Author Spotlight: Lifeuniverse42 Day 3
How many times do you usually revise your fic/chapter before posting?
Typically, I do a rough draft and a single editing sweep. If I’m feeling ambitious or particularly inspired, there’ll be a second editing pass.
If you were to revise one of your older fics from start to finish, which would it be and why?
I don’t really have any older fics, but I’ll answer this one, anyway. I feel like A Recovery Story got away from me somewhere in the middle. I’m proud of how it turned out, but I’d probably trim the fat from that one, given the choice.
What do you look for in a beta?
A healthy combination of honesty and tact. A beta who won’t tell you that a passage sucks is useless. But a beta that’s too critical crushes your spirit, and that’s not helpful, either. Honestly, I like working with people I can get along with, and who are willing to have discussions. I’m a fandom person. In-depth discussions on character and motivation make me smile like no other.
If you could write the sequel (or prequel) to any fic out there not written by yourself, which would you choose?
Ooooh… Not written by myself? I have no idea. All of my favorites ended in such beautiful places that I don’t think I could add anything to them by penning a sequel.
Do you take liberties with canon or are you very strict about your fic being canon compliant?
LIBERTIES! People who write canon-compliant fics are my heroes. How do you do it? It’s so impressive! I love taking liberties, putting spins onto stories. I’ve seen fantastic writing in both areas, but I definitely fall on the change-everything-except-characterizations side of the fence.
Talk about a review that made your day.
In this fandom, almost every single review of my work made my day. People are unendingly sweet. But the best ones were the ones that said ‘I hate you for hurting me this way, but it’s amazing!’ or the ones that told me I’d made a difference to them. If I made someone laugh or cry, it made my day. I had a woman comment that I’d written a scene between Blaine and his mother that had felt beautifully realistic to her, and that one I held pretty close to my heart. If you connect with any part of my writing and leave me a comment saying so, you will absolutely encourage me to keep writing.
Do you ever get rude reviews and how do you deal with them?
In this fandom, no. In others, yes. I read it, walk away, and come back later. Sometimes I respond, sometimes I don’t. People can be extremely passionate about the characters in their fandoms. That leads to some incredibly sweet comments and some people who feel extremely protective of them. I’ve found it’s best not to interact with the ones who just want to drown me in their opinions.
What advice do you have for people just starting to write?
Just write! Write badly. Write things that are hilarious and goofy. Write things that are angsty and out of control. Find a writing partner and swap paragraphs or full stories with them. Write together with friends. Write whatever you like, whenever you like. Hopefully, you’ll find some amazing people through it.
Which fic do you most like to discuss with other people? Why?
I don’t actually discuss my fics with very many people. If you want to talk to me about them, feel free to reach out! I love chatting about fic in general, I’m just absolutely useless on tumblr.
What’s one aspect of writing fic that gets you really excited?
The interaction with the absolutely phenomenal people in this fandom. Y'all are the sweetest, kindest people on the planet. You encouraged my writing and made me better. From amazing people who offered to help me with technical content, to those who simply commented that they hate me for stomping on their hearts, I was deeply grateful for every single one of you.
