[queenspuppet]

My computer/internet (for whatever reason) has been notoriously argumentative with HPFF server over this past year, so I've always had trouble doing interesting things like using the forums and having a nifty little Author Page. But I think I've worked my away around that corner and hopefully things will run a little smoother from now.

One of my favorite things about this site is replying to reviews and frolicing about talking with everyone so personally I think this whole "Meet The Author" deal is grand, and i look forward to hearing from lots of people with random little insights and questions that might not be as specific as what one usually finds in a chapter review. And yeah okay, maybe I am a little behind in replying to reviews, but not to worry, this page will not replace my fascination with those either.

Basically folks, I'm begging you to come talk to me. Please?? Isn't there just anything you'd like to know.


As far as updates run, I shall keep a little section right below this sentence that lets everyone know where my updates are.


UPDATES: Patience is a virtue.
Tongue Tied: Finished. Has Been. Will be and so on.
Muse: Chapter 6 is 33.33% finished. Has been for awhile but I'll get back to it shortly.
More Complicated: Chapter 3 is 33.33% finished. Has been for awhile but never fear, I know what I'm doing. I just need the time.
Probably Improbable: The Third Part has one sentence! Omgishyay.

[silver phoenix]

*GASP* Is it true? Is it REALLY? IT'S YOU! IT'S REALLY YOU! WAHOO! Echm... *calms self down* Wow. Anyway, I JUST finished reading "Tongue Tied". Quite literally. I just finished typing my review for the epilogue. Which I think is rather amusing if I do say so myself...er...anyway... I just wanted to let you know that you're one of the most wonderful writers I've come across recently. I only wish I read your story sooner. I'm a rather big sucker for Remus/OC, mainly because I detest Remus/Tonks so it makes me exceedingly giddy to see Remus so disgustingly happy with someone else O:] But yes, yes! Calliope! That wonderful, delightful young woman you've created! How in Merlin's boots did you come up with such a wildly original character? I love the fact, by the way, that you made her a Hufflepuff. I LURVE Hufflepuff. They need some lovin'. Especially from a certain young man who has a furry problem... Ehm. Anyway. I should just stop here. It's after 2am, I'm insane, and procrastinating writing about my OWN Hufflepuff. I should leave you alone. And work on my story. Or read "Muse".... O:]


insanely yours,
silver phoenix!


edit: By the Gods, due to my insane giddiness, I spelled her name wrong. May I drown in Davey Jones' Locker for my sin >.>

This post has been edited by silver phoenix: 16 February 2008 - 10:10 AM

[queenspuppet]

*GASP* Is it true? Is it REALLY? IT'S YOU! IT'S REALLY YOU! WAHOO!...
...
insanely yours,
silver phoenix!

IT'S ME! You're enthusiasm flatters me! I've seen all your lovely reviews for Tongue Tied and Muse and look forward to replying to them, but it might be a bit. But I'm happy to reply here.
Calliope and her creation is a favorite story of mine.

Upon her birth as a character in my head ( and just my head, mind you ) Calliope was an outspoken, frivilous, fun-loving sort of girl who would always be ready with a quirky and optimistic response. She might not have been very smart, but she meant well enough.
That not sound familiar as our little mute?
When I started the very first chapter of Tongue Tied, which was at the time titled To A Fault, everything seemed to be going along this sort of fluffy and rebellious plan for the character. There's still a little bit of residue from that original character in the first few paragraphs but somewhere between Calliope's declaration of her house in the first sentence to her declaration of her own simplicity she just sort of changed herself. That's the only way I know how to explain it, I had no conscious control over her transformation from loud and giggly, to silent and awkwardly charming. I think she really solidified herself as that character when the dialogue came in the chapter and I was just so surprised and taken with her that I let it happen.
It's sort of weird the way it happened, she was probably the most original type of character that I had invented to date, but I completely fell in love with her for it. And almost everything after that when it came to Calliope, followed naturally without me having to think much about it.
So to answer your question on where Calliope came from, I have no idea. She reminds me of certain characters in books and film, so it's more than likely that she sort of manifested herself subconciously for me. I certainly wouldn't mind if my other characters would do that for me!



That was a really superfluous explanation, but I love explaining things like that. So there you are! I look forward to hearing more from you soon, I'm sure it won't be long. Thanks for stopping by!

Maisy

[SorceresSectumSempra]

My computer/internet (for whatever reason) has been notoriously argumentative with HPFF server over this past year, so I've always had trouble doing interesting things like using the forums and having a nifty little Author Page. But I think I've worked my away around that corner and hopefully things will run a little smoother from now.

One of my favorite things about this site is replying to reviews and frolicing about talking with everyone so personally I think this whole "Meet The Author" deal is grand, and i look forward to hearing from lots of people with random little insights and questions that might not be as specific as what one usually finds in a chapter review. And yeah okay, maybe I am a little behind in replying to reviews, but not to worry, this page will not replace my fascination with those either.

Basically folks, I'm begging you to come talk to me. Please?? Isn't there just anything you'd like to know.


As far as updates run, I shall keep a little section right below this sentence that lets everyone know where my updates are.


UPDATES: Patience is a virtue.
Tongue Tied: Finished. Has Been. Will be and so on.
Muse: Chapter 6 is 33.33% finished. Has been for awhile but I'll get back to it shortly.
More Complicated: Chapter 3 is 33.33% finished. Has been for awhile but never fear, I know what I'm doing. I just need the time.
Probably Improbable: The Third Part has one sentence! Omgishyay.

YAY! I'm oh so very berry happy that you now have your own Meet the Author page! YIPPEEE! And now I suppose I shall ask you the question I believe I have asked all of my favorite authors that have a Meet the Author page...I mean, I guess we're supposed to ask you questions on this thing! So badaduh! Here we go!

What is your favorite ice cream flavor and does this have an impact on your writing?

[Cecelia]

Hey! I'm glad you got an author's page!

First, I would like to commend you on your writing abilities. Tongue Tied was really one of the best stories that I've had the pleasure of reading on this site. It really was brilliant and extraordinary.

But, alas, I have a question for you as well.

When you're writing a novel length story of that magnitude, how do you manage to keep ideas connected? I always find that over time, the ideas that I started out with fizzle out and new ones pop up without the old ones being resolved (I've had to rewrite many a chapters because of this). How do you keep this from happening?


Thanks and Good Luck!
--Cecelia

[queenspuppet]

YAY! I'm oh so very berry happy that you now have your own Meet the Author page! YIPPEEE! And now I suppose I shall ask you the question I believe I have asked all of my favorite authors that have a Meet the Author page...I mean, I guess we're supposed to ask you questions on this thing! So badaduh! Here we go!

What is your favorite ice cream flavor and does this have an impact on your writing?

HI sweetie!

You see, I am torn between two options.
Cookies n' Cream, Homemade brand because it uses actual oreo's and is super creamy
and
Coffee Heath Bar Crunch, by my two genius boyfriends Ben and Jerry

And yes. These ice creams do occasionally impact my writing. You see, if I had any of that ice cream right now, I would not be a very productive little bunny. Sadly, I am taking a sugar break. Unless the sugar comes in liquid or mint form. Don't ask. Or ask but my answer will likely be illogical I'm afraid.

[queenspuppet]

When you're writing a novel length story of that magnitude, how do you manage to keep ideas connected? I always find that over time, the ideas that I started out with fizzle out and new ones pop up without the old ones being resolved (I've had to rewrite many a chapters because of this). How do you keep this from happening?

Thanks and Good Luck!--Cecelia

Thanks for your praise! I never really expect to hear nice things from people regarding my stories, even after all this time. That's part of the reason I procrastinated on this Author page, I assumed it would sort of sit neglected by everyone. But anyways.

I have a bazillion notebooks, and I tend to jot out plot points in chronological order, so I know where I've got gaps of time in the story, or holes that need filling. You can keep notes on the side too, with bits of dialogue that strike you and such. There's nothing worse than having a really beautiful sentence in your head one night and gone the next. This is also a really nice way to sort out your story when new ideas start popping up, it's easier than just leaving the jumble in your head. I'm not a very organized person, but this is a habit that I've been forming over years of writing stories.

And here's the thing about stories changing. It just happens. It happened with Tongue Tied too, more than one would realize when looking at it now. Originally the title was To A Fault, the story had an entirely different theme and the title was supposed to tie into the incredibly tragic ending I had planned from the start. I think I got sort of lucky with Tongue Tied in that the new ideas always seemed to fill in my old plot holes and change the story for the better. A lot of the time changes like that happen naturally, simply while you're writing and things sort of manifest themselves for you. I think it's just important you take the time to think about those sort of things that just pop up, consider whether or not they actually fit into the story and make things either easier or more difficult for you. Some plot twists just belong in another story, and you have to resist the opportunity. During Tongue Tied I sort of had the opportunity to create a love triangle with Sirius, and some readers encouraged the idea, but I knew it would have required the story to take a much longer turn, and one that I wasn't sure how to recover Remus and Calliope from.

So just because it's a new idea doesn't necessarily mean that it's better or more appropriate for the story. It also doesn't mean that you have to be really strict and stick to the original plan. You just have to be a really careful judge of yourself. My personal tip is that you keep your character closely in mind. What they're capable of as a character, how they would react to things. A lot of people get carried away in plot twists and force their characters to act accordingly, this makes them less believable and consistent as people. It's a bad trap to fall into.
Granted, I'm a little partial to character depictions sometimes, and tend to settle for simple plots.

Man. I go really wild on these question answering bits. I hope no one minds. I warned you, I'm Chatty McChatterson.
Hearts,Maisy!

This post has been edited by queenspuppet: 19 February 2008 - 05:05 AM

[brokentrain]

Hey Maizzer,

I don't know if I really have a question, I kind of just wanted to say hullo and all that. But since this is -strictly- for questions, I'll think up one, how's that? Let's see...how would you go about writing a character with an accent you are unfamiliar with? If you had to write a trio story, what would it be about? If you were a fruit what fruit would you be and why? If you had to name your child after an inanimate object (preferably man-made) what would you name it and why? Why 'queenspuppet'?

Is that question-y enough for the question page? Am I legit?

Why is everything a question now?
Brokentrain?

[queenspuppet]

Hey Maizzer,

I don't know if I really have a question, I kind of just wanted to say hullo and all that. But since this is -strictly- for questions, I'll think up one, how's that? Let's see...how would you go about writing a character with an accent you are unfamiliar with? If you had to write a trio story, what would it be about? If you were a fruit what fruit would you be and why? If you had to name your child after an inanimate object (preferably man-made) what would you name it and why? Why 'queenspuppet'?

Is that question-y enough for the question page? Am I legit?

Why is everything a question now?
Brokentrain?

Accents eh? I think I would ignore it. Like if it was a french accent or something like Fleurs? All the "Ze"'s and what not just get on my nerves, that's not how the french really sound unless your Kevin Kline in French Kiss. As for a Trio story, it would have to be centered on minor characters, or if you mean a solely Trio story then...probably something during those "Nineteen Years" before the epilogue of the story. Although I tend to be a little flip towards the Trio and this would be a bad idea. I would like to be a strawberry because they are just great. Or a jackfruit because they grown in thailand and are le superdelicious.

As for inanimate objects and children...Pen. Yeah I'd definitely name my son Pen and for a girl...Well Lace seems probable, probably because if I named them Spoon or Squash like I want to I would feel eons of guilt.

Queenspuppet is from sophmore year and "The Complete Works of Shakespear Abridged" play that I was Head Stage Manager for. So it's actually "Queen Puppet" which is just a minor prop in the play. We had an extra label for the props table that I wore across my back a lot. And I liked the way it sounded, a puppet to the Queen. or Queen of the Puppets. I just didn't feel like a username with some sort of reference to HP and it's world. And I like consistency, Queenspuppet is my username on other things as well.

I shall come bug you soon Brokentrain? It'll be swicked!

[diana lupin]

Greeting Mace darling,
Just popping in to say hello. *Pop* "Hello!"

I was wondering: what is it that makes you so awesome? Do you absolutely adore James McAvoy like yours truley? And do you love Ewan McGregor?

Will pop back soon,
Cheers,
didi.

Edit: Also... I am here to warn you to watch out for monday... I hear that there will be rampant and shameless affectionate spamming going on...

This post has been edited by diana lupin: 08 March 2008 - 06:54 PM

[obviously394]

I LOVE Tongue Tied, I think I've read it at least four or five times this month (but then I am a rereader).

Four questions:

She reminds me of certain characters in books and film, so it's more than likely that she sort of manifested herself subconciously for me.

So who are the other characters?

And how on earth did you come up with Merritt? She's quite delightful, reminds me ever so slightly of Luna. I imagine their minds work in similar ways.

What house do you think you'd be in?

Favorite color?

~obviously394

[queenspuppet]

Greeting Mace darling,
Just popping in to say hello. *Pop* "Hello!"

I was wondering: what is it that makes you so awesome? Do you absolutely adore James McAvoy like yours truley? And do you love Ewan McGregor?

Will pop back soon,
Cheers,
didi.

Edit: Also... I am here to warn you to watch out for monday... I hear that there will be rampant and shameless affectionate spamming going on...

Ahhh! DiDi, sorry this took me forever. My computer is le wack and I've had to wait till I was at work and free to reply.
But as for your questions:
What makes me so awesome? A combination of ridiculous friends, wicked awesome parents, and a natural penchant for glitter, sugar and sarcasm. Maybe. I have no idea. Am I awesome?
Do I adore James McAvoy? My love for him is absurd. I can't explain, nor would I want to be cause it would be really embarrasing. But yes, wholeheartedly.
Do I love Ewan McGregor? Sometimes. Which is terrible to say, because I really do. But it's in specific ways. Like Big Fish and Moulin Rouge when he's all cute and bubbly. Star Wars? Maybe, but I've made a point of never watching Star Wars. It's absurd, I know, just something weird about me and spaceships I guess.
I loved your affectionate spam. I want more!


"I LOVE Tongue Tied, I think I've read it at least four or five times this month (but then I am a rereader).

Four questions:

QUOTE(queenspuppet @ Feb 18 2008, 12:12 AM) She reminds me of certain characters in books and film, so it's more than likely that she sort of manifested herself subconciously for me.

So who are the other characters?

And how on earth did you come up with Merritt? She's quite delightful, reminds me ever so slightly of Luna. I imagine their minds work in similar ways.

What house do you think you'd be in?

Favorite color?

~obviously394"

Very cool questions with major answers.
Characters that have influenced Calliope:
Amelie from the movie Amelie played by the ever effervescent Audrey Tautou.
Sally from Nightmare Before Christmas and her dedication to an oblivious Jack Skellington.
the book Speak reminds me of early Calliope chapters when she's still shy although it wasn't an intended similarity. a lot of things. it's been awhile since I've been in Calliope mode though so it's hard to remember all of the other pieces of literature and film that I stole from. Those are definitely some of the major influences.

As for Merritt, she really did come out of blue and has been evolving for me very slowly. I wanted her to be a blank canvas to build upon for the story; a very plain, indistinguishable sort of character until you get to know her. She does have similarities to Luna and a connection that may or may not ever actually make it's way into Probably Improbable or any story, but I'm sure I'll reveal it sooner or later.

What house would I be in? (not a stupid question by the way)
I don't know anyone who fits perfectly into a cliche of any of the houses, myself included. I like to think of myself as a very muddled cross between a Slytherin and a Hufflepuff. Partly because they are the largest contrasts in personality types and partly because I really am a mix of awkward geniality and sarcastic snobbery. But generally speaking very nice.

Sorry it took me forever to respond. My lameo computer shall soon be tossed out the window and replaced with something hopefully a great deal more reliable.

Maisy

[SilverShadow04]

Hi Maisy

I finally figured out a way to see your livejournal took me a bit of manoeuvring but it has been located (crisis averted). I haven't found the nice preview for Probably Improbable yet but I will, do not worry.

Now that that is out of the way time for praising. I adored Tongue Tied I was so happy to have found that story over Spring Break and it was just a wonderful bonus that the story was completed when I found it so I wouldn't have to wait like a mad woman for updates! Loved it, it was everything I liked in a story wonderful characters, tears, laughs, Remus. Just great. And now I'm reading Probably Improbable very different but still great. I think what I love most about your stories is your characters and the way you make them so real.

Questions!

• What/who currently is your favourite book and author?
• What story on HPFF are you hoping for the most to be updated soon?
• Do you post any original work online?
• I heard you want to be a writer so what genre would you be most aimed towards writing in?
• Will you come with me on a quest to find James McAvoy and have him read us something with that wonderful voice of his? (And maybe get a hug as well if his wife permits)

You are the first author I've ever posted to in Meet the Author feel flattered! JK

Sandy

[queenspuppet]

Hi Maisy

I finally figured out a way to see your livejournal took me a bit of manoeuvring but it has been located (crisis averted). I haven't found the nice preview for Probably Improbable yet but I will, do not worry.

Now that that is out of the way time for praising. I adored Tongue Tied I was so happy to have found that story over Spring Break and it was just a wonderful bonus that the story was completed when I found it so I wouldn't have to wait like a mad woman for updates! Loved it, it was everything I liked in a story wonderful characters, tears, laughs, Remus. Just great. And now I'm reading Probably Improbable very different but still great. I think what I love most about your stories is your characters and the way you make them so real.

Questions!

• What/who currently is your favourite book and author?
• What story on HPFF are you hoping for the most to be updated soon?
• Do you post any original work online?
• I heard you want to be a writer so what genre would you be most aimed towards writing in?
• Will you come with me on a quest to find James McAvoy and have him read us something with that wonderful voice of his? (And maybe get a hug as well if his wife permits)

You are the first author I've ever posted to in Meet the Author feel flattered! JK

Sandy

Oh thank you Sandy midear!
I am most definitely flattered. You should see my face whenever I see that someone has posted in this thread. I'm so glad you found and enjoyed Tongue Tied, it's a really sweet story and the first thing I've ever finished. I'm very fond of it myself.
Omgoodness Books.
Let's seeeee...right now I'm reading Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie and his talent is crippling my ego. He's one of the best authors of this generation. Neil Gaiman's work fascinates me. He's incredibly talented as well. I especially like his collection of short stories titled Smoke and Mirrors. Jonathan Safran Foer's Everything Is Illuminated is really extraordinary. Gregory Maguire and Robin McKinley are also both huge influences on my original work because of their obvious preoccupation with fairy tales. Oh! and Charles DeLint and Patricia McKillip are forces to be reckonned with when it comes to fantasy.

As for HPFF. I was extremely delighted today to find that my dear friend and the amazing authoress Brokentrain updated her literary confection Nonsense & Nonsensibility. Which is definitely my favorite work at the moment. *scoots off to check her favorites page* Oh serious recommendations then, although they're all so good you're probably already reading them.
We Gryffies by gryffindorseeker
Loose Change by OpheliaDameDansLeBleu
Inbred by She_Who_Must_Not_Be_Named
Match. by mental
I Am My Mother's Son by SkinandBones_
Wanton Confessions of a Teenage Witch by JolieFille252
Settling The Score by A_Fountain_Pen
Helter Skelter by The_Albatross
Those, in my opinion, are the cream of the HPFF crop. And my tastes range pretty far so you've got everything from a humorous take on a Dramione to a couple delightful Oliver/OC's to the Marauders to Next Generation to two really amazing insights into the Slytherins.

My LJ actually has a peek of the start of an original work in a post from a few days ago. But generally speaking, at this point anything original I'm writing I'm probably going to consider for publication one day so I like to keep it relatively secret.
As for what genre, definitely Young Adult Fantasy. I dream of following in footsteps such as Robin McKinley and Charles DeLint and Dianna Wynne Jones, epically beautiful fantasy authors with the most imaginative stories. I have an ongoing joke that I'd like to write ridiculous romance novels as well. You know, the ones with the buff pirates and swooning beauties on the cover. But we'll see. I'd probably blush too much while writing them.

Stalk James McAvoy? I'd love to! If he hugged me though I might faint. I'm really not swoony about most people. Honestly. Like on my top five celebrity list, most of them I could probably confidentally go up to and joke around with and the like. But James McAvoy? I'd pass out.

Okay. Enough rambling for now I suppose. But I hope to hear from you again soon, in LJ or around here. Bye darling!
Maisy

[August Embers]

Hello dear! I am simply thrilled that you've gotten an authors page!

I have only just finished reading your story over again for, I want to say the eighth time all the way through. It's just so lovely, and whenever I need some cheering up I meander over to your lovely Tongue Tied and lose myself in it for a while. I also want to congratulate you on winning the Hourglass award, I saw it on your page.

I probably sound like a stalker, but whenever I'm looking for a good read I browse through your favorite stories, and to get there I have to look at your page, hehe. It's rather a pity though, whenever I read any Remus/OC stories I find myself comparing them to your story. I have been finding that not many of them even come close to the beauty of your story.

Alright, time for questions?

Do you think that character maps help you out? I always fill them out, but then as my stories progress I never stick to the map. I deviate quite a bit :]

Do you like orange juice?

How long ago did you first begin writing fanfiction stories?

That's about all I can think of, that people haven't already asked. But don't worry - I shall be back!
Oh, and again my apologies for the terrible reviews I've left you.
I really am a lazy piece of lard

<JESSIE3
[Burntaugust]