When did you start writing XF fanfic? How did you start?

I watched the X-Files devotedly since the beginning of Season 5,
but it never occurred to me that internet fanfic even existed until
someone on an XF message board mentioned it and gave me a
link. Yowza! People actually wrote missing scenes, new and
extra scenes, even SEX scenes about Mulder and Scully! I began
reading and feedbacking several favorite authors, one of whom
was Paige Caldwell. I give Paige credit for suggesting that I
try my hand at writing a story of my own... so my first fic, the
Millennium-inspired "I Know You," was posted to Ephemeral in
December of 1999.


Have you written fanfic for other fandoms?

No, I have no desire to explore characters from another show at
all as an adult person. However, when I was a child and teen I
handwrote what I now recognize to be early fanfic for "Bonanza,"
"The Man From Uncle," "Secret Agent Man," and groupfic for the
Beatles, among others!


What else do you write?

I write the occasional erotic piece for my non-XF internet
persona and a poem now and then, though I fully intend to
develop a narrative story for eventual, RL publication. That's
my dream -- to be a published writer whose stories can touch
people's emotions the world over.


In the past updates we've recommended your "Miraculous Series".
Did you intend for the first story to spin out into a series?

Oh, my gosh, no! That story began as a short, vignette-length
humor piece about Scully delighting Mulder with her knowledge of
sexual street jargon. But the Muse shook her head, the characters
shook *their* heads, and I was fortunately out-voted! :)  Living in
Colorado, I have access to many rustic hot springs, and during one
communal soak my husband suggested that I write a story about
Mulder and Scully having sex in a hot spring! It sounded like a great
idea, but a PWP writer I am not... so I needed an interesting plot
and purpose to accompany the steamy final scene. The episode
"all things" became my foundation for this story, which eventually
grew to several parts -- and "Miraculous Manifestation" was posted.
It was followed by its sequel, "Waiting In Motion," a story of some
length which garnered two Spooky Awards, much to my surprise and
delight!


Do you foresee any more stories in this series?

I never say "never," but right now I think "Signs Of Life," the
third story in the "Miraculous Series," closes the door quite
nicely on this particular universe.


You are currently writing a WIP. What inspired you to start
writing a WIP?

More accurately, I'm almost finished writing this WIP, "Seeds Of
Synchronicity," a fact that both amazes and saddens me. It
began as a challenge to myself, since I'd never attempted this
particular structure before and so many others were doing it
with success, plus I had an Aubrey-inspired plot idea that was
itching to be written. I determined from the outset to be a WIP
writer who would finish and not flag... and with only the
epilogue to complete after 20 chapters, I think I've just about
accomplished that.


What is the biggest challenge you find in writing a WIP? How do you
know when it will end?

The biggest challenge is balancing the dynamics of Real Life,
deadline, and inspiration. Often RL won't allow me the pleasure
of writing when I feel another installment is due and the
stalkers are poking me! Then, when I do have the time to write,
inspiration has taken a powder and the Muse is somewhere on
vacation! It's beautiful when everything harmonizes and the
words flow out in just the right way to express what needs to
happen in a particular chapter. And with a casefile, plot and
character development are crucial! I've learned so much about
that during the progressive writing of this story.

The end? I've always known "how" the story would end, the
identity of the killer, etc. It's getting from the beginning to
the ending that's the tricky part! :)


Is there's anything else you'd like to tell readers
out there?

One thing I feel the need to impress upon everyone... if you
have a dream, don't abandon it for any reason. If you feel
creativity's pull, never set it aside or consider it unimportant. My
very real regret is that I put my first true love of writing aside for
over twenty years while raising a family before finding it again. In
hindsight, I realize that both were important, and that my own identity
and personal goals suffered as a result of denying myself this
essential, personal outlet.


Upcoming stories to look out for?

Another first for me: a possible collaborative venture with
fellow Museans on a very different kind of fic. After that, I'm
struggling to strike out and write a story for RL publishing...
but have also grown to love the post Season 7/non-Requiem
universe of "Seeds Of Synchronicity." Perhaps a sequel to it
will germinate in the near future. The possibilities are out
there, endless, and promising!

Thank you for inviting me to spend this time with you and your
readers. I have been honored!