do you know how you want the story to end when you start, or are you just stumbling through the figurative wilderness hoping to find a road.
Usually, yes. I generally know the story I want to tell from the jump. There are always times where I might not have it really mapped out, or change tracts halfway through. But usually I go from idea to result without issue.
I have learned to listen to the feeling that I get sometimes that tells me that the the original plan is not going to work. Trying to force something that just doesn't want to happen is a sure-fire way to have a shitty product. So, while it can be annoying and even disappointing, there is usually a good reason for listening.
11. what’s something neat you’ve learned while doing research for something you were writing? also, how much do you worry about doing research in general?
I recently wrote an addition for my "Conjuring" series where I wanted to find a tv show that had been on air during that time period. I got super fascinated by the following trivia:
"The Flip Wilson Show: was an hour-long variety show that aired on NBC from 1970-1974. The show starred comedian Flip Wilson. It was one of the first American programs starring a black person in the title role to become highly successful with a white audience."
I like to be as accurate as possible, but that being said if something is a huge job I might skip writing the thing altogether because of the time sink. Otherwise, I love doing a bit of research whether it is for the plot, setting, details or even the perfect title.
31. tell us about one of your characters who’s an absolute joy to write
This is such a niche thing that is basically my sole baby as the fandom is tiny and I am the only one that ever wrote for the character, but Flesh/Phil Fleischman from syfy's "Van Helsing". He is such an amazing character and writing him is such a joy because he is so complex. He is a good person but in a very human way. He had real regrets about his life that translated into literally destroying his family when he was turned against his will in the vampire uprising. Imagine regretting having had kids and settling down, but you deal with that and be a good father and husband as much as you can. Only you get turned into a vampire that doesn't give a single shit and burns out all your morals so what do you do? Slaughter your children and make your wife watch. Wild tbh.
His arc is incredible and basically the only thing I watched the show for after mid-way through the first season. He goes from this retail 9-5 that hates his life to this incredibly trusted vampire officer for his sire, known for his loyalty and strategy. In the first episode he is the reason the main character becomes who she is - which in the process changes him back to human. Cue his emotional shit storm.
also he literally crawled out of a hospital garbage chute in the first episode, covered in blood, so I was sold from that moment on tbh.
