. I do NOT own a rabbit. Before I am flogged & mocked *gigglesnort*, there is a reason (oh, and I do have a wide range of assorted goodies otherwise...). My husband and I were recently shopping for toys at a local shop and we got into a deep discussion about the glorious rabbit. I wondered why he'd never bought me one. He wondered why I'd never bought myself one. Come to find out, we both have issues with little animals on our sex toys. The ears freak me out, people! Butterfly wings I'm good with. Rabbit parts? Not so much. I'll stick to my 8 inch purple vibe, thank you very much. Sans ears. ;)
SC: Oh hell...don't ruin my favorite toy for me by making me think of the animal parts!!What was your most unusual sexual experience? SC: I've actually had a fairly tame sex life. It's fantastic, but I've not been all that adventurous, I guess. I think probably the funniest sexual experience was sex on the sand dunes at the beach. It was amazing under the moonlight with the sound of the ocean...right up until the windstorm. LOL Sand in those places is not a lot of fun...
NL: Even though I've had a colorful past, my favorite "unusual" experiences have happened with my husband...such as the time we went away for a weekend to a European Bed & Breakfast in the mountains. The couple that owned the place were easily in their mid-seventies. At dinner one night, the darling lady innkeeper came to our table to see how we were enjoying our stay. We told her how much we were loving everything and specifically the authentic German imported beer (best shit EVER). She encouraged us to buy a few extras and take them out with us to the hot tub that night. We thanked her politely, but explained that we hadn't brought our suits (it was March in the mountains, you know?). She leaned in and winked at us and said in her adorable accent, "Who needs da suits? I'll make sure da lights are left off for ya." And she did...so we did. Goooood times. Still, it's not everyday an elderly woman encourages you to skinny dip in her jacuzzi...
From algonquinrt:
How many hours a week do you play WoW and...do you play Alliance or Horde?
SC: I have to confess that I let my WoW account lapse about a month ago. It seems my fanfiction obsession did not go well with my WoW one...and fanfic won ;) But when I was raiding, I did the bigger raids three nights a week for about 6 hours a night, and I played for about 3-4 hours every night other than those. I am Alliance all the way - my main character is a human warrior (I'm a main tank and raid leader), but I also have several others.
From naelany:
Who do you see as your Edward, Bella, Jasper, Alice, Emmett & Rose?
SC: This one is tough because I really see the characters, for the most part, as these images that are only inside my head. They developed when I first read Twilight and have been with me ever since. The only exception is my Edward. He's the only one I've been able to find in the real world so far, and he is absolutely Ben Godfre. I nearly fell out of my chair when I first saw him because he's exactly what I pictured Edward as - once he's all grown up and has spent years playing soccer and working out. ;)
Why did you become a teacher? Why the grade you teach? Why English?
SC:My decision to teach was one of the most random things ever. I had a job doing graphic design, typesetting, and copyediting for a printing company. One day, I thought, "Huh...I think I might like to teach." I had a BA in English, so I logged onto the teaching website in my state, applied for a few jobs, and got one starting in February. I should have run away because that first year was hell, literally. But I love it now. Why 8th grade? I enjoy how they're finally growing into their own personalities and can carry on conversations, but they're still ready to learn. It's a great age. English...fuck, that could take all day. I am extremely passionate about literature and always have been. I knew going into college that I was going to be an English major, and if I can study it, write criticism, and write creatively for the rest of my life, I'll be a pretty happy person.
What is your favorite poem? Favorite poet? Favorite author/story (not fic)?
SC: Wow, this is tough...I know everyone who reads JOotG is expecting Donne, but I'm not entirely sure he's my favorite poet. He's definitely my favorite literary figure. I think William Blake is my favorite poet. My favorite poem is...really, really hard to decide. Fuck. Either "She Walks in Beauty" by Lord Byron...or "Jabberwocky" by Lewis Carroll...or "My Life Closed Twice Before Its Close" by Emily Dickinson...or maybe "Song: Sweetest Love, I Do Not Go" by John Donne. Favorite author is currently Neil Gaiman, and my favorite novel by him is either American Gods or Anansi Boys.
Which character in Twilight do you identify with most?
SC: I definitely identify most with Bella as I can't walk across a flat surface without tripping over my own feet, have a love of literature, and various other little things that pull me to her. I have a lot in common with Rosalie, though, especially the way she struggles with her self worth and her tinkering with cars. I think I have Jasper's empathy as well - though I wish I could affect how people feel as easily :P
What is your guilty little pleasure?
SC: Probably writing fanfiction :)
If you could meet any one person, dead or alive, who would it be, and why? What would you ask them?
SC: You know...I tried to think deeply about this and get all philosophical, but in the end, it keeps coming back to the same guy. Layne Staley, original lead singer for Alice in Chains. He was my first celebrity crush/obsession, and I am crazily drawn to his music. I remember being heartbroken when I heard the news of his death, especially since the news anchor was so flippant about it. There are a million things I would ask him, but most of all, I would just want to tell him that I was pretty fucked up too, and listening to his music through AIC touched me and helped me heal.
If you could choose to live anywhere, at any point in time, when and where would it be, and why?
SC: My gut reaction is to say Renaissance England, but...eww. Still, I don't think I could pass up that sort of flourishing in thought and literature and the arts, so I guess I'd put up with piss being poured out of windows.
From mirul:
Do your family and friends know you're writing and are they actually reading it?
SC: They know I'm writing it, but my family has not read it. The real life inspiration for Jasper reads it and thinks I make him look way too good (he's totally fucking wrong, by the way - he never has seen himself clearly). I have a few other RL friends who read it, and I just won't talk to them about Edward's shower time ;) I did get a squealing phone call from one of them after "Some Lovely Glorious Nothing" posted.
Are you one of those uhm...horny ladies that when you read a good smut your husband is a very lucky man afterwards?
SC: Umm...yes.
From MaleficentKnits:
Does your significant other support your writing?
SC: He really does support my writing, but I know he wishes I would focus more on my novel. That's the one he and I talk about more often. He loves that I'm gaining a bit more confidence as a writer through the practice and conversations I have about my fanfiction, but he loves the original idea I'm working on, and he wants to read it. (ADDED the following) For the most part, he sooo doesn't get the ff thing, but he acts out stuff with me at times (lol) like the whole pinkie thing the first time.
NL: Awwwwww...that's too sweet!SC: Yeah, he's a sweetheart to be a foul-mouthed marine.
Has anyone optioned your story for a movie?
SC: Hehe, no...
What color are your eyes? Your underwear?
SC: My eyes are blue, and my underwear right now is green (ooh...I think that's The Naughty Librarian's favorite color...)
NL: Rawrrr, ya tease.
SC: I have a beagle named Bailey that I love - she goes with me a lot of times when I leave home. One of my cats, Kirre, was named for these weird psionic cat-like creatures in D&D because I was coding psions for the MUD when I got her. My other cat, Fred, was named by my RLJ - I still have him from when we lived together.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
SC: That's a really tough question that I would never be able to answer if I thought too much about it, so I'm going to go with my gut reaction and say Greece. Greek mythology was one of my first passions - I started reading it when I was about 10, and I've wanted to visit the ruins since then.
From NelsonSmandela:
What do you like to read besides Twilight/ff?
SC: I love anything by Neil Gaiman, so I pick up anything new he puts out. I read a strange mix of things - I have a never-ending list of "classics" I want to read, so I work through that, but I also pick up anything that catches my eye at the bookstore. In general, fantasy is my favorite, and I really enjoy J.V. Jones. She's a British author who wrote the Book of Words trilogy, the Sword of Shadows trilogy, and a stand alone called The Barbed Coil. I fucking LOVE her level of detail, and I'm waiting for the newest one to come out.From americnxidiot:
Dear SC: Pinkieward is one of the sweetest Edward's I've ever read, but you managed to make him that sweet without sacrificing his masculinity. Where the hell did you get the inspiration for him? And where can I find one?
SC: Aww, thanks :) Actually, I know part of this is answered elsewhere in the interview, but I started writing this Edward because he's what I hope a friend of mine from group therapy found. I draw on a few of my guys for the things he says and does. One in particular is where I draw all the sweetness/romance from. The humor and anger and all that comes a bit from him but more from the other boys. As far as where you can find one...I'm happy (sorry?) to say that all my guys are married now. ;)
Dear Naughty Librarian:
Norbert Leo Butz knocks on your front door, declaring his love and offering to do anything you wanted. Would you a) have him sing for you or b) have your 'wicked' (heh, a pun) way with him?
NL: Heh...I love you, Rach, and you know what my answer will be, don't you? I would make him sing to me WHILE I'm having my 'Wicked' way with him. Ooh! Maybe we'd sing the duet "As Long As You're Mine" while humping like rabbits...yes. ;) (For those unaware, Norbert Leo Butz played the original role of 'Fiyero' in the Broadway musical 'Wicked.')SC: Dude, Fiyero was hot in the novel, and the musical just made him hotter. I'm so jealous, bb.
NL: Umm, you're welcome to join us... ;)
From PurdueLiz:
For SC: Where did you come up with the idea for JOotG? Are you a gamer like Bella?
SC: As soon as I decided to write fanfiction, this was the story I wanted to tell first. There is a lot of me in this - I have a group of guys who have known me for about sixteen years now. We hang out and watch football, game together, do cookouts, just...lots of different things. I am absolutely a gamer, and the majority of Bella's personality and interests are mine.
From cicada:
I've such a soft spot for this story. It's awesome to see a Bella in these stories who is nerdy and sexy and smart, and who gets the great guy because of the kind of person she is, not just on pure accident or because she needs protecting. How many of the things Bella and the boys do in the story are part of SorceressCirce's life? Do you watch MST3K (Mystery Science Theater 3000)? Do you play D&D and WoW? How much of your own life have you put into the character? Inquiring nerds want to know! HA.
SC: I touched on this a bit earlier, but I'll expand here :) I can't think of anything that Bella and the boys do that is not a part of my life in some way. All through college, my friends and I were addicted to MST3K. We'd hang out and watch all night (btw, do not ever watch The Exorcist followed by Aladdin because you were scared as fuck and then finish it up with MST3K. Weirdest. Nightmares. Ever.). I have been a DM for 16 years now, so I've played D&D from second through fourth editions. I do play WoW, although I let my account lapse. ;) It's happened a couple of times before, and I'm sure I'll get back into it. I already miss my guild there, especially when I hear the voices yelling through my husband's speakers while he's raiding. I'll go back soon - I have no doubts. Bella has a bit of me in every aspect of her, from her trauma to her geeky habits to her particular loves in literature. She is not me, though. I just sort of use those things to flesh her out and make her seem real.From Ninapolitan:
For NL: Does your husband know that you're our Naughty Librarian?
NL: My husband DOES know I'm the Perv Pack's Naughty Librarian ~ I try to keep him aware of my online activities and he does the same. It's rather, um...entertaining.
How often does he get to take advantage of your pigtails? Does he know that if I ever get to meet you that we're running away together, skipping merrily along, topless with pigtails?
NL: Heh...he takes advantage of the piggies as often as possible ~ they make nice reins when he's taking me from behind. ;) (For those who don't know me, I love to wear my hair in piggy-braids. And yes, I'm 35.) Nina, hubs has nixed the running away bit. He says you only get me if he gets your hot Italian boobs. He says the topless skipping would be appreciated.
What is your favorite alcoholic beverage?
NL: My all-time favorite alcoholic beverage is a margarita on the rocks, extra salt. TANGY! *ahh!*
If you could pick any member of the PPSS to bone, with your husband's involvement of course, who would it be and you can't pick Bri b/c I know you two are fucking already.
NL: Yes, Bri (antiaol) is my numero uno h00r ~ she's been my Tater since damn near day one ~ she rocks my fucking socks & I love her HARD (take that how you will...) No offense to all the other lovely girls in the Pack ~ God knows I'd do you all if I could ~ but I'm gonna have to go with Emmy (pippapear). That yummy Rapunzel hair? That fuckhot Blighty accent? And she better be wearing those hot pink strappy heels, too... *pant*pant*pant* Come to Naughty, Emmy-pop. ;)
For SC:
In JOotG you wrote one of the most painfully difficult chapters I've probably ever read when you recalled Bella's history. First, I need to tell you that I thought given the subject matter you did it profoundly well, secondly, how hard was it to write that? Obviously your story has been planned this way from the start but how did you get into the mindset to accomplish such a daunting task?
SC: Aww, thanks Nina! I know that chapter had to be no fun for anyone to read, and it was definitely hard as fuck to write. I tried very hard to tell Bella's story as honestly as possible without either glossing over it or glorifying it. My greatest fear was that it would seem sensationalized or trivialized. It was a fine line to walk. I can, unfortunately, slip into her mindset fairly easily, so that wasn't really a problem. The hardest part was probably describing and then portraying that weird fissure I've always felt when telling a story like that - you really don't feel all the emotions fully, even though you're reliving the terror, and I wanted to get that across. As far as getting in and staying in the mindset, I have a playlist called "Bella's Suicide Watch" that was with me for weeks as I was writing that one. I kept rereading the chapter to make sure I hadn't missed anything important - I really did want to cry, though, when I then had to go write it from EPOV (and then again when I had to rewrite it from EPOV when my computer ate the file). I was very relieved to hear that people felt I'd done her story justice.
Okay, now to lighten the mood, who is your fave male Twi character? Female? Do those answer contribute to how or why you write them as you do?
SC: Edward is by far my favorite male Twi character. I know in real life, he would drive me insane with the way he always knows what's best for Bella, etc, but really - he's a superior being, so I cut him some slack ;) My favorite female character is actually probably Alice. She's such an important figure in my story, but she's not central to it, and I hate that I don't get to write her more. I may have to do a few outtakes with her. I think my Edward is more aware of his faults, which probably comes from the way I feel about him - of course, that just makes him more perfect to me, which makes him end up on a higher pedastal. Funny how that works ;)
From tby789:
NL: Do you really look like a naughty librarian?
SC: *snickers* So do you really look like a naughty librarian? *leers*
NL: Umm...I'd say I'm more naughty schoolgirl ~ it's the pigtails. ;)
SC: Oh dear god... lol
For both of you: If you were an alcoholic beverage, what would you be?
SC: Probably a margarita - it's cheap, delicious, and filled with my favorite alcohol - Take that how you will. :)
NL: Because margaritas are my favorite, I'd LOVE to answer the same as SC, but alas, I'm unable to do so. I tend to be very upbeat & overly nice...that would probably make me a Pina Colada. Seems like a fun idea at the beginning of the night, but the sweet can make you sick if you aren't careful. ;)
Who would play your perfect Edward?
SC: This is a tough one for me. I think Rob captures his personality well, and he has the ethereal look that I like, but his build isn't what I see for Edward based on the descriptions in the novels. Of course, I suck at the whole "Who should play...?" game. My imagination doesn't really work that way apparently.
NL: *whispers* Uh, dude. This is the part where you say, "Ben Godfre." *checks SC's temperature and shakes head* I have to say, I AM a major Robert Pattinson fan and he's been my Edward since day one. HOWEVER, Benjamin Godfre totally kicks his lovely British arse in my fantasies. I'm JUST SAYIN'...
SC: *laughs* You know, I fucking love Ben...and he's absolutely Pinkieward, but I can't help thinking that he would look a little too old to be frozen-at-17 Edward. Now if we're deciding which of the two should be all shirtless at the end of New Moon? Umm...sorry, Rob. I know you've been working out, bb, and you do look awesome, but fucking hell Ben...
What is your favorite and least favorite dirty word?
SC: 'Fuck' has got to be my favorite (though it's so not dirty to me) and hmm...'cunt' is probably my least favorite. I don't really have a problem with dirty words though. :PNL: I also like 'fuck' ~ such an expressive word...;) Uhmm, my least favorite is NOT considered a dirty word by most but to me it's just NASTY...
SC: What is your least favorite?
NL: 'Moist.' (I just threw up a little in my mouth)SC: HAHAHA! I love it. That's awesome. So like Duncan Hines is bad for you, huh?
NL: Oh, don't be ruining my muffins,
SC: *snickers* I'm sorry. I'm sure they aren't moist...I love you.
NL: BLARGH. I love you, too. :)
From seamonkologist:
Quick question to those who enjoy/write m/m slash...when did you first realize it was something that was a turn on? And did you ever feel the need to hide that it turned you on?
SC: For slash specifically, my first exposure to it was AIEK, and it was definitely a turn on from the beginning. I love the way Jasper notices things about Edward that I really never have before (the Adam's apple stands out - jesus. Oh, and I have licked and sucked on an Adam's apple since then, and both my husband and I loved it - who knew?), and I found myself looking at men differently. I actually have never hidden that slash turned me on...and my husband even asks if I'm reading my "gay smut" when I'm squealing on the couch.
NL: I think Hope turned half of the fandom onto m/m slash ~ seriously. All I Ever Knew was my first slash fic as well, and I was immediately struck by the emotion her characters embody. You would have to be dead to NOT get turned on reading AIEK. Seriously. I was initially concerned about my husband's reaction to my new addiction...er, appreciation...of all things m/m, but he has been a great sport about it. Other than my husband, sister and real life BFF, I haven't really talked to anyone about slash. Their opinions wouldn't hold much weight anyway. :)
Other random questions:
Favorite fanfic ever?
SC: There are many I love and reread, but my favorite has to be "All I Ever Knew" by manyafandom.NL: A great choice, this is probably the hardest question of them all for me. It's hard for me to put a fic like Behind Enemy Lines by adorablecullens next to one like The Forbidden Room by DefinatelyStaying; or The Bella Swan Diaries by Ninapolitan beside She's Royal by halojones. They all represent wonderful, rich characters and plots that are immensely different from one another. Oh, and what about Passion Fish by qjmom and Admittedly Obsessed? That one would probably take my top spot, but then what about Cullen's Island by jandco? Argh!! I can't do it...it's like comparing apples, oranges, strawberries, kiwi... Dammit! Now I'm thinking about Bittenev's Stitches and Scars...
Hardest thing about writing fan fiction?
SC: The hardest thing, for me, about writing fanfiction is putting myself out there for such immediate response. When I write something else, like a journal article or even my own novel, it is not immediately open to conversation between me and the people who are reading it. I love how vocal readers are, but it's definitely a challenge sometimes to wait for that response and then react to it. There have been some amazing conversations come out of it, but I've also realized that I've been tempted a couple of times to alter how the story goes just because I know it's going to upset some of these people I've come to care about - but I haven't changed anything, and I won't. The story has to be truthful for the characters, not just what I wish would happen. For example, the "big event" in "Some Lovely Glorious Nothing"...I would've loved to have been able to write that without the heartfail and make it purely happy, but that's just not how these two roll...yet.
NL: Definitely have to agree with you about putting yourself out there, SC. Hitting that submit button? Knowing people may love your work or hate it AND have the option to tell you? Makes my stomach knot up every time...
If I were to look under your bed right now, what would I find?
NL: My wedding album, a memento box from my husband's childhood, a tote of "Not Quite Yet" clothing, a tote of sentimental clothing, and a tote with some curtains and our uh... sex swing. *blushes* These are undoubtedly surrounded by a few resident dust bunnies.
For those of you that use 'toys,' which is your favorite?
SC: The Rabbit :)
NL: I'm gonna have to go with our rubber flogger ~ light tickle play one minute, spicy spanks the next. ;)
Many thanks to SorceressCirce for spending her time chatting with me, both from home and while on vacation. Also, thanks to bellaslover for being willing to be publicly groped and lusted over. To all those via Twitter, the Twilighted threads and email who sent in questions, THANK YOU!
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6 comments:
Thank you both for sharing this, the bad, the good, the pervy all of it.
Fuck me treacle! You just made me blush big stylie! I am strapping on that pink just for you! (I meant the shoes... honest guv! ;] )
Thanks for being so honest and brillo the both of you! Lotsa love.
Thank you, to you both, for being so open and honest. It was fascinating to read more about each of you!
Aww - loved getting to "know" each of you more. And, yes, Nina - we are fucking. Lu's a nice tall MOIST pina colada and I love those. :D
this was great! i snorted the whole way through.
Loved it! Excellent getting to know both of you better.
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