We asked Juls our current Author of the Month a few questions and here is what she had to say.

1. Do real life events often inspire your stories?

I have had some real life happenings pop into my stories - but overall, not really. My inspiration has most often come from the music I listen. There was on story I was going to write that was based in my workplace- a parody of Draco Malfoy being forced to work in the Muggle world by the Wizengamot to pay for his part in Albus Dumbledore's death. That has never been finished, but maybe one day it will.


2. Which of your stories is your personal favourite?

My own story that I've written that is my favorite is 'Circle of Love'(M). It started out as my attempt to write the characters as Canon as possible without alot of the cliches that often pop-up in the Dramione/romance genre. The cliches- some are there, but I've twisted to make them slightly unique. I had the wonderful help of a fabulous beta, Mon (Pureblood Muggle) in keeping me Canon.


3. What would you consider to be your best story?

My best story would have to be - do I really have to choose? - 'Final Hour' (15+) because it finally showed to me a depth in my writing skills.


4. How much of an impact do reviews, positive or negative have on your stories?

I would have to say alot! Though, in the beginning, bad reviews bothered me until I realized that I needed to write for myself, and for those that liked the stories. If I can't please myself- how can I be expected to please others. Constructive criticism I have listened to, and in that has made my writing a whole lot better.


5. Have you ever received criticism that you thought was particularly harsh? How did you deal with it?

In the beginning yes.... and it used to bother me to no end. Now, while it still bothers me, I just brush it off and let my fellow authors tell me it's no biggie. (Huggles friends!!!!!!!!!!) I am ashamed to admit though I didn't handle it well in the beginning, but with time come maturity. (Yes- even at my age.)


6. Which of your stories was most difficult to write? I'd have to say the story written for the Christmas Exchange. I'm not a fluff writer, and that was what was asked for. Shooting Star (15+) is by far my fluffiest fic.... and I want to thank Anne (Harrystrulove) for such a wonderful prompt.


7. What made you start writing fan-fiction?

I started writing fanfiction in July of '06. Until May of that year, I had never even heard of fanfiction. Hard to believe, eh? I started reading it because one of my boyfriend's daughters left a link on my computer while they were visiting. My being the 'mum' I am, set out to investigate and began reading what they were reading. I found it enjoyable, and continued to read for two more months. One day, I thought 'Hey, I can do this!' and so I tried. I just never realized how in depth I would get into it. Here I am, two years and 27 or so stories later, still writing, reading and enjoying it.


8. What would you consider to be your proudest moment in your fan-fiction writing?

My proudest moment came yesterday when 'Circle of Love'(M) hit 900 reviews, 444 favorites and 97895 reads. Thar's my 'pat on the back' statement. :glomp: to all those who have made my story so successful.


9. For you, what is the most important element of your writing? Ie characterization, plot, descriptions, emotions etc.

I think all play an important part in the success of a story, and it's a balance of them all that makes the story enjoyable. It took me forever to get a handle on being descriptive, but now it flows easily most times.


10. Do you prefer writing fan fiction or original fiction?

Right now I would have to say fanfiction.

Why?

Right now fanfiction is a 'comfort zone' for me. I'm branching out to the original in my stories with original characters- Mariah and Caleb Sanders, Salina Wallace and even some unused Canon characters have been 'originalized' by me. (Narcissa Malfoy, Charlie Weasley are two I can think of.)