Interview with pennylane714
This is long overdue. I had the privilege of asking the very talented pennylane714 a few questions about fanfiction and the writing process. So without further adieu, I give you an interview with pennylane714.
RichonneFics (RF): When and why did you begin writing fanfiction?
pennylane714 (PL): I wrote my first fanfic when I was 17. It was an X-Files one-shot. Mulder and Scully are my first OTP. I didn’t write another till I was 32, a post-“Too Far Gone” one-shot. I started writing fanfic because I’ve always been interested in the internal dialogue that we as viewers don’t get to hear from characters. There’s only so much time in each episode to show us things but I always want more.
RF: That's awesome! I think most writers' imaginations run wild with what's happening "behind closed doors" so to speak. Have you always enjoyed writing?
PL: Kind of? I used to write little short stories in elementary school but teachers who read them said they were…inappropriate for someone my age (potty humor, explosions, etc). I didn’t get a lot of encouragement there so I just stopped. Of course, it was a very religious private school so I wasn’t exactly writing for my audience.
RF: What is your least favorite part of the writing process?
PL: Starting a story scares the mess out of me. I just stare at the computer screen in terror. I tend to spend a lot of time convincing myself that whatever I write isn’t going to be good so why bother. Once I get my head outta my rear and get moving, it’s all good though!
RF: Well, I for one am glad you don't let yourself get in the way of your writing. You are far too talented to suppress it. What is your most favorite part of the writing process?
PL: My favorite part is getting lost in my own little world. I fire up Spotify, throw on my headphones, pick a song that works with what I’m doing/feeling and I put it on repeat until I’m done. I wrote “Broken” to “ It Will Rain” by Bruno Mars. “First Love” was “Chandelier” by Sia. “Locked Out of Heaven”…I think each chapter has it’s own song.
RF: That's great. Music is such a wonderful source of inspiration. On a side note, I LOVE Sia. She's just a spectacular song writing, imo! :) How do you translate the stories in your imagination to stories on paper?
PL: That’s hard to answer. When I have an idea in my head,I will literally think about it all the stinking time. I’ll be at work and thinking of story ideas. When it happens, I try to jump on it immediately. I’m jealous of Richonne writers who constantly knock out these beautiful stories (Looking at you, Siancore!). I love to do it, but it’s always a bit of a struggle for me. The encouragement and support I’ve gotten from my Richonne sisters has been such a blessing. They always lift each other up and I’m proud to be friends with these awesome ladies.
RF: I completely agree. The Richonne writing community is so encouraging! Were you always a Richonne fan and when did you start writing Richonne fanfiction?
PL: I’ve been a Richonne fan from the fence scene. I know it’s not technically a romantic scene but the electricity when Rick and Michonne’s eyes met was insane. You could tell this was the beginning of something huge. After the Season 4 MSF, I had to find a way to get through the hiatus. If I couldn’t find out right away what my folks were doing, then I was just going to make up my own ideas! And it just kinda went from there.
RF: I love that! Now for the fun unrelated question... What advice would you give your past self?
PL: I would tell myself what I try to tell my daughters all the time: Don’t waste time worrying about what everyone thinks of you. Just do what makes you “you”.
RF: That is indeed sound advice. Well, pennylane714, thank you so much for allowing us to interview you. It was truly a pleasure getting to know the writer behind the work! Everyone please check out pennylane714's Richonne fanfiction at https://www.fanfiction.net/u/3147786/PennyLane71!