Post by mintedstar/fur on Sept 20, 2016 16:01:28 GMT -5
Banner and by Shadowface
Layout by *Brownfur*
1. What started you on your way to making this contest?
I was thinking one night how to change the 'one-shot' challenges, and I remembered reading the "choose your own path" books when I was younger. I thought that was a cool way to change the 'one-shot' challenges
2. Has the contestants taken the story where you thought it would go?
So far, there has only been one response to the story, so there isn't much to base it off of. But they did understand what they had to do, and they only wrote on one ending, so I would say so far that yes they have.
3. How long do you expect to continue this contest?
I expect to continue this for as long as it is interesting to others. I find it very interesting and I enjoy reading how people continue the prompts that I give them. If this dies off, I may remake it eventually.
4. What are your hopes for the future of this contest?
I am hoping that many people will join this contest, and I will have many people counting on me to continue this contest and people excited to do this.
WFF Newspaper
Creature of Grace by Tuesday (Removed. If you wished to read it, got to Tuesday's Figment Page: WCF Tues.)
Tuesday's Interview for Creature of Grace:
1. How did you get the idea for Creature of Grace? When you got the idea when was the point when you wrote it down? I was actually lying awake in the middle of the night, bored, and was thinking about the character the story focuses on (not naming names to avoid spoilers, folks!). The first couple lines struck me particularly hard, so I got up, got my iPod from my desk, and wrote the whole thing on the Notes app in one sitting. Emailed it to myself the next morning, did a few minor edits, and voila! It came into full being.
2. What or who got you interested in writing? I'm not sure. It was probably how much I read as a child. I loved hearing bedtime stories from my parents, and I had lots of stuffed animals to read stories to once I learned how to read. Storytelling has been my thing since I was a kid, apparently. However, I didn't get seriously invested in bettering my writing until...2012 or so. I had an English teacher I despised (he was lazy and unproductive, and I wasn't learning anything from him), so I set out to make my work better because he sure wasn't helping any. Now I love to write purely for the fun of it, but it definitely had some roots in writing out of spite.
3. When you made the title for Creature of Grace, did you play around with any other titles or did that one fit from the beginning? Why did the title fit? That one fit right in from the start. Granted, I wait to title my one-shots until they're complete (only my longer works get a title before they're fully realized, since that's pretty important), but this one fit in beautifully from the get-go. I just adored being able to use the title in the story itself, and the roundabout journey that the character featured in it takes really fits the title. It's very much a process of this character coming into a new role, maybe one that did not originally fit so well, but one that it's time to fill, and the title encapsulated a lot of the acceptance and fluidity that I felt the story had to embody.
4. How long did it take for you to write the story? Like I said, probably less than an hour? Or so? It was spur of the moment, and I'm so grateful it turned out, because my projects that begin that quickly often fizzle out badly and never get posted. This was a rare success to hit the page and be nearly perfect from the start.
5. Which, if any, authors or books have inspired you? As a kid, I was definitely head over heels for anything Harry Potter (and let's be real: I still am), but now, I actually take a lot of inspiration from fic writers in other, bigger fandoms, as there are a few I particularly look up to for their craft and dedication. In terms of published authors, though, my idol is absolutely Scott Lynch. He doesn't write for kids, that's for sure, but there's something in his quick wit and carefully laid plots that appeals to every fiber of my being. I love his work dearly.
6. What part of the story was the hardest to write? The easiest? I can't choose a particular portion that came easily or eluded me. Words just hit the page one by one that night, steady as they've ever come, and I wish I could get that feeling back. It was magical, honestly.
7. If you were reading the story instead of writing it, would it be the type of story you would read? Why? Honestly? No. I might not even bother. I love stories brimming with action and adventure and weighty themes (the dilemmas of service and sacrifice are some of my favorites), and this was really a character exploration rather than an intricately crafted one-shot. If it weren't my own work, if I weren't so invested in that particular character, I might not be so inclined to read it.
8. What is the most surprising thing a fan has ever said to you? I'll never forget when one of my fanfiction idols (again, in another, larger fandom), saw my work in said larger fandom and praised it. They may not be a fan of my work in terms of actively following it, especially since my Warriors work is kept extremely separate from my other online personas, but it was incredible to see my most admired fic writer say "this fic is good." Those weren't their exact words, but nothing beats being recognized by someone you look up to like that. I almost cried, to be honest, and I was on cloud nine for a week. Nothing could have felt better. Of course, they might be expecting another stunning display from me with the newest fic project in the fandom in question, so fingers crossed I can pull that off, eh?
9. If your characters were human and they went to school which would be the popular kid? The loner? The one that tells all the jokes? Now this is a question I'm all about. The popular kid is totally Sorrelpaw from Sentinel. She's hip. She's cool. That girl's gotta have a crew. Then you have a whole host of loners because I soooooo have a type. Count Stonetail and Coal from How the Mighty Fall as loners, as well as Doetail and Hazelfang from Equinox. They wouldn't be the kind of people to do well with lots of people. And the class clown is absolutely Clay from How the Mighty Fall, encouraged by Streamheart from the same, and Sorrelpaw again. That's probably why Sorrelpaw has a crew. She's cool, and tells super lame jokes. What a nerd.
10. Which song would be the one that reflects your story the most? You're breaking my playlist-challenged heart. Putting music to my work is something I'm very particular about. Putting together a playlist for HTMF took FOREVER. That's a scary long time. And narrowing things down to a single song? Hooooooo boy, that's tricky. I think, though, that HTMF's primary theme would also apply to "Creature of Grace," and that would be "Thousand Eyes" by Of Monsters and Men.
Interviews by Armadillostar:
*Brownfur* Interview
First off, can you give us a brief introduction to your fanfiction?
Darkest at Midnight was originally not going to exist. It was a 'fake' fic, clickbait for Etta's experiment of how much an avatar influenced a reader's inclination to click a story or not. DaN was the anti-test; I was to make a cool looking title with the least-picked avatar, and check to see how many views it was getting compared to the other similar titles others' posted with different avatars ranging the scale from the polls. But the title -- subtitle -- had me thinking, and then the first chapter came and I couldn't let go. Six more days, six more chapters. It was a fanfic, not an experiment. DaN was born.
Who is your favorite character in your ‘fic, and why?
My favorite character. . . That's hard. Of course, I love Moss. She is the main character, after all. I also have a soft spot for Gorsefox, despite being the main social antagonist for Moss. Thrush is my little fluffball. Halfwing is too sweet for Moss, and Cricketpaw is so sassy I love her too -- I could go on forever about each of them, why I love them, what makes them unique. I guess for now I'm going to say Gorsefox is my favorite. He has so much personality, and I enjoy writing his snarky comments -- or other's reactions to him -- more than anything else, so even just for that reason. xD
What are the main sources of your inspiration?
A lot of my inspiration can be drawn from my earlier years here on the forums. One work in particular, Smoke's Dark Star trilogy, really brings the inspiration for Moss's motivation, though I can only hope to convey Moss as well as Smoke brought out Dark. Other inspiration -- especially for characters -- comes from my friends in real life, the editors and beta-readers who get to see all these 'fics and novels before you all do. They help me shape my writing and even out any inconsistencies, no matter how small. Inspiration to write and continue comes from them, and I'm glad they've all managed to put up with my scribbling for this many years! [3
Detaching from a busy life in order to write can be difficult; describe your writing process.
Ummmm to start basically that ^^ I'm one of those people that procrastinate everything and can't write anything decent without inspiration to do so. Makes writing slow, but makes finishing that much sweeter. I try to write a couple thousand words or so a week, but most the time I don't make it that far. Yet other times I can write 10-15k in a week. Depends on what ideas I have and what emotions I'm feeling at the time. Sometimes, having a great week lets me write some romance for my romance thing, sometimes being very angry actually helps me write some of my horror and other novels. I have a love-hate relationship with this way of writing: love it for the unpredictability and emotion I can throw into my writing, and hate it when I'm in a rut and can't do anything -- but really, really wish I could.
What themes do you like to focus on in your writing?
Themes... I don't think I have any? They're different for each of my novels, I think. But I think there's a few that stay throughout somewhat. I like including some motivation for overcoming fears. Making the characters face their fears and succeed -- or not. I love to instill a feeling of empowerment -- to show the reader that they can do something if they really put their mind to it. I also like to pull in plot twists or twists in the way of thinking. Introducing magic for a split second when everything looks normal, and having the reader trying to pull things together, question their own reality and how far creativity can go, the balance between real and not-real, can and cannot.
What do you get out of reading your old fanfics/writing? Do you learn anything about yourself? Do you notice common themes or ideas that you might not have been aware of at the time?
I learn how much my writing sucked. xD All my stuff is 'old' I don't write enough for the beginnings of much to be new. But going back and reading Demarc, or Haven (first draft), or earlier things. I love to see how flat my characters were, how bland my sentence structure was. I didn't know how to use dashes or semicolons (and now I overuse them but that's a rant for another day) and how each sentence was exactly the same style. I worked more with plot than character development, and honestly I was better with pacing then than now but hey. I really wish I could have November 2014 back though, I loved my style of writing back then and however much I try I can never write that graceful again and I really miss it.
What is your favorite book or the best book that you have read recently?
Favorite is Inheritance Cycle Christopher Paoloni. Hands down best books ever. Recently I've read Nevermore, Patterson; Ender's Game, OSCard; and Shadow Campaign trilogy (I & II at least) by somebody I can't remember. All very, very good books I'd recommend to anyone who likes fantasy. (though 17+ for the Shadow Campaign, I don't want to get in trouble with kid's parents if they see that oops)
Do you have a word of advice for budding writers?
Advice for beginners. Don't quit, and don't edit. Quitting is easy to understand and something you hear a lot. I mean, how can you write if you don't write? But don't edit either. Or, at least, don't edit like crazy until you've written every single word you can on the story. Finish it first, that's the hard part. Otherwise you'll go through an endless loop of editing, rewriting from the beginning. By the time you edit it all, it'll be months later and you'll want to start editing from the beginning again! You have plenty of time to edit things later, especially for novels. Though in fan-fics, its different, I suppose. You have to edit the chapters after you write them, but don't spend too much time on that. Usually your first draft is the true way it wants to be written. You can always edit from the beginning once you've written the epilogue!
(Optional) Lastly, can you leave us with your favorite quote/a quote you enjoy? It can be related to anything.
"I couldn't win, not against you, but I could chose not to lose." (something paraphrased from Zeroboxer, another great fantasy read).
~Sapphire~ Interview
First off, can you give us a brief introduction to your fanfiction?
It's set about a decade after a natural disaster known as the Ashfall, in a group of Clans very different to the ones we know. One of the big myths about the Ashfall is that afterwards all the swans disappeared, so when Sycamore, one of the main characters manages to spot one, everyone hails it as a sign of hope. Until it gets killed. Cue a whole lot of mystery and intrigue, as the main characters yet to find out the truth behind the swan's death.
Who is your favorite character in your ‘fic, and why?
Probably Sycamore - the poor guy's got a massive chip on his shoulder and often acts unnecessarily moody towards the other characters, but deep down he can be very sweet and brave. Although I also love Cinder for her dry reflections on Clan life, and the way she deals with a very dramatic change in her life.
What are the main sources of your inspiration?
Hard to say. A lot of the setting if swans was inspired by geography revision, but that was probably one-time thing. I guess I'm inspired a lot by books and music, and also real-life events.
Detaching from a busy life in order to write can be difficult; describe your writing process.
Pretty much involves putting on headphones, turning off the internet and forcing myself to stay put until I have something I like... So basically it's about removing distractions. Not that writing is a painful process - quite the opposite - but I do need to actively make time for it.
What themes do you like to focus on in your writing?
One of the themes I seem to keep circling back to is looking back on past events and choosing whether to learn from them. Although that's not so prevalent in Swans at the moment as the main characters are all quite young. Other than that, I don't really know to be honest; Swans obviously has a lot of suspense and mystery in it but other writing I do will be more character-driven for instance.
What do you get out of reading your old fanfics/writing? Do you learn anything about yourself? Do you notice common themes or ideas that you might not have been aware of at the time?
Well, I wrote a lot about siblings, specifically twins. But mostly what I'm struck by is a) how bad I was at character development back then and
how melodramatic I was, I wrote way too many dramatic death scenes. I hope I've improved on both counts since.What is your favorite book or the best book that you have read recently?
The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater. It's such beautiful fantasy, but also very grounded in real life, which I like. And the characters are all amazingly drawn and the right degree of sympathetic, even the minor or bad guys.
Do you have a word of advice for budding writers?
To keep writing and using different themes, voices and genres until you've found what fits for you. And then when you've got that down, do the opposite for a while until you can make that work too. And just don't give up and don't get disheartened.
Author of the month by Dark Blue
The first Author of the month award goes to Mosspool! This awesome author has been writing fan fiction on the warriors website for less that a year but is already well received, with multiple fanfictions. Her writing is creative and fun to read, and she has a new fanfic that she has started recently, that I particularly liked called Ɛνєяωσяℓ∂, that has a really creative plot.
Check out Ɛνєяωσяℓ∂, here.
Featured Fan Fiction:
Interview: Frostblaze's Interview for I've Got Friends on the Other Side:
1. How did you get the idea for I've Got Friends on the Other Side? When you got the idea when was the point when you wrote it down? Well, here's the thing: I was outside with my dog, and as I was coming in, I thought, "A good title for a fic would be 'I'll See You When the Earth Tilts', and from there I got a little scene of a character over their dead sibling while said sibling says that to them. And just like that, a whirlwind of different concepts and scenes came to mind. How about I add a pantheon? What about a character suffering from depression? Ooh! What if these gods had heralds? What if--sorry, spoiler alert much?
2. What or who got you interested in writing? That's one difficult question. Can any of us answer it? Probably, with some thought. Do you know, the very first book series I truly got into was The Chronicles of Narnia? Seriously, I was heavily influenced by that, so much that I called my first-ever draft was titled, "The Chronicles of Dogtopia"? ...but we needn't go into detail about that. I've always been a storyteller. Ever since I was a small little kid, I'd been in love with books. Most toddlers would like to run around outside with some bubbles or a puppy dog or some friends; me, I liked to sit for hours with some books on my lap.
3. When you made the title for I've Got Friends on the Other Side, did you play around with any other titles or did that one fit from the beginning? Why did the title fit? Titling has always been a struggle for me; once that title came to mind (thanks Princess and the Frog!), I cleaved to it. Why did it fit? Well, I can't really divulge much information without revealing spoilers, but it pertains to both the antagonist in a negative light, and the protagonist in a positive light.
4. How long does it take for you to write a chapter of I've Got Friends on the Other Side? Usually quite a few weeks, actually. Sometimes it's an entire month before the fans get another installment. I've a terrible habit of taking a break from I've Got Friends on the Other Side after finishing one half, Thunderpaw's perspective. Writing from a god's perspective is an entirely different story. Usually I'll be adding tons more information about the gods and the Golden Land within one half!
5. Which, if any, authors or books have inspired you? I wouldn't say "inspired" so much as..."influenced". I've always gravitated towards the fantasy genre, such as The Chronicles of Narnia as I've previously stated, and C. S. Lewis, and, obviously, Erin Hunter. Fantasy is no doubt my best area. Creating worlds and cultures comes easily to me. Now, if I picked up writing realistic fiction, I'm almost certain I would fail.
6. What part of the story, so far, was the hardest to write? The easiest? Can I give a small spoiler for Chapter Five? It would definitely have to be when our villain first makes an entrance. Describing the supernatural hasn't ever come easily to me, but I think I just need practice. The easiest? How about anything that gives the slightest hint of nostalgia or sorrow? Haha, aren't I cheery?
7. If you were reading the story instead of writing it, would it be the type of story you would read? Why? Hmm...I'll try to answer this like I'm not boasting...well, I think I would, yes. I might see it as something...suspenseful. And I've got a soft spot for depressed characters dealing with loss, as it's what I've experienced once as well. I love stories that add a splash of natural humor; stories that contain the most lovable of characters. Inner conflict is something I also love. A character that's bordering on self-hatred? Makes me sit up and beg, it does. Stories with quests and a broad cast of questers? PLEASE TAKE ME NOW. So, I guess maybe I've Got Friends on the Other Side would be a story I would enjoy.
8. What is the most surprising thing a fan has ever said to you? Probably when The Masked Meow randomly threw a lovely little review at my head, actually. I'm not extremely used to getting positive feedback/positive criticism on my work, so it was a nice surprise to receive.
9. If your characters were human and they went to school which would be the poplar kid? The loner? The one that tells all the jokes? Well, I'm pretty sure Dovepaw would be the popular kid, what with her looks, peaceful nature, and flirtatious side. Pinepaw would most likely be the goth loner, because it's hard for her to find an individual she likes...or in her case, doesn't get annoyed by. Oakpaw would be the class clown for sure. You see, he was born with a disability that makes him incapable of taking a matter seriously. Kidding.
10. Which song would be the one that reflects your story the most? Is this even a question? Easily, Phoenix by Fall Out Boy. I start off the chapters by putting a little bit of the lyrics in front of it. It reflects upon Thunderpaw's emotional and outward battle. Finding a story's song is sort of what anchors me to it, in a strange way. Just listening to that song gets me thinking about it, so that's a huge help.
Excerpt:
I had been in plenty of battles, had suffered from plenty of wounds, but nothing, nothing had hurt this badly.
I tipped my head up to the stars, sent up a silent prayer.
I know I’ve asked this a thousand times, but why? Why did she have to die? Why did you take her?
Why didn’t you take me instead?
Sympathy stabbed at my heart. Froststar looked so defeated, despite the smile that tugged on one corner of his mouth.
Sometimes all we can do is smile.
Something Shrikepaw used to say.
I saw the golden kit clamber out of the nest, away from his squirming littermates, and tilt his head at the patrol.
...
Now the kit was looking at me.
...
I looked back at the kit, gave a tight smile and a brisk nod of my head. When he continued to stare, I tore my gaze away, feeling uncomfortable.
...
The kit padded closer to me. I shuffled further away from him.
...
I looked away from him, my eyes flickering down to the golden kit who was now standing at my paws. “G-Go play,” I murmured, giving an uneasy smile.
He didn’t go play.
...
The kit was right next to me.
...
“What’s your name?”
The kit was talking to me.
I glanced down at him and meowed in a soft tone, “My name’s Thunderpaw.” I looked away again, hoping he’d get the message.
He’s a kit.
“I’m Lionkit,” the kit meowed in a loud voice. I cringed. “Are you new here?”
“I’m visiting from LunarClan,” I answered, still trying to listen in on the conversation going on between the two leaders.
“Did you come to help us?”
I snapped my eyes down at the little kit looking up at me with huge, innocent sky blue eyes. “Um…n-not exactly? Sort of.”
“Can you make Mama wake up?”
My heart twisted with pity, my chest clenched with sorrow. The way he said you just made me think that he’d already tried himself. “No,” I whispered. “I’m sorry.”
He gave me a slow, disappointed blink, then turned and scampered back to his nest.
And I felt like I’d really, really let him down.
You can’t do anything right.
I remembered all the times I would carry Shrikepaw through the forest. I’d grown up so fast, and by seven moons, I was almost three times her size. She was a “late bloomer,” as Silverleaf called her. She had been a bit self-conscious about it, so I helped by giving her rides. We’d been so upset when she got too big. But it had become an inside joke between us.
“Thunderpaw, my paws hurt. Can you carry me?” “Will you carry me to the prey pile, please? I don’t feel like getting out my nest today.” “Could you do me a favor and give me a ride to the training area? Thanks.”
“What were you thinking, idi.ot?” [Pinepaw] demanded, scowling down at him. “You could’ve died!”
He smiled warmly up at her, eyes flickering with flirtatiousness. “Awww, you do care!”
She huffed, stalking away with her head and tail high. “I do not. It’s…it’s just…”
I stood up, smiling in her direction.
“It’s just what?” Flamepaw meowed, sharing a smirk with Oakpaw.
I padded towards her. “There’s nothing wrong with caring for a friend.”
Pinepaw glowered at me, baring her teeth. “I hate you all.”
Banner by ~Sapphire~
Banner by ☣Sнα∂σωƒα¢є☣
Layout by *Brownfur*
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\\Note to readers//
All reproduced pieces from fan fictions, reposted one-shots or one-shot pieces are here with the authors cosent and permission. All fan art and banners are here under this agreement as well. Credit is give by each piece. A link is also in place for all fan fictions, one-shots, and contest that are mentioned or featured in this newspaper.
If there are any questions or concerns you are welcome to ask in the comments, the newspaper staff will do their best to answer them. If you wish to place an add in the next paper, make a suggestion on what should be in the next paper, or if you want to help work on the next paper please come here: Link
Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy our first issue!
article written by mintedstar/fur
minute ago
\\What Path Will You Chose?//
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A new, never before seen contest has come. With a twist. Based off the chose your own path stories in the real world, 'Choose Your Own' | A one-shot challenge! created by ℓυяк ∾⊰❤⊱∾. We interviewed Lurk to learn more about this contest:
1. What started you on your way to making this contest?
I was thinking one night how to change the 'one-shot' challenges, and I remembered reading the "choose your own path" books when I was younger. I thought that was a cool way to change the 'one-shot' challenges
1. Has the contestants taken the story where you thought it would go?
So far, there has only been one response to the story, so there isn't much to base it off of. But they did understand what they had to do, and they only wrote on one ending, so I would say so far that yes they have.
1. How long do you expect to continue this contest?
I expect to continue this for as long as it is interesting to others. I find it very interesting and I enjoy reading how people continue the prompts that I give them. If this dies off, I may remake it eventually.
1. What are your hopes for the future of this contest?
I am hoping that many people will join this contest, and I will have many people counting on me to continue this contest and people excited to do this.
ℓυяк ∾⊰❤⊱∾, creator of 'Choose Your Own' | A one-shot challenge!/ Interviewed by mintedstar/fur
This contest has also led to some chose your own path fan fictions and a few other chose your own one-shots that turned up in the early day of March.
article written by mintedstar/fur
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\\Contests//
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A lot of new contest have also turned up. Many of which now carry the banner of the Writers and Readers for Unity (to read more about this organization continue below).
ᴀ sᴏɴɢ﹐ ᴀ ʙᴏᴏᴋ﹐ ᴀ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍ. ﹣ ᴘʀᴏᴍᴘᴛ ᴄᴏᴍᴘᴇᴛɪᴛɪᴏɴs﹗- ♬ ѕυяяєαℓ яєαℓιту ⇴ ღ
eмвer'ѕ elιмιɴαтιoɴ coɴтeѕт - ❂є๓๒єгรยภร❂
Seasonal Elimination Contest- °•Spottedtalon•
Tнe Trιвυтe ᴬ ᴼᶰᵉ⁻ˢʰᵒᵗ ᶜᵒᶰᵗᵉˢᵗ - Mσѕѕρσσℓ
Other contests, like the newly returned яαω αη∂ υηє∂ιтє∂: α ωяιтιηg ¢σηтєѕт remade by *Brownfur* have also been well received.
Many thanks to these forumers for keeping the WFF active.
article written by mintedstar/fur
and everything is done!
