Author Spotlight - @solareclipses

Sins of the Piano Man
by @solareclipses

Main Characters: Bella Swan/Edward Cullen
Genre: Romance/Drama 
Rating: M
Summary: A reclusive vampire's swan songs for the victims he regrets draw in a young woman struggling with her father's illness. As fate brings them together, Edward's dark past threatens to tear them apart. AU.

Author Spotlight - loss4words (@loss4words81)

The Underside of Earth
by Loss4words

Main Characters:
Bella Swan/Edward Cullen
Genre: 
Romance/Drama 
Rating: 
M
Summary: What happens when two separate souls find each other when they aren't looking? Will Bella be able to overcome all that has happened to her and learn to trust fate and love again?
Get up close and personal with Anna, a.k.a. loss4words, author of The Underside of Earth. Always wanted to know her trade secrets? This is your chance to learn more!

Author Spotlight: @MimiLove4Ever

Identity
by Mimi-Love-4Ever
Main Characters: Edward and Bella
Genre: All Human, Romance, Humor, Friendship, Family
Rating: T

Summary: Bella Swan's mother, Renee, works for a dangerous corporation; the Volturi. After a mysterious information leak within the company, Renee convinces her daughter to move in with her father in Forks. Bella must keep her identity a secret until her mother's company can restore order. An unusual encounter with a green-eyed stranger leaves her more confused than ever and soon he's all she thinks about. Little does she know that the very friends Bella is so hesitant to make are the very friends that have the most ties with her. As she goes along she finds the keeping her identity a secret from the ones she loves is easier said than done.

1. How did you come up with the idea of your story?

It came up rather suddenly, actually. I had a minor case of Writer’s Block one night, so I just sat down and wrote whatever came to mind. About 15 minutes later, I had the Prologue written and I actually liked what I wrote. From there, it just came together.

2. What is the biggest struggle you have with writing your story?

Hmm… I would have to say, writing what you have in mind and having it be the way you want it. Sometimes the words don’t seem to come out right or a certain scene just doesn’t have that emotion you want it to have. It’s super frustrating.

3. Is there a particular character in your story that you identify with the most?

There’s no particular character I identify with the most, oddly enough. I can relate with all of them, though, in one way or another. Whether it’s Bella with her independence or Edward with his protective streak, even energetic little Alice.

4. Is the story all planned out or is it write as you go?

It’s a little bit of both. I usually try to outline each chapter before I start writing it so I don’t get lost, but I usually end up improvising anyway. The ending, though, I have all planned out. It’s the middle part that I’m not too sure about. I know where I want it to go, but the characters sometimes like to write themselves into situations. *laughs*

5. Do you have a particular process when it comes to your writing? Mood? Specific Environment? What do you do to get in the writing mood?

Ahh, now that’s a million dollar question right there. The simplest answer to that is: I just write. Music certainly helps. On certain occasions when I really can’t write anything, I start cleaning and voila!

6. Have you got any other projects going on? Any planned for the future?

I seem to have a lot of things going on, it seems, and at the risk of making this super long I will cut it short. I am currently working on my story, Identity, and some new stuff too. I can’t say too much just yet, but I guess I can say the titles. My two most important projects underway, besides Identity, are Amor Gitano (Gypsy Love) and Always Ours, which I’m co-writing with a good friend of mines (ohmyitsv). As for future projects, well, I can certainly say that something will come up.

7. Are you out of the closet with your Twilight love? Or do your RL friends and family know about it?

Yes and no to that. My whole family and friends know I love Twilight, and all of them do too, particularly the female side. Do they know I write fan fiction? No. I don’t know if I could have them read my stuff, it’s weird.

8. Do any FF authors inspire you?

Oh, sure! There quite a lot of FF authors that inspire me. I think too many to name them all personally, but there are a couple that inspire me on a day-to-day basis. There is SydneyAlice, TwilightCakes, katmom (Guardingkatmom on Twitter), Shirley007 (Shirley_007 on Twitter), Ohmyitsv, SorchaCullen and my little buddy, Antevorte.

9. What is your FanFic Pet peeve?

Well, there is one particular FanFic Pet peeve that really gets me. When people have this amazing plotline and they really get you hooked, but the grammar and stuff is … um … less than okay. I mean, I don’t really care if it’s perfect or anything, but I don’t want to think that a 6 year old wrote it. No offense.

10. Do you have other writing experience besides fan fiction?

Yeah. I started writing since I was 11 years old, which was about 9 years ago. I started out writing Poetry and original fiction stories. I still write it, but FanFiction has taken up most of my life and I’m quite proud of that. All my other non-fan fiction projects are hidden away in a folder on my desktop. I’m too shy to show anyone, except a couple of people and even then.

11. Shout out to your betas.

Ah, yes, my betas! First of, there’s kejce who is just an amazing beta. Then there’s ohmyitsv who is just amazing as well. There’s also Shirley007 and SorchaCullen who are incredible as well.

12. Any fic recs? (please include links & no more than 3)

Only 3? Okay, okay. Hmm…

1. Fairytale by Twilight Cakes (Rated M)
2. Bella Hale by JulesSC (Rated T)
3. Everlong by Sydney Alice (Rated M)

13. Anything else you want to add?

Nothing much except … what?! Me, author spotlight? Wow! Um, I believe that’s it. I just had to get that out. Phew!

Author Spotlight: Aylah50

The Ride
by Aylah50
Main Characters: BxE
Genre: AU/AH Romance/Drama/Angst
Rating: NC-17/M

Summary: Bella and Edward meet at a concert as teenage strangers during the height of grunge in the 90's. The event sends their lives reeling into opposite directions. When their paths cross in a very unlikely place 14 years later, Edward is stuck in the past while Bella is fleeing from hers. Will they be able to rekindle the passion that sparked between them?

1. How did you come up with the idea of your story?

My inspiration for ‘The Ride’ came while I was taking a spin class. I started thinking about how great it would be if, for once, there was a story where Bella could really kick some butt! I also imagined what Bella and Edward would be like if they were my age; would they look back on the 80’s and 90’s as a time they loved?

The idea of Edward and Bella meeting during the height of grunge, dressed in flannel shirts and converse sneakers, listening to Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Líve really appealed to me, so I started fleshing out the storyline.

2. What is the biggest struggle you have with writing your story?

The biggest struggle I’ve had so far is not being swayed from my original outline because of pressure from reviews. I have had the entire storyline planned out from when I first came up with it, and it’s hard not to want to deviate from it when your reviewers are begging for a certain part to happen. But I knew if I changed the story I wouldn’t be happy with it, so I’ve stayed true to my plan.

3. Is there a particular character in your story that you identify with the most?

I identify with both Bella and Edward in different ways.

Since Canon Edward spent a lot of time feeling like there was no point to his existence, I wrote Grungeward as a 30-something who was bored with his job, regretting choices he made in his youth and looking back on his 20’s as a time where he felt free and alive. I definitely feel that way now and again, as do many of us.

Without giving away too much of the story, I can say that Bella has been through something traumatic, something that too many of have been through ourselves, so I identify with Bella on that level. Like her, I also use exercise to work out my aggression, and that can become addictive.

4. Is the story all planned out or is it write as you go?

Well the outline is but each chapter isn’t; there are generally new things I come up with as I’m writing each chapter that I hadn’t thought of a month ago. But the entire story is pretty much already planned.

5. Do you have a particular process when it comes to your writing? Mood? Specific Environment? What do you do to get in the writing mood?

I generally write in WC’s with a few friends, but sometimes ideas will hit me in random places and I’ve just got to get them down. I always carry a notebook around with me, even to the gym because I often get ideas there. I have to write in quiet, although I generally brainstorm with music. And honestly, I *have* to make the bed in order to get into the writing mode. If I know it’s unmade, it just taunts me.

6. Have you got any other projects going on? Any planned for the future?

Well I just wrapped up a different multi-chaptered fic called ABC Countdown, and am in the process of writing outtakes and coming up with a sequel for that. I do have some other ideas running around in my head for one shots as well.

7. Are you out of the closet with your Twilight love? Or do you RL friends and family know about it?

Most of the people who are important to me in RL know about it. My husband is extremely supportive, even getting involved in the fandom now and again.

8. Do any FF authors inspire you?

I find this entire community inspiring; I love what we’ve done with these characters, what new and different worlds we put them in. It would be hard to pin down a select few that inspire me because there are so many, but if I had to pick one I’d say TheLadyinGrey42. The way she writes “Our Lives Unbound” is so beautiful and poetic, so deep and emotional and sexy all at once; I’m really in awe of her talent.

9. What is your FanFic Pet peeve?

I hate it when people publically (via twitter or blogs or what have you) trash another story, and I can’t stand drama in the fandom. I get really upset when people cause trouble in a community I love so much.

10. Do you have other writing experience besides fan fiction?

I’ve been writing since I learned how to hold a pencil, and have a B.A. in Creative Writing and Literary Criticism.

11. Shout out to your betas.

Brits23 and Awesomesauce76 have been with me since the beginning. Kyla713 occasionally betas and pre-reads for me, as does Lazykatevamp.

12. Any fic recs? (please include links & no more than 3)

My drop everything and read fics:

Our Lives Unbound by theladyingrey42

The Cullen Campaign by Belladonna1472

Stranger Than Fiction by Masenvixen

13. Anything else you want to add?

Thanks so much for interviewing me! ☺

Author Spotlight: TwilightCakes

Love This Pain
by TwilightCakes
Main Characters: Seth
Genre: Romance, FriendshipX
Rating: M

Summary:

Seth Clearwater is a 27 year old police officer and werewolf extraordinaire in Forks, Washington who is just biding his time and waiting...for her.

He had always hoped to imprint, but after over a decade of waiting he has lost all hope after not finding the one meant for him.  He watches as his friends and pack mates meet their imprints and move forward in life, happy and content.   Meanwhile, Seth is stuck, frozen in time as he waits for girl that will make everything worth it.  Lonely and losing patience, the only thing he could do was continue on with his life, working with Charlie Swan as a cop during the day and patrolling at night with his pack.

Suddenly, is life is turned upside down when sixteen year old Regan comes to stay with Seth's mother Sue and his step-father, Charlie.  Regan is Renee's niece, and has had a rocky past as a wild child in Phoenix.  When she meets Seth unexpectedly, she can't figure out why he is so drawn to her, and her to him.

1. How did you come up with the idea of your story?

I wanted a mature Seth fic. He’s a wonderful character that I wanted to know more about. I read Breaking Dawn and fell in love with his character after Edward says to Jacob,

"He has one of the purest, sincerest, kindest minds I've ever heard," Edward murmured when he was out of sight.  "You're lucky to have his mind to share." 

That spoke volumes to me. I found myself so curious about Seth and the rest of his story, and I couldn’t find anything out there that quenched my curiosity about what could have happened to this amazing, kind hearted character. When I saw Booboo Stewart in Eclipse, my mind was made up. Both Booboo and Seth are wonderful, but far too young to write the type of story I was searching for. So, I imagined the character older and a bit wiser, but as close to his original personality as I could. So, 27 year old Seth was brought to life.

As for his imprint Regan…she just sort of came to me. As nice as it is for the wolves to meet imprints who are their age or close, I couldn’t see it all being that easy. Seth is 27 when the story begins and Regan is 16; nothing is going to be simple for these two. I wanted conflict; I wanted problems to arise, and I didn’t want Regan to do or say things that people wanted her to say. Let’s face it; normal teenagers aren’t who we want them to be. I wanted to challenge Seth’s happy-go-lucky attitude by making him wait for an imprint for over a decade. I also wanted to challenge him by giving him a troubled little teenager to deal with in the meantime.

2. What is the biggest struggle you have with writing your story?

Honestly, I have several. First, it’s getting people to read a Seth story – especially one that involves him imprinting on a teenager. Most people read the summary and think, ‘ew’. Not that I blame them – imprinting, if not explained right, can be creepy. When Love This Pain was first submitted to Twilighted, it was rejected for being unrealistic and ‘plot not plausible’. I think the underlying worry was the fact that it dealt with the potential romantic relationship (even though there isn’t one) between a 27 year old and a 16 year old. However, I plead my case and continue to do so when asked about the storyline. Those who read it every week I think agree with the fact that it’s not about a romantic/sexual relationship – yet. Regan does age, and meanwhile Seth is still frozen in time. My critics also argue that Seth would look too young to ‘appear’ to be 27. However, we can all remember when Taylor Lautner almost lost his role as Jacob for New Moon for not looking old enough or being big enough. A lot of people forget that when the wolves phase, they also all age to look like they’re in their twenties. So, in my mind, Seth would appear to be about 22 or 23, even though realistically he’s 27, almost 28.

Another thing I get in trouble for with some reviewers is Regan’s behavior. Most importantly, I want to point out that Regan and her personality and behavior is all modeled after both my teenage years and those of a few close friends around me. Something tragic happens to her before coming to Forks, and she acts out – plain and simple. She’s a teenager who doesn’t know how to get positive attention, so instead she gets it in negative ways. I’ve had people criticize me for writing her as such a reckless little mess. Sure, most teens don’t have problems like that, but some do. A huge them for this is just because someone has been damaged in their own eyes doesn’t mean that they aren’t worthy of someone’s love and affection. People can heal. While Regan does do some things that make readers want to shake her and give her a good slap, I think she’s pretty real. Teenager screw up – especially ones that don’t have strong parental figures in their lives, which she does not.

The main feel of the story for now at least, is friendship. Seth is in a lot of ways very ideal for Regan because he is slowly becoming her support system. I think some of the strongest relationships come from strong friendships. Seth is there for her because he wants to be. He won’t abandon her when she needs him the most because she is his imprint, and let’s face it – teen years would have been a lot easier for all of us with an older, wiser friend around who was there to save us when we needed it, right? Seth is definitely that for Regan, and hopefully someday more. But for now, he’s just there to help her out when she needs him and lend a friendly ear and a shoulder to cry on when Regan needs it.

I also write a version of Claire that not many people have seen before. I get so many reviews that are ‘Oh my GOD CLAIRE! ULGH! What a B*TCH!!! A lot of people have a hard time getting used to her, but I had a hard time (in real life) getting used to the person she’s based on…and now she’s one of my best friends : )

3. Is there a particular character in your story that you identify with the most?

Regan, hands down. She is modeled after myself as a teen. I never could really do or say the right thing, and I think that is Regan’s biggest issue. I was always kind of awkward and shy, which she definitely suffers from a little bit. I just wanted to fit in and survive my teen years the best I could, so I identify with her a lot that way. Although sadly I did not have a hunky wolf there to help me sort things out ; )

4. Is the story all planned out or is it write as you go?

Love This Pain is all planned out. The ending is still a bit foggy in my mind, but I know what has to happen in the story. I have all the chapters planned out to a ‘T’.

5. Do you have a particular process when it comes to your writing? Mood? Specific Environment? What do you do to get in the writing mood?

Well, I scribble notes and ideas that come to me during the day on post-its that hide under my keyboard….oops. When I get home, I write like a mad woman. I don’t have to be in any mood really – I can sit down and write and I rarely have writer’s block. I have too much to say! I’m really lucky to have the words come to me that easily, and I’m super grateful. R

6. Have you got any other projects going on? Any planned for the future?

LTP is first in a series that I’ve named ‘Love vs. Misery’. They are all intertwined and while the timelines for each of the fics do cross, but I try to avoid re-writing the same events from different POVs. My main focus for now is Love This Pain, which is Regan and Seth’s story. However, in January I will be starting Embry’s story. He imprints on a girl that’s a little older, but she’s got a whole other set of problems. A lot of people who read LTP also hate my jerky version of Brady, and I wanted to give him a chance to tell his side of things. Finally, I will be writing Quil and Claire’s story. Whew!

7. Are you out of the closet with your Twilight love? Or do your RL friends and family know about it?

I am not, sadly. My parents do not know, nor do my friends. They know I enjoy the books and movies, but that’s about it. I finally let my boyfriend in on the secret about three months ago, and it was like huge weight off my shoulders. He wants to read my stuff, but it feels too personal. I keep it to myself, but he knows now and is very supportive.

8. Do any FF authors inspire you?

Anyone who does anything different. While I love Edward and Bella, I feel like their story has been told…and told…and told. I am a horrible Bella/Edward writer, but it doesn’t really bother me because Edward and Bella have been done, and there are far better authors who can write them better than I ever could. I just have a lot of respect for authors that try anything out of the ordinary. A storyline with a twist, a non canon pairing, a story about a minor character, etc. Just anything we haven’t seen a million times really.

9. What is your FanFic Pet peeve?

Forced dialogue. Sadly, a lot of people suffer from it, myself included. I try to imagine my characters so that they say things that they really would say – not what I would want them to say. Sometimes people say things that make you go ‘What?!’ but that’s real life. People don’t always do or say the things we want them to, and such is life. I really try hard to have my characters reflect that. R

10. Do you have other writing experience besides fan fiction?

I do….um…*hides face* I used to write for uh…another fandom once upon a time. When I was twelve, I fell in love with Hanson and I wrote ‘hanfic’ for about four years until I was sixteen and erm…developed a life of my own. I took a break from writing til I discovered Twifics.

11. Shout out to your betas.

My first beta was Rain-It-Shall, and she betas ‘Untouchable’ (my first twific, a Jake/Ness fic) and my canon series of one shots, ‘Immortal’. She is a sweetheart and I love her to death because she will often ignore her homework to beta for me, and she is simply wonderful. We’ve become really good friends, and I love talking to her about waiting in line to see R-Patz movies : )

My other beta, mama23keiki betas ‘Love This Pain’ and ‘Fairytale’. She has also agreed to beta Embry’s story, the sequel to Love This Pain. I made a shout out on Twitter about six months ago that I was in search of a beta for a wolf fic, and her friend let me know that she wanted to beta something. I took a chance on her, and I’m glad every single day that I did because she is wonderful! She really encourages me to write what I feel should happen and she makes what I crank out legible. Another totally awesome person that I was very lucky to meet. I love both of my betas, you girls rock!

12. Any fic recs?

One of my favorite fics – I’ve read this one almost three times now – is Vanity and Patience by Achelle131. It is a beautiful take Rosalie and Emmett’s start.

Another one of my favorites is a fic called Vicissitudes by Twilightzoner. I stumbled across it one day and it’s normally not what I read, but….it’s an amazing alternate take on Breaking Dawn, minus one of my favorite characters, Renesmee. I LOVED BD unlike a lot of ppl - I didn’t think I would like it, but I ended up falling in love with it and have read it several times because it is so beautiful. Try it – I promise, Pro BD or not, you’ll love it.

13. Anything else you want to add?

If you like Love This Pain, stick around for Embry’s story, ‘Taking Chances’, as well as the rest of the series. I have big plans for these characters – they’re not going away any time soon.

Author Spotlight: tiffanyanne3

You Should Know
by tiffanyanne3
Main Characters: Edward and Bella
Genre: AH, Romance, Comfort
Rating: NC-17

Summary: Bella's life changes completely when she is unceremoniously dumped by Jacob. Broken-hearted and searching for new meaning to her life, Bella finds a close friend and calming influence in the form of Edward.

1. How did you come up with the idea of your story?

I had a flash of a scene come to me when I was working in the dark room during my photography class (a little hint about a future chapter maybe? lol). The main plot was inspired by a couple of song lyrics.

2. What is the biggest struggle you have with writing your story?

Getting into Bella's head. She can be so stubborn sometimes! I've also learned a lot about showing, not telling.

3. Is there a particular character in your story that you identify with the most?

Hmm... This is an interesting question. I haven't really thought of this before. Actually, I can see bits of myself coming out in all the characters. Bella's stubbornness and anxiety, Rose's overreaction, Edward's protectiveness, Alice's artistic side...

4. Is the story all planned out or is it write as you go?

I'm not one for outlines. I write as I go.

5. Do you have a particular process when it comes to your writing? Mood? Specific Environment? What do you do to get in the writing mood?

I usually do my best writing at night with a glass (or two or three...) of wine. But there are also days when my best writing comes from sitting outside at a coffee shop with my earbuds plugged in. I sort of get lost in my own little world. WCs are particularly inspiring. I love the support and encouragement I get from my WC buddies.

6. Have you got any other projects going on? Any planned for the future?

I'm working on a short Alice/Jasper story that I'm in love with right now. It will be five chapters, and will be sweet, funny, and a little sexy. Other than that, I'm working on some original fiction that I'm really excited about.

7. Are you out of the closet with your Twilight love? Or do your RL friends and family know about it?

Trust me, anyone who knows me knows how much I love Twilight. Only a few know that I write and read fanfiction, though.

8. Do any FF authors inspire you?

Wow. There are so many. Some I love especially are SunKing, m7707, MDealsWithIt, quothme, tkegl, CescaMarie, JeesieChreesie...there are so many others whose writing I really admire as well. The list could go on and on.

9. What is your FanFic Pet peeve?

Authors who have a total disregard for grammar and spelling, yet they still thank multiple betas in their author's notes. Yeesh. I also loathe copycat stories.

10. Do you have other writing experience besides fan fiction?

I've been writing for as long as I can remember. I only discovered fanfiction a few years ago. I recently made the foray into freelance writing as well.

11. Shout out to your betas.

I cannot say enough great things about nowforruin. Seriously, she makes my chapters so much better. She's taught me a lot about getting into my characters' heads and showing emotion in their body language, etc.

12. Any fic recs?

The ones I'm in love with right now are:

Dead on My Feet by CescaMarie
The Violet Hour by MDealsWithIt
Beyond Time by Tkegl (I'm lucky enough to beta this one!)

13. Anything else you want to add?

I'd just like to say that I'm very grateful for the great friends I've made through this fandom! It's been awesome to get meet so many lovely ladies in person and have friends all over the world.

Author Spotlight: SwedenSara

The Secret Changes within Bella Swan
by SwedenSara
Main Characters: Bella/Edward
Genre: AH, Angst, Romance, Lemons
Rating: M/NC-17

Summary: Bella, who has been married to Edward for a few years, finds herself being someone she doesn't want to be. She wants this to change and takes a journey within herself to find the girl she used to be and the love she used to feel for Edward.

1. How did you come up with the idea of your story?

This story is something I had been wanting – or maybe needing is a better way of putting it - to write for quite some time. For me, writing this story is therapeutic. I had some issues in my life and marriage that I needed to deal with and make sense of. Needless to say, a lot of it is autobiographical. I tried writing this in Swedish many times, but it never felt right. After countless hours of reading fanfic, I started to think in English, and the words suddenly felt natural. One night I heard Bella’s voice in my head, so I sat down and wrote the prologue.

I was a bit worried at first about writing in English, since it obviously isn’t my first language, but now it feels almost as natural as writing in Swedish. In some ways I feel it’s easier for me to express myself in English, and I often feel that the Swedish language lacks the proper words for the things I want to show the readers. The help provided by the betas at Project Team Beta has been invaluable and it has helped me improve immensely.

2. What are some of your favorite things reviewers have said about your story?

The reviews that mean the most to me are the ones where people tell me how my story applies to their lives as well. It makes me feel like I’m not alone in this. To know I help people with the things I write is awesome. I also get all giddy when readers tell me how my words make them feel. I still can’t believe that my words evoke feelings in other people.

3. Is there a particular character in your story that you identify with the most?

Of course, Bella is basically me. And yes, Edward is based on my husband (poor guy). Writing Edward actually forced me to see things from his point of view, which was helpful and sometimes very hard.

4. Is the story all planned out or is it “write as you go”?

In the beginning I just wrote. I had nothing planned out at all, except for some sort of general idea of where I wanted it to end. I kind of followed the timeline of my life. When I realized I only had a few chapters left, I felt the need to outline them. The weird thing is that outlining also made it harder to actually get it written. Since the foundation of my writing up until now has been to go with what I feel I need to express, having the outline kind of kills my mojo.

5. Do you have a particular process when it comes to your writing? Mood? Specific Environment? What do you do to get in the writing mood?

I write sitting on my couch, mostly while my husband is watching TV. During summer vacation I wrote a lot at night, when I had trouble sleeping. In the beginning, the story was constantly on my mind. I kept a notebook with me, and wrote everything down as it came to me. Phrases and dialogues popped up in the weirdest situations, and if I didn’t write them down I forgot. The first chapters I wrote to music – the Twilight soundtrack.

6. Have you got any other projects going on? Any planned for the future?

My other WIP – Smutiversity – is a collab with my beta Netracullen. We post under the penname Smutsisters. It’s a crackfic about us trying to write better smut, and the idea came when I whined to my betas about not being able to write lemons. I needed to practice, and writing Smutiversity gave me that opportunity. Funny thing is that after our first chapter was done, PTB started Smut University. That was amazingly helpful as well. I also took part in PTB Smut University’s Yearbook “Summer of Smut”.

I recently started a blog with some fic friends, entirely dedicated to slash – Twisted in Slash http://twistedinslash.blogspot.com/. We post pretty boylovin’ pictures and review and recommend fics.

My plans for the future are to write either a prequel to TSCwBS, or possibly some outtakes. There are things in Bella’s past that I need to address, but they don’t fit in the storyline. I also have an epilogue planned for Vanishing, the one-shot I won a Judge’s Pick for in the Beyond the Pale contest.

7. Are you out of the closet with your Twilight love? Or do you RL friends and family know about it?

I’m out of the closet entirely. My mother and sister love Twilight as well, and my husband has read all the books and Midnight Sun. I’m the only one who’s into fanfiction, though. Only a few people know I write, and even fewer actually read my stories. I try to keep my writing a secret, since I’m a teacher and I’m afraid some of the things I write wouldn’t sit well with my colleagues and bosses… My parents aren’t allowed to read it, my sister reads some, and my husband reads everything. He felt a bit weird reading the slash one-shot I wrote for Bellabee66, but he did it anyway.

8. Do any FF authors inspire you?

I’m inspired by a lot of authors, and I love reading. I love when I find new phrases or expressions that I haven’t thought of myself. If I’m to name names… my biggest inspiration comes from AngstGoddess003. Wide Awake was my first real fanfic crush, and I love her Company Loves Misery. I also adored Poughkeepsie, and have saved the review reply I got from Mrs.TheKing once. I’m such a fangirl…

9. What is your FanFic Pet peeve?

I don’t like when people hold their updates hostage until they get reviews. If you are to beg for reviews, at least do it in a funny way.

10. Do you have other writing experience besides fan fiction?

No, I only write instructions or fact sheets for students.

11. Shout out to your betas.

First of all I’d like to thank everyone from PTB who has worked with me. I’ve learned so much. LuluM is my comma queen, I’ve asked a million questions and she always answers them. I still can’t get it right though, we use commas differently in Swedish…

Jill has been so supportive and nice to me. We’ve spent hours and hours chatting on Facebook, and I feel like I really know her. I miss her now that she’s had to take a step back from duties, but I’m happy we keep in touch anyway.

Netracullen is awesome; I know she’s always ready to put on her finicky bitch beta hat for me. I can always count on her, I know she tells me like it is. She makes me better. I admire her so much, she’s incredibly talented.

Lately I’ve had a lot of help from other people as well. FangMom is my stand-in beta when Jill not’s able to help out, and I’m forever thankful for that. Lattecoug, Edbrella and McGee_42 have volunteered to beta some one-shots on short notice. Erinbatt offered to beta my contest entry for In the Closet contest, and it gave me so much. I’m amazed that this fandom has so many helpful people.

12. Any fic recs?

First of all… have y’all read Raw and Rosy by tuesdaymidnight? It’s not only incredibly hot Edward/Jasper slash, it’s also a spank!fic. I can’t help it, I’m drooling all over that one.

My second rec will have to be Million Dollar Baby by clpsuperstar. Once again a very hot fic, but this one is Bella/Edward. Edward buys Bella to be his sex-slave/companion/stand-in girlfriend for five years, and yeah… Lot’s of yumminess.

The third one is a fic that is only six chapters in, but I fell in love with it from chapter one. Pressed for Time by chele681 and Twanza is beautifully written. It has a depressed and angry Edward and a mute peep-show Bella, and it’s awesome.

13. Anything else you want to add?

Well, when I look at the fics I recommended I seem like quite the pervert. Peep-shows, sex-slaves and gay spankings. Ah well, I guess I am…

Author Spotlight: Amelie Gray

Beyond the Seventh Circle
by Amelie Gray
Main Characters: Edward (‘Hadesward’) and Bella Swan (‘Mutella’)
Genre:
Rating: M

Summary: "He looked down and watched as her toes curled nervously in their rainbow-striped socks, and he knew right away he shouldn't trust her." The scene is laid. The innocent girl, at the mercy of a dark creature with an uncontrollable blood lust. But is it really that simple? Rated M for subject matter, language and (hopefully) some future encounters of the citrusy kind.

1. How did you come up with the idea of your story?

It has a sort of interesting background – well, at least to me. Earlier this year, I was on Twitter, bored with nothing to do and looking for a new idea to give my writing a jump start. I sent out a tweet asking for anyone to send me a prompt of some sort – a word, a picture or even a few song lyrics – and in return, I’d spin it out for them as their very own gift!fic.

It was kind of presumptuous, considering the fact that I hardly knew anyone at the time. Surprisingly though, YellowGlue – an author I had met through the Black Balloon Contest, after she was one of the only people who reviewed my (less than impressive) entry, Ophelia – answered back with the single sentence that begins the first chapter of BTSC:

“He looked down and watched as her toes curled nervously in their rainbow-striped socks, and he knew right away he shouldn’t trust her.”

I’ve always been an angst h00r from the moment I made the transition from reading fanfiction to writing it – even though I found my way into the fandom through some of the more smutty classics, notably LolaShoes’ LYLS and ALE. However, I feel that because of YellowGlue and her beautiful sentence, I found my true calling. Darkward.

It really is more beautiful in the shadows.

Besides that, this gift!fic has been the beginning and blooming of a beautiful bestie relationship with YellowGlue. What more could I ask for?

2. What are some of your favorite things reviewers have said about your story?

This took some consideration. I honestly squee (out loud, and embarrassingly squeaky) over every review that finds its way to my box – no matter how small or simple.

The reviews that are dearest to my heart are from the person that the story is written for, YellowGlue. She always manages to make me laugh, like my favorite review from her to date:

La la la
I love this story
la la la la la
I love when Bella signs. Love it.
La la la la la la la
I love that you said the words "dead baby chick essence". Disgustingly hardcore of you :)
la la la :)
this is my song for you, do you like it?
La la la la
I'm SO happy you've got so much more planned for this and I am beyond excited to see where you take it.
La la
love you :)
la la la la
think I'm done singing yet?
La la la la la la
nope.
La la la
this: "I didn't dare mention his name, even though it curled my fingers, trying to make its way out." maybe my favorite Bella image, like... Ever.
La la la la la
most people, I don't like their Bellas, but yours...
La la la
shawty you the hottest
love the way you drop it
brain so smart could'a swore you went to college :)
la la la
That was some T.I. for you lol
la la la la la
you're awesome carebear, keep up the good work :)
la la la
la
la
la :)
There are familiar names that keep coming back chapter after chapter, and I enjoy seeing their comments – particularly TwiCharmed and FL95, both of whom have gone above and beyond the call of duty in trying to bring Hadesward out into the fandom. You girls rock my socks, seriously.

One thing that makes me laugh in reviews – but in a good way – is the fact that a lot of people seem to be shocked by the fact that I’m only eighteen. Apparently, I sound older. Not sure if that’s good or bad, but I appreciate the honesty and giving me the chance to prove myself, despite my age.

3. Is there a particular character in your story that you identify with the most? 

With every story I write – original or derivative – I manage to put a little bit of myself and the people around me into the characters.

I feel a lot for Bella; stuck in a family where she is kind of the odd duck out, unable to protect herself by brute strength, but rather by cunning and trying to keep one step ahead of the predators she lures in. She has a lot of my uncertainty – albeit for completely different reasons – and I like her because she doesn’t surrender, not to Jacob and his aggressive proposals, and definitely not to Hadesward, even though she knows that he holds her life in his hands.

Hadesward… sometimes I feel as though he’s my alter-ego. He has a lot of bitterness and tries to mask it over with arrogance and a heady sort of confidence that both draws and repulses Bella from him. He swears and gluts himself and doesn’t have any morals – none of which is, fortunately, any of my traits. Basically, he’s the guy that you love to hate, and maybe I feel for him simply because of that. Even villains have their reasons for existing.

4. Is the story all planned out or is it write as you go?

I do have a loose outline of events that have to happen. It’s changed a few times since I originally began the story. I first planned it out completely – chapter by chapter – to the very end, but I didn’t really like where it left Bella or Hadesward, so I had to revise. I now have the ending in place, and a few certain plot twists that need to happen. The rest of it is just thrown in as I go along.

5. Do you have a particular process when it comes to your writing? Mood? Specific Environment? What do you do to get in the writing mood?

I’m one of those people who can’t go through the day without writing on something. Writing is my way of venting out what I’m feeling. I can write in any mood, but it takes a particularly bad day for me to get really fired up for Hadesward POV. I mean, that guy has a lot of pent-up aggression to let out. I don’t need a specific environment – just make sure no one interrupts me and let me stream my favorite music, and I’m ready for the pen.

6. Have you got any other projects going on? Any planned for the future?

Fandom wise? I have two FGB WIPs – Imperfection Squared (an Emmett/Carmen one-shot turned novella for HMonster04) and Curiouser and Curiouser (an Alice in Wonderland/Twilight crossover featuring MadHatterward for bookjunkie1975) – another WIP undergoing rewriting (Closed), as well as my first fanfiction, Wanted, that is still going through a lot of development. I’m also a bit of a contest h00r – give me a good challenge and I can’t resist.

One of my recent contest entries is Little Foxes (http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6224602/1/Little_Foxes), written for the Beyond the Pale contest. I have so many things planned, and so many premises promised for people – I can’t list all those out.

Original fiction wise, I’m currently in the process of writing an original novel that I’ve been planning out for the last four years. (Yes, I’m a bit of a perfectionist) I also have another idea ready for this year’s NaNoWriMo.

7. Are you out of the closet with your Twilight love? Or do you RL friends and family know about it?

It’s complicated. From my family, only my sister knows because I know the rest of them would not approve – like, ‘you’re a disgrace’ label me as a black-sheep not approve. I told my RL best friend once, but she didn’t understand my obsession with writing that didn’t pay. At least she tries to support me when I attempt to interest her in my stories. My sister thinks it’s a complete waste of time and I’m being an idiot over Edward Cullen.

8. Do any FF authors inspire you?

SO MANY. First of all, I never would’ve gotten this far in the fandom if it hadn’t been for my admiration of LolaShoes, AngstGoddess003, and all the other wonderful authors I read during my ‘reader’ period of being in the fandom. I admire Kassiah for being my first fandom friend, and writing beautiful angst that makes me tear up every time – and for inspiring me towards OJward.

Of course, the girls in the dark are the authors that have the most effect on me – Lambcullen, Nitareality (one of my besties, an amazing author and wonderful pre-reader) and of course, my sweetie YellowGlue, whose story The Worst of Weather still makes me catch my breath and stop to think at least a hundred readings later.

9. What is your FanFic Pet peeve?

Um – anonymous flames. It’s such a pansy thing to do. Also, when you have an excellent fic on your hands, and flounce the fandom simply because you aren’t getting as many reviews as you wanted, or just lost interest. At least hand it off to someone who can finish it with the honor it deserves. And grammar. Don’t get me started on grammar.

10. Do you have other writing experience besides fan fiction?

As I mentioned before, I am currently working on a novel, and preparing for NaNoWriMo, which I participate in every year. I’m involved in a local writing group, and have had a few experience in my younger years published in childrens’ magazines. I hope that I’ll be able to publish this novel someday.

11. Shout out to your betas.

Without YellowGlue, I’d be nothing. She’s the Bonnie that inspires my Clydette, and her writing brings me nearly to tears every time I read it. She talks me off so many ledges, in fandom and RL dramas, and I can’t imagine not having her there to joke around with and swoon over Darkward – or write hilarious, smutty one-shots about Mr. Cullen and Fruity Pebbles.

I love you, pop tart.

So much.

I also couldn’t be able to write without the guidance and love of Nitareality, who has graciously agreed to being my pre-reader. She’s a wonderful, hilarious person to talk with, and she’s always there when I need her the most. I am in complete awe of how strong and beautiful this woman’s spirit is, and it’s a shame if you aren’t reading her writing.

You mean so much to me. I say it all the time, but I truly do mean it.

12. Any fic recs?

The Worst of Weather by YellowGlue

Bloody Choices by Nitareality

Tines by PortiaKhalo

13. Anything else you want to add?

Hadesward wouldn’t be anything at all if it wasn’t for the people who support me – YellowGlue and Nitareality, the readers, javamomma0921 and her lovely WCs, bookjunkie1975’s endless support, and of course the ‘Deviant girls’ Lambcullen, Aleighy and MzEll (PortiaKhalo). You guys all mean so much to me. Always.

Author Spotlight: ConfettiRainfall

A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes
by Confettirainfall
Main Characters: Edward / Bella
Genre: AU, Cannon Couples,
Rating: M / R

Summary: Bella’s life is full of trauma & tragedy. Her parents aren't always around to help. She's a child the first time her path crosses with that of the Cullens; how does Edward resist his singer? What does Bella think of the family that seems to save her time and time again? Original Rating was T but changed to M for limes in Chapter 11 & possible future lemons. AU Canon Couples

1. How did you come up with the idea of your story?

What's now Chapters 2 and 3 are the parts of the story that came to me first...a friend had been encouraging me to write for some time and after much thought, those chapters are where the story began.

2. What are some of your favorite things reviewers have said about your story?

They appreciate how well my characters remain true to form although when it comes to Jacob and Bella, many appreciate the differences between this story and the original and there were some loose ends in SM's story that I've been able to address and my readers have enjoyed these changes as well.

3. Is there a particular character in your story that you identify with the most?

Probably Bella and the very beginning of the first chapter..."Looking back, it's amazing I made it this far. My life has been a roller coaster ride and most of the time the ride wasn't worth the price of admission. As much as I enjoy amusement parks, they aren't always fun when your stomach ends up in your throat doing the tango. Even during the most difficult times, I've tried to be a "glass half full" kind of person, but life kept throwing me curveballs. Unfortunately, no matter how hard I tried, my perspective changed from "the glass is half full" to "the glass is half empty" to "the damn glass broke and I cut my finger cleaning up the pieces."

4. Is the story all planned out or is it write as you go?

The general outline is planned out in my head and a number of chapters have written outlines with more to follow - I know the major events that will occur and fill in the smaller details as we go.

5. Do you have a particular process when it comes to your writing? Mood? Specific Environment? What do you do to get in the writing mood?

I usually am always in the writing mood...I love it! But if I'm having a particularly tough time I listen to the movie scores from Twilight, New Moon and Eclipse. And I have my favorite chair *snickers*

6. Have you got any other projects going on? Any planned for the future?

co-writing Back to You with TwilightMomOfTwo as well as the beginning of an original story. I'm also working on another AH Bella and Edward story using the songs from Matchbox Twenty's Bad Season...each song will represent a snapshot into the life of this couple...it will take a while to complete

7. Are you out of the closet with your Twilight love? Or do you RL friends and family know about it?

My family knew about it instantly but my co-workers were kept in the dark for about 6 months - after that the cat was out of the bag.

8. Do any FF authors inspire you?

My beta and friend, TwilightMomOfTwo is my greatest inspiration and my good friend Jennmc75 turned me into a Charlie lover *smiles* here's a shout for her to get on the stick and write more Charlie stories! *laughs*

9. What is your FanFic Pet peeve?

I wish people would proofread and use spell-check...

10. Do you have other writing experience besides fan fiction?

Writing stories, no...but work in the legal profession so writing is part of my daily life...

11. Shout out to your betas.

I already did - my friend TwilightMomOfTwo keeps me going and my friend Jennmc75 did some prereading for me when TMoT was away. These two ladies are GREAT!!!

12. Any fic recs?

You only want three...first is

Transcendence - because of this story I fell in love with Edward all over again

Second is Edward Cullen, Dick for Hire because it was such a surprise to me that I loved it!

and third was a complete surprise because I never ever thought I'd love a Robert Pattinson character as much as Edward. Here's to Daniel Gale: Cumming to America

13. Anything else you want to add?

Can I add about 100 more recommendations because I seriously could *laughs* Depending on my mood there are so many different writers who fill my needs. Thanks for allowing me to share my thoughts with you!

Author Spotlight: Scorp112

After All
by Scorp112
Main Characters: Edward, Bella
Genre: AH, Romance, Angst
Rating: NC-17

Summary: Bella is in a car crash that kills her mother and Phil, leaving her with many physical and emotional injuries. Bella is completely devastated by the accident and is no longer the woman she used to be. She returns to Washington to be closer to her father and best friends, trying to find a way to put her life back together. Edward has had a "thing" for Bella for ten years, but he never acted on it, and no one ever knew about his feelings for her. He's done a decent job of building a good life, but Bella's return makes him question and re-think everything he thought he knew.

Once these two meet again, he's going to do all he can to finally get his girl, but life and circumstances will make it difficult for him - and Bella will be the biggest challenge of all.

1. How did you come up with the idea of your story?

I was reading a very angst-filled story on Twilighted about a teenage Bella who became an orphan. It was well written but, for me, was missing something. It caused me to think about who Bella would be as an adult if she lived in a purely human world, but followed the same back-story up until she moved to Forks and met the Cullens. Then I wondered what would happen if I took that adult Bella and turned what had been a great life upside down. From that grew After All.

2. What are some of your favorite things reviewers have said about your story?

I’ve had many tell me how realistic I’ve kept it, which is something I pride myself on in an AH story. They also tell me I have a really good balance of angst, fluff, and humor. Having that balance is extremely important, and it’s something that my readers let me know they appreciate. I love how invested they get in the story, especially when I leave them with cliffhangers. Those reviews and the guesses about what is coming up next are my favorites!

3. Is there a particular character in your story that you identify with the most?

My first thought was Bella, but in all honesty, my Bella and I don’t have a ton in common. So I’m going to go with Alice. There’s something about her that resonates with me. I see a lot of parallels in my life and the things Alice is going through in the story. I see Alice as a truly caring individual who only wants what’s best for the people she loves, but sometimes sacrifices her own happiness to make that happen. She also has a heart of gold, but her ways aren’t always understood.

4. Is the story all planned out or is it write as you go?

When I began writing, I had a vague outline of where I was going, but it has changed and evolved a bit since then. I got to chapter fifteen before I had a full, chapter-by-chapter outline of the story done. So at this point, yes, it’s all planned out. But I’m open to wherever my writing takes me. I’ve noticed that sometimes I plan to sit down and write one thing, but my characters take over and I go in a completely different direction. I heard authors say that before and thought they were nuts, until it happened to me. Now I get it.

5. Do you have a particular process when it comes to your writing? Mood? Specific Environment? What do you do to get in the writing mood?

I write when I feel like it, which doesn’t always help the update thing. I usually sit down with my laptop, pick the playlist on iTunes that fits the mood of the chapter I’m writing and go to it. If I’m finding it’s not flowing the way I like, I may push through it and see what happens, or I walk away for a while and come back to it. I also have a wonderful beta who, when I get in a mood, pushes me toward the computer and tells me to use it. I tend to listen…usually. ☺

6. Have you got any other projects going on? Any planned for the future?

I wrote a two-shot a few weeks ago that I’m currently waiting to be validated on Twilighted. My beta has begged me to continue it, and I will, but I really want to finish After All first. Once After All is complete, I will go back to the two-shot and turn it into a multi-chap.

7. Are you out of the closet with your Twilight love? Or do you RL friends and family know about it?

Everyone in my life knows about my Rob Pattinson love (as evidenced by the 6ft giant cutout of Edward Cullen that I got as a birthday present last year.) As far as my Twilight FanFiction love? Only a few RL peeps know about it – my two best friends, my sister, and an old friend from high school. All of them are very supportive, but I can’t imagine how the rest of my friends and family would react. They have a hard enough time accepting my zombie apocalypse obsession.

8. Do any FF authors inspire you?

MsKathy, SydneyAlice, MrsTheKing. I adore them all. I read their stuff and hope to be that good someday.

9. What is your FanFic Pet peeve?

Bridal Style – I LOATHE when authors use that expression. Every time I read it, I cringe. Don’t ask me why, it just pushes my buttons. I want to beg authors to stop using it!!!

10. Do you have other writing experience besides fan fiction?

I wrote for my high school and college newspapers and was a journalism major for four semesters during my undergrad. I actually held off on writing creatively for a long time because I once had a teacher tell me that I wasn’t very good at it and should put my effort elsewhere. It took me almost fifteen years to ignore her voice in my head and I’m glad I finally did.

11. Shout out to your betas.

AddictedtoEdward, began this journey with me, and I’m so grateful to her. I never would have continued without her support. She was the reason I had the guts to keep going, and I totally appreciated the way she kept it real for me. Ms.Ambrosia, has been nothing but wonderful. She fixes my silly mistakes without complaint and is always available whenever I need her. She’s writing her own story, making kick ass banners and beta’ing for other people, and probably a million more things I don’t even know and yet, she’s always there when I need her. And last, but definitely not least, Browns_TBG, who has officially become my Beta for Life, I can’t thank her enough. She started off as a fanfic friend and has become a great RL friend. I don’t know what I’d do without her. She keeps me grounded, picks me up when I need it and reminds me to believe in myself. What more could I ask for?

12. Any fic recs?

Oh, What A Tangled Web We Weave by Browns

Parachute by KitsuShel

13. Anything else you want to add?

Thanks to everyone who has taken a chance on my story. I really appreciate it. Thanks to TwiNetwork, I’m thrilled to be in your Author Spotlight – thank you!! ☺

Author Spotlight: AmoreBella88

 

 

Chances 

by AmoreBella88

Main Characters: Bella & Edward

Genre: AU-AH, Comedy, Romance/Fluff, and Suspense/Mystery 

Rating: NC-17 for language, mature sexual content, and violence

Summary: Bella Swan lives a dull life, but when a trip to the emergency room brings her to the Cullens, everything changes. Things are not all roses and sunshine though, there are attacks on women at the local campus of UW and it’s got everyone worried. Everyone needs chances, but what happens when someone chooses the wrong one…? (AU-AH, OOC for Bella’s vocabulary.

1. How did you come up with the idea of your story?
Last year, there really were attacks on some women at a college campus, though I can’t remember if it was the University of Washington or not. I’d been planning on writing a story before that, but everything just came together when I heard a news report on the events.

2. What are some of your favorite things reviewers have said about your story?

They say that they love Bella’s internal dialogue. Really, she is me on paper so I think it’s hilarious that they really like me. Also, I love the fact that everyone calls me a cock-blocker/twat-tease. I love knowing that I can get people as riled up as some other authors get me in the mood.

3. Is there a particular character in your story that you identify with the most?

I identify strongly with Bella. I’m writing this story using Bella as a stand-in for myself, honestly. Everything that I’ve had happen to her is something that has happened to me at some point in time, well most things. I guess she’s my outlet. And yes, I curse like a sailor, too.

 
4. Is the story all planned out or is it write as you go?

The story is planned out to some extent. My outline is more of a general ‘I want this thing to happen’ not ‘this is how it’s going to happen’. Once I have the general idea, it’s a free-for-all in my head. And that’s a scary, scary place to be sometimes.

5. Do you have a particular process when it comes to your writing? Mood? Specific Environment? What do you do to get in the writing mood?

I don’t really have a process to writing, not specifically at least. Usually my pre-requisite is that I have to have the day off from work or from running errands. I just find it easier to focus if I don’t have fifty trillion other things that I have to get done that day as well. I need to be happy, that’s for sure. I couldn’t write a thing for Chances for a while because my mood was so depressed. I actually started writing another story because of it. I do need to have some kind of background noise on for me to write, though. Either something on TV, or a movie, or some music playing helps me not to be completely alone in my thoughts. At work, I’m usually by myself a lot. I have time to think, ‘Oh hey, Bella and Edward can do this…’ or ‘This is how the party should go. And then, what if…’ while the muzak is playing throughout the store.

6. Have you got any other projects going on? Any planned for the future?

Yes, I do have other projects that I’m working on. I was up for auction in the Fandom Gives Back recently and I have two pieces that need to be written. One is an out-take from Chances, so if you’re interested in reading it, I suggest that you put me on author alert. I also have another one-shot that was an idea for a friend, but she turned it down and now I want to write it. Also, there’s a story I entered into a contest that I’ll be expanding, as well as a brand new story that I’m hoping to write more of before I start posting. My future plans have turned into my right now plans. I’m sure there’ll be a lot more from me in the future too. I’m too addicted to stop.

7. Are you out of the closet with your Twilight love? Or do your RL friends and family know about it?

Oh Hale yes! I am proud to be a part of something so awe-inspiring, except when the fandom totally mucks things up. Stop the hate people; we’re all entitled to our own beliefs and viewpoints. My mom and I are huge Twi-hards. We went to Vancouver, Washington to see Eclipse early for an ALSF event with a friend of mine from work, which was about a two hour drive for us. Plus, this weekend my mom and I will be going to Forks. It’s going to be my second time going, and her first. It’ll be EPIC WIN, we’re so excited! At work, everyone knows I’m the resident Twilight aficionado. Sometimes, they ask me questions about it and it actually makes my day. I have nothing to be ashamed of when it comes to the things I love.

8. Do any FF authors inspire you?

        
Definitely! Pomme_De_Terre, aka Ellie, is seriously my mentor. She’s the one who persuaded me to post in the first place and I wouldn’t know what to do without her. I read her story, Not Like This, and wondered how one person can bring out so many emotions in so many people. She’s been stuck with me ever since. There are others who inspire me, but she is my number one pick, MVP.

9. What is your FanFic Pet peeve?

        
I hate it when people are out to get authors, or to steal their hard work. It takes a lot of guts to post something you put your heart and soul into on the internet, where anyone and everyone can see it. Also, please review. I want to know if you like my stories, or if you think they stink. I want to be a better writer, so help me out here, okay?

10. Do you have other writing experience besides fan fiction?

         Yes, but not a lot. I wrote a short-ish story when I was 14 and it was passed around one of my classes for everyone to read during our silent reading time. I thought it was pretty cool when someone yelled out, “Who’s got page 23?!” in the middle of class. I’ve also taken writing courses in school like Journalism, Creative Writing, and Writing for Children.

11. Shout out to your betas.

Ellie, who is my idea-bouncer-offer and all around fantastical person, is the epitome of an organizational beta. She is my cheerleader whenever I feel self-doubt creep up on me, which is pretty damn often. Amelia, who critiques my grammar and fixes up all of my monumental mistakes, is super awesome and I am lucky to have met her through Project Team Beta. And finally, my mom, she reads everything and with her approval, I feel like a million bucks.

12. Any fic recs?

        
Not Like This by Pomme_De_TerreNo Place Like Home by TellingMeLiesBecomes the Swan by Venomousgal & Pomme_De_Terre

        

13. Anything else you want to add?

A HUGE thank you to all of my reviewers and readers out there; seriously, each and every review spurs me on to write. Also, thank you to Twi Network for the interview, it has been a pleasure. Oh, and Stephenie Meyer, because honestly, if it weren’t for her we wouldn’t be discussing any of this right now.

Author Spotlight: sbsp92

 

They Won’t Believe You
by sbsp92
Main Characters: Bella, Edward, Alec
Genre: AH
Rating: T

Summary: Bella moves to Forks with her family. Bella sees something strange in the house next door is it her imagination or did she really see it? *Nominated for a Silent Tear Award and The Faithful Shippers Award*
1. How did you come up with the idea of your story?

My English class had a gothic story unit and everyone in the class had to write a short story. I had a scene stuck in my head for the longest time and I didn’t know when I would think up a story the scene would fit in. So when my teacher gave the assignment I knew I had to include the scene somehow. After I turned it in I came back to it and changed the names and some of the details I put it on ff.net.
2. What are some of your favorite things reviewers have said about your story?

At first, my story started off as a one-shot and right away the reviews mentioned that I should continue it. I most likely would have kept it that way if I had not gotten those reviews. One of my favorite reviews said my story ‘screams awesomeness’ it makes me smile every time I read it.
3. Is there a particular character in your story that you identify with the most?

The character I identify the most with is Alec. Like Alec I am the oldest and I try to keep my siblings in line. I don’t argue with my siblings like Alec does because I do anything to avoid it. I’m painfully shy, so I rarely yell at anyone. Sometimes I can lie like Alec but most of the time I lie like Bella.
4. Is the story all planned out or is it write as you go?

Since it started out as a one-shot I write as I go. So far, I have a vague idea of how it might turn out but I’m a procrastinator at heart so when I write it takes forever.
5. Do you have a particular process when it comes to your writing? Mood? Specific Environment? What do you do to get in the writing mood?

Usually, it’s when I have free time and quiet. I haven’t had a lot of free time in a while, my job sucks up my week and my energy, on my last paycheck it said in two weeks I worked 70 hours. Since I’m shy and don’t talk much, I think up ideas anytime anywhere.
6. Have you got any other projects going on? Any planned for the future?

I have Life of A Goof, it is one-shots that are about Emmett. So far I have one up and currently working on the second one. I am also working on a full length story that is not up yet. I have written a few scenes and it’s more of a serious fic and I’m really excited about it. I plan on finishing it before I post, so my procrastination doesn’t get in the way.
7. Are you out of the closet with your Twilight love? Or do you RL friends and family know about it?

I am completely out of the closet about my Twilight love but I don’t talk about it as much as I use to. Very few know about my fanfiction love and I’m going to keep it that way. My Twilight love is more about the books than the movies. I actually got my two guy friends hooked on the movies, unfortunately they are both team Jacob. The only thing all of us can agree on is our dislike of Bella. One actually said before that he would rather die one thousand deaths than see a Twilight movie and now he has a complete man crush on Taylor Lautner.
8. Do any FF authors inspire you?

RobMyDream is one that definitely inspires me because of all the stories she writes. All of her stories are so unique and different. I really want to steal her imagination because it takes me a while to think up stories. Another one is Burrberry Bugsy because it's not common for me to read more than two stories by one author. One of her stories is like My Bestfriend's Wedding but I like the fic a lot better than the movie.
9. What is your FanFic Pet peeve?

I have quite a few pet peeves one is when authors take down their stories when it is not finished. One story only had five chapters left and the all of a sudden the author took down all of her stories. Another one is the over use of 'like' I hear and see it all the time. To me, it makes a person not seem as smart as they really are.
10. Do you have other writing experience besides fan fiction?

Other than papers I've written for homework I don't, but I am on the review team here.
11. Any fic recs? (please include links & no more than 3)

Bella? Marie? by FriskyKitten
The Blizzard by sheviking
Love Comes Last by itsyblue1214

Author Spotlight: Rason

 

Finding Bella

by Rason

Main Characters: Edward & Bella

Genre: NM AU, Angst, Romance

Rating: NC-17

Summary: Edward doesn't return after leaving Bella in the forest in Forks. Eight years later, Edward discovers she lives nearby & is persuaded by his family to find her. What he sees will shock him. Can he love the person Bella has become? Lemons. OOC.

Basically, once Edward sees Bella again, he realizes he can’t stay away from her. His love for her is too great, her pull is too powerful for him to ignore. Bella, however, has changed drastically, and not for the better. She’s cold, cynical and promiscuous amongst many other things. Edward eventually realizes that her attitude is merely a mask and he is determined to find the real Bella once again. In order to do so, however, he must come to terms with her past and everything that has happened to her since he left her in the forest in Forks

1. How did you come up with the idea of your story?

It always bothered me how Bella instantly forgave Edward in New Moon. The guy dumped you and left you in a forest, for Christ sake! Come on, grow a backbone and give him a little Hell. He deserves it. Anyway, one day, while I was reading another NM AU fic where Bella took Edward back quickly, I thought there was no way I could do it, especially if it were years later. I would want to kick him in his trouser sword and laugh while he cried (note to self: maybe that’s why guys don’t like me much). I ended up having a really strange dream where Bella had moved on to become a pretty crass, uncaring person that refused to forgive Edward. Therefore, I decided to try my hand at writing it. I really wish I could have more dreams like that. It was quite naughty.

2. What are some of your favorite things reviewers have said about your story?

I really love it when reviewers tell me Finding Bella is completely different than any other NM AU that they’ve read. That’s my goal. There are so many fics out there and a lot of them are similar, so when I’m told by a reviewer that my story is unique, it makes me a very happy person. It’s also nice to know that I’m not the only one that thinks Bella should make Edward work for her forgiveness. I can’t deny that I also like it when someone tells me I’m messed up for making Bella turn into a man-stealing nympho. Oh, if they only knew how messed up I truly am.

3. Is there a particular character in your story that you identify with the most?

In a way I identify with Bella. Although, I’m not quite as cruel and I don’t sleep around like she does (darn it). Certain events in my life have made me become less compassionate than I use to be. I hate that, but it’s the truth. Luckily, I don’t lash out at people the way Bella does (unless they deserve it or are my ex in-laws). However, I do tend to use sarcasm as a coping mechanism. I’m a passive-aggressive Virgo. Need I say more?

4. Is the story all planned out or is it write as you go?

A little bit of both, really. I have countless notes, but it’s grossly unorganized. Most everything is in my head, which is kind of frightening considering the state of my mind.

5. Do you have a particular process when it comes to your writing? Mood? Specific Environment? What do you do to get in the writing mood?

Not really, it’s more of a time thing for me. I’m a single mother trying to run a business. Time is something I don’t have a lot of these days. When I do have extra time, you can find me in front of the computer writing. Or more accurately, screwing around on Twitter, which I’ve become an expert at. In order for me to write, I need a couple of hours so I can get into it. If I am unable to do that, then the story waits.

I do have to have abundant amounts of cream soda and either grapes or blueberries when I write. It’s odd, I know. But if I don’t have those things, I will murder people.

6. Have you got any other projects going on? Any planned for the future?

I just finished a one shot for an anonymous contest (crosses fingers) and I have another AH story I would like to start. I am insanely addicted to NM AU, and I have more ideas in that area that I would like to write. Once I finish Finding Bella, I will most definitely start something new. You should be worried.

7. Are you out of the closet with your Twilight love? Or do you RL friends and family know about it?

Everyone knows of my addiction to Twilight and they are well aware that I will one day become Robert Pattinson’s sugar momma, but they don’t know of my fanfic addiction. Anytime anything Twilight related is in the media, I get an abundance of text messages and phone calls telling me about it. I’m not sure why I haven’t let them know about my fanfic love, to be honest. I guess it’s because I want to keep it for my selfish self. It’s very personal to me and it’s nice not having to share that part of me with RL friends. See, you all should feel special. I do it for YOU!

8. Do any FF authors inspire you?

Of course! Honestly, all FF authors inspire me. The fact that they are able to put something out there that is so intensely personal for the entire world to see is incredible. However, there are a few authors that have inspired me the most, such as Kharizzmatik, GreenEyedGirl17, HunterHunting, Gondolier, and OCDindeed. Their words astonish and exhilarate me, make me emotional, and challenge me to become a better author. There aren’t many fics that I can read more than once, but each of theirs, I’ve read countless times. When they update, I drop everything I’m doing so I can get lost in their worlds. I also blame them for the neglect my child has to endure.

9. What is your FanFic Pet peeve?

The pettiness and cruelness that some seem to possess. The name calling, bullying, cheap shots, and other childish behavior some exert in the attempt to bring someone else down needs to stop. I have seen it escalate lately and it really is a shame. We should all be thankful for what the authors of FF do for us, out of the kindness of their hearts. They don’t have to do it, but still, they do. FF is free and readers do NOT have the right to bash an author because something isn’t happening the way they want. Grow up, be an adult, and move on. Hug it out, people.

Oh, I also wish people would learn the difference between your/you’re and there/they’re/their. Drives. Me. Crazy.

10. Do you have other writing experience besides fan fiction?

I do, although not so much creative writing experience. However, I once got an A on a story I wrote about how my dog learned to walk backwards down the street. It was a true story. I was eight. I was also a journalism nerd at one point (yeah, yeah, I know). Heck, I even won awards for what I wrote back in the day. Not that I could do that now, though. Writing has always been therapeutic for me, and for that reason, I am beyond thrilled that I stumbled into this amazing community.

11. Shout out to your betas.

MaggieCullen and AgirlReckoning. Hi girls! *waves and jumps up and down excitedly* They seriously are the best beta’s out there. I owe them my soul, or perhaps a big batch of homemade peanut butter chocolate chip cookies, whichever is of greater value. I don’t know what I would do without either of my beta’s. They are mine. You can’t have them.

12. Any fic recs?

I tend to read the fics everyone reads, but right now I LOVE the following:

Under the Apple Tree by danieller123

Love in My Box by cosmoandmarvar

Hide and Drink by Savage7289

To Enchant a King by handiangel

The Truth About Heaven by Mezzanottex3 (older o/s)

Silver Strand Nights by GreenEyedGirl17