#ask a killer

[iamakiller]

Mask Off

Killer Charlie's tale is over.

While @direnightshade and I work on the next part of Charlie and Kitten's story, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank those of you who have engaged with our work so far. Other than a couple of notable exceptions, each ask, comment, like and reblog has been very much appreciated.

I'm intensely aware that the immersive nature of this blog so far has had its limitations in terms of our ability to communicate with each other, so with that in mind ...

For the next couple of days, my askbox will be open for you to speak to me, the writer. An AMA, if you will.

So, fire away.

Nothing is off the table.

Ask me anything.

[iamakiller]

I’m about to get emotional on main, so brace yourself even though you’ve heard some of this about a dozen times already. Thank you for choosing me to write this story with you. It’s still so wild to me that we went from absolutely winging these responses to staying up all hours of the day/night, plotting and fine tuning this story while also getting to know one another better. Working on this story and becoming your friend has genuinely been the highlight of this last year for me, so thank you. ❤️🦉

Okay, since this is an AMA, it’s only fair I ask you something. So, what’s been your favorite piece of Charlie and Kitten’s story thus far?

As someone who is constantly emotional on main, I see nothing wrong with that!

Without you, killer!Charlie would never have existed in the first place.  As it says in the header of this blog, you inspired the initial concept.  You give so much to this fandom, both in terms of your wonderful writing, but also the friendship and encouragement you offer to others, and I wanted more than anything to do something in return for you.

It’s easy to write elegant paragraphs when I’m writing as Charlie, but a great deal harder when I’m being myself.  I don’t know how to properly express how much this story, and your friendship, means to me.  But I think you’ll understand. ❤️🦉

To answer your question, it’s hard to choose just one.  Although the more dramatic, emotional scenes have offered more of an opportunity for us to flex our writing muscles, I’m very fond of the quieter, softer moments between them.  Their wedding day comes to mind, and the night before they left New York.  I also love the piece you wrote about the night they met.  It gave me shivers when I first read it, it was so perfect.

What about you?  What’s been your favourite piece of their story so far?

[iamakiller]

Hello Charlie & Beautiful face behind Charlie, my question is incredibly important and absolutely needs to be asked... who is better, and why: Aragorn or Legolas?

Aragorn.

Because I said so.

[iamakiller]

AMA (can be in character or ooc) - what inspires you? I know keeping a blog running is no small feat, so is it just a matter of taking enough breaks to keep your mind fresh, or is it something else?

An excellent question!

The source of inspiration is really the million dollar question, isn’t it?  If I knew what inspired me, I would spend a lot more time writing, and a lot less scrolling mindlessly through Instagram!

Overall, my main driver in this (sorry Adam, not you) was that I very quickly realized back in September that I had a very particular story I needed to tell.  The why has always been very clear to me, but the how has occasionally given me some trouble.  At those times, taking a break has definitely been helpful.  Once you manage to stop thinking about a problem, it seems like the solution appears quite easily, doesn’t it?

Thank you for your ask, and for sticking with this blog for so long.  I’ve very much enjoyed all of our interactions.

[iamakiller]

Thank you so much for your stories.

You have amazing skill and I will be a lifelong fan.

Marie, it’s me who should be thanking you.

Your support and enthusiasm these past almost-8 months has been very much appreciated.  You’ve been so generous with your kind words and reblogs, and your encouragement has meant a great deal to me.

[iamakiller]

Charlie!

Anatomy of a Killer was perfection as always! I’ve been awed by and in love with your writing since day one.

I’ve always wondered, are there any characters or personalities, real or fictional, from whom you’ve drawn to create your Killer Charlie? Or any other external influences behind his persona? He’s so nuanced and deep that I’m constantly amazed.

As an aside, you and Contesa are both wrong. Gandalf and the Ring Wraiths are tied for best LOTR characters.

Shannon!

Thank you very much.  I’m so glad you enjoyed Anatomy of a Killer.  I must also thank you for your enthusiastic support since the beginning of this blog.

With regards to your question, I have had a fascination with American serial killers since my early teens, when I checked the book “Mindhunter” by John E. Douglas out of the library on a whim and read the whole thing in one night.  I’ve always been interested in the darker aspects of the human mind, and especially the why of a person becoming a killer.  Although I never even considered choosing to pursue psychology or criminology as a career path, nor indeed murder.)  I wasn’t inspired by any particular individual, but I’m sure that the ridiculous amount of knowledge I’ve crammed into my brain over the years played its part.

A major influence in terms of how I chose to unravel Charlie’s story was undoubtedly the Netflix documentary series “I Am A Killer” (I swear I had completely forgotten the name of the show when I named this blog!) which deliberately and carefully unfurls the story of each episode in such a way that you feel horror and compassion in equal parts for the titular individual by the end of the hour.  

Other than that, I'm not knowingly aware of any other influences.  Killer Charlie is all mine, I’m afraid!

[iamakiller]

I'm so glad you decided to take an interlude to open up submissions ooc. I know you already know how much I adore you, (both within and outside of the incredible character you've built) So I'll just tell you again how often you leave me in awe of your talent. The way you and Britt (and the others along the way) came together to weave this story so flawlessly stole my breath, or set me on a roller coaster of emotions more times than I could count.

It's been an honor to have the opportunity to be along for this ride, to watch it all unfold, and to call you friend. So thank you for that, and for Charlie. 💜

Bless you, Claire.  That means a lot to me.

It’s genuinely been an honour to witness your journey as a writer, and see your confidence in your abilities grow.  Your storyline with Father Garupe was honestly one of the most real, emotional stories I’ve read in a long time, and as you know, I was absolutely gripped throughout the entire journey.  You truly have such talent as a writer, and I will continue to tell you this as often as I can for as long as I know you. 

[iamakiller]

Just here to say I am very grateful for the time you put into curating this space. Seeing you pop up on my dash always gives me a rush of happy, and reading your work is cathartic, particularly over the past several months. It’s something I didn’t even know I needed. Endless thanks and praise 💜

You are too kind, Brittany.  For this lovely message, and your support throughout my time on this blog.

I feel very privileged on the occasions when people tell me my writing has had a positive impact on them.  It has been a terrible 12+ months for us all, and if I’ve helped in any way to provide a moment or two of respite or release for some of my audience, then I am contented.

Wishing you health, happiness, and brighter days ahead.