A Word or Two about Fanfiction

Dear Readers,

Fanfiction, or more commonly, "fanfic" has recently risen from the internet underground and is on everyone's lips, especially since the success of former Twilight fanfic Fifty Shades of Grey and its two sequels, which dominate the book charts in many countries as I write this.

For you people out there who don't know what fanfic is, or have never read any: According to Wikipedia, it's "a broadly-defined term for fan labor regarding stories about characters or settings written by fans of the original work, rather than by the original creator." In other words, fans use the characters, worlds and settings of their favorite TV show, movie or book to write their own fiction. If you take a look around popular sites like fanfiction.net or archiveofourown.org, you'll find fics for nearly everything, ranging from Harry Potter via Supernatural, Twilight and Sherlock to True Blood (the latter two are my favorites, I'll admit).

Since these sites are almost completely uncensored and unlimited, there are stories from countless writers, many of them even underage. For people who love to read I can only recommend giving fanfic a chance. Some of them are surprisingly well-written, while others are painfully awful. Explicit erotic sex scenes (the gay-themed ones are called "slash") are quite common, but occasionally there are hidden gems among them, much better than some published erotica. Sometimes you can't help but wonder how a 16-year-old would know about some practices they describe so vividly. But in the end, it's a wonderful thing that such talented young people spend their spare time creating stories. Maybe some of them will become famous and successful writers later on, you never know.

Naturally, not every creator of an "alternate universe" is very happy about people who use copyrighted characters and worlds without asking, especially when erotic content is added (often between protagonists that were never meant to couple by the original writer, for instance Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy). J.K. Rowling publicly stated that she was ok with fanfiction as long as there was no pornography or racism. I absolutely agree with her opinion on racism, of course. But when it comes to sexuality, there is no limit to teenage fantasies. 

No matter what you do, they'll continue writing and reading it anyway. But maybe that's just their way of dealing with the chaos their hormones cause in their bodies, and this is not the worst way of coming to terms with it, don't you agree? Creativity can never be wrong, as long as you don't hurt anybody with it. Personally, I'd be very pleased if readers felt strongly enough about my books to write fanfiction. It's a great compliment for an author, and a sure sign that readers love to get completely immersed in one's fictional world. It means that you succeeded in the most important goal a writer can achieve.

Although I wrote other stuff before and have been working in the romance publishing industry for some years, fanfiction was what originally brought me the first spark of writing "Bound to the Prince". Originally, I wrote the first few chapters as a fanfic for Prince Nuada, the compelling tragic villain from the movie Hellboy - The Golden Army. But soon I felt that the character I imagined was so much more, and very different from the movie figure, and I felt like creating a fantasy universe of my own. So I kept writing, but didn't use any other characters or locations from Hellboy. At some point I renamed my prince Elathan (an old name from Celtic mythology, meaning "The Golden Warrior", which I found befitting for my hero. By the way, you don't pronounce the "t", the correct pronunciation is "Ela-han", just for those of you who read my book. ;-)).

A beautiful thing about writing fanfiction is the close relationship you have with your readers. They are people who share your passion about what you're writing, and they give you wonderful, invaluable feedback, helping you to improve constantly. I learned so much during that time. At the beginning, I felt a bit self-conscious about my own writing, but I kept posting more and more since those awesome friends asked me to - and I've kept all their precious comments until today. I encourage every aspiring writer to try fanfiction first, if you are afraid of beginning your own first novel yet. I promise it will be the best lesson in writing you'll ever have.

Yours truly,

Deborah

*****

Besides her published novels, Deborah Court wrote two True Blood fanfic novellas exclusively for EricandSookielovers.com. You can also find them here:

Piece of Glass (A vampire love story, set in the present and the Viking era)

The Dark Queen (Sequel to Piece of Glass, a vampire New Orleans murder mystery)

A Writer's Thoughts on "Deadlocked" by Charlaine Harris

When my friend Erika from EricandSookieLovers asked me to give her my opinion - from a writer's point of view - where Charlaine Harris might take Sookie's story after "Deadlocked", I believed that this wouldn't be too hard a task.

But that was before I actually read the book.

(Spoiler Warning! If you haven't read "Deadlocked" already and intend to do so, please stop reading right now, if you don't want to spoil your own fun.)

I carefully avoided seeing any spoilers or reviews of Charlaine Harris's newest addition to the Southern Vampire Mysteries to be able to enjoy this story uninfluenced. Now that I've finished it and spent some time thinking about it, I must say that this book was one of the best (while my favorite is still "Dead to the World"), but also darkest of the series, angst-ridden and sometimes even despairing. I am well aware that Ms Harris's stories are most of all mysteries, featuring a very unusual girl whose view of life is turned completely upside down, and her way of growing into a stunningly strong, badass woman who learns to adapt to all the hardships, all the madness she encounters.

Sookie's love encounters are only meant to be the icing on the cake, but fortunately for us readers, the author managed to create a vampire character so intense, charming, clever, cunning and mindblowingly sexy that he just couldn't stay in the background. We all fell in love with him - hard and gracious plenty, I might say. ;-) And of course, we've always yearned for Sookie to have her happy end with him - turned into a vampire or not, as his wife or human lover, well in any way Ms Harris could make this possible.

William Erasmus Compton. Vampire Bill.

Hey gals, just kidding! Please don't hit me. I just wanted to cheer you up with a lil' joke after that sinister finale of "Deadlocked". Of course I'm talking about Eric. I want nothing more but for Sookie and him to end up together, believe me. If you don't know me yet and would like to know how I feel about him and Sookie, please read my first ("Piece of Glass", a time travel story set in the Viking era) and second ("The Dark Queen", a New Orleans voodoo mystery) fanfic on EricandSookieLovers. You'll also find both stories on fanfiction.net. When it comes to Eric and Sookie, all we really want to see (both in the books and on the show) is THIS:

(All material belongs to HBO)

But well, I'm not Charlaine Harris, and this is her story, not mine. And what I've learned about her writing so far, is that she isn't an author who can be easily categorized. Her books can't be reduced just to the romance; both the plots and characters are multi-layered and cleverly planned. She once said in an interview that the world of Sookie Stackhouse is her own universe, and she can do whatever she wants with it. And she does, shocking and surprising us over and over again. If I could say one thing about her, I'd guess that she just isn't predictable. And as much as I'd love to predict how the story might end, I just can't because I don't know what she will do. I'd believe her capable of anything, even of letting Sookie end up with Sam as happy owners of Merlotte's and parents of a mind-reading, shapeshifting bunch of children, or having Niall open the portal to Faery once again and giving her a "happily forever after" living with her fairy relatives.

Having said that, I won't give you an in-depth review of Deadlocked, since others already did an amazing job of that. All I can do is try to view this story as a writer, not a reader, and speculate a bit what an author who planned to bring a long, much-beloved series to an end might do to plan the grande finale.

Gosh, Deadlocked was depressing when it came to Eric and Sookie's love story (if you could call it that anymore), wasn't it? Their first encounter was when she caught him greedily drinking from another woman who definitely seemed to be enjoying herself. The end was … Eric's absence after he left, probably shocked and angry that Sookie didn't use the cluviel dor to get them both out of an extremely difficult situation. The in between was pretty frustrating too, apart from the vague mention of sex, and Eric's hilarious comments about Bill and Pam when they came to visit on Sookie's birthday.

Oh, how much I missed the sexy, delightful Eric/Sookie scenes of the first books of the series, and I bet you did, too. But it all seemed to be quite hopeless, didn't it? There still isn't any doubt that Eric and Sookie love each other (although she starts to doubt that his love is strong enough to fight for them being together). However, at the end of "Deadlocked", I was so disappointed  I felt like throwing my book against the wall. While I wholewheartedly agree  with Sookie's choice to save Sam's life, using the cluviel dor's magic, for our favorite couple there seems to be no way out but to break up and live separate (vampire-)lives, with Eric marrying Freyda and Sookie probably ending up in Bon Temps, with whatever supe love interest at her side. Would we even care? Who could ever compare to Eric, anyway?

Ok - to put it simply, my point is that everything points to Sookie ending up with Eric, just because Ms Harris took great efforts in throwing huge, insurmountable obstacles in love's way, using two whole books to slowly build up to this final climax (no pun intended!). I also had the impression that she tried to gather up all loose ends when it came to Sookie's fairy relatives and Alcide and his were pack, so my guess is that she'll concentrate on the vampires in "Dead Ever After".

There will be murder and mayhem in Bon Temps, as always, blood, intrigues and vampire politics, and I can't wait what the final chapter will bring. But when it comes down to the core of the story, the story arch that lead us through the whole series like a red thread (or should I say "stream of blood"?) is the question if Sookie will have her happy ending, and with whom. We all know that Sookie loves only one man vampire. Do you think that Charlaine Harris will allow her heroine to find true happiness? And if so, will it be in the way we all imagine, we all hope it will happen?

As much as I'd love to, I can't tell you either. But whatever "Dead Ever After" holds in store for us, damn - this series was a helluva ride so far! Dear fellow romantics, let's hope that it will lead into a blood-red sunset, with our favorite heroine in the arms of her immortal Viking. Go grab him, Sookie, and kick this Freyda b**** back to the hole she crawled from! This is all I'm sayin'. ;-)

 With Felipe de Castro, the Vampire King of Louisiana (and Arkansas and Nevada), in town, it’s the worst possible time for a body to show up in Eric Northman’s front yard—especially the body of a woman whose blood he just drank.

Now, it’s up to Sookie and Bill, the official Area Five investigator, to solve the murder. Sookie thinks that, at least this time, the dead girl’s fate has nothing to do with her. But she is wrong. She has an enemy, one far more devious than she would ever suspect, who’s out to make Sookie’s world come crashing down.

(Book Blurb from Goodreads, All rights belong to Simon&Schuster and Charlaine Harris)

Shopping for Love!!!

Dear Readers,

I just wanted to let you know that my dear friend and fellow author, Lynette Sofras, has her new romance out this weekend! Even better, it's FREE! Go and grab your copy - you know that good things never last. ;-) I read it, loved it. It's a sweet and heartwarming love story with a touch of British humour and realistic enough to make readers believe that this could happen to all of ous - meet an incredibly gorgeous guy in the isle of a supermarket and instantly fall in love. Enjoy!

Love can find you in the strangest places - but it's never for sale!

They meet - of all places - buying tomatoes in the supermarket and there’s no denying the attraction is mutual.  But Greg, a software developer, is still raw from his painful divorce and Emma, his children’s teacher, is recovering from her own heartache.  Then the reappearance of Emma's career-obsessed ex-boyfriend and Greg's spiteful ex-wife threatens to kill their new love before it has even begun.

Is Emma’s love strong enough to survive Greg’s demanding past and the threats to both their careers?  What will be the cost of falling in love in a world where everything comes with a high price tag?

Get your free copy here: 

 UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shopping-for-Love-ebook/dp/B0089CLOSS/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_img_1
US: http://www.amazon.com/Shopping-for-Love-ebook/dp/B0089CLOSS/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_img_1

Deborah Court's Movie Review: Snow White and the Huntsman

Beware: This review contains mild spoilers! - "Mild" because: Hey, it's Snow White. You know what happens. (If not, seriously consider grabbing a copy of Grimm's Fairy Tales and do some essential reading.) If you'd like to watch the movie completely uninfluenced, please stop reading right now and come back later. Ye have been warned.

Since I saw the first teaser trailer of "Snow White and the Huntsman", I was very excited about this movie - especially after the second trailer, which showed a scene where Snow White encounters mythical creatures like tiny fairies and a white stag in the forest. I'm also a big fan of Charlize Theron and couldn't wait to see her as the evil queen. Yesterday, the wait was finally over: I couldn't believe it myself when I was successful in convincing my husband to go watch this movie with me - although it really wasn't his cup of tea (he would have preferred Men in Black 3 but bent to my iron will).

Visually, the movie is stunning, even if it had a very distinct Lord of the Rings look. When Snow White, the Huntsman and the dwarves walk across a magnificent mountain landscape, the air shot looks ridiculously like The Fellowship of the Ring walking towards the mines of Moria. I wouldn't have been surprised if Legolas and Gimli had been among them. Charlize Theron, as I expected, really rocked the boat in her role, she was painfully beautiful, regal and wonderfully evil without overacting. Kristen Stewart has the perfect looks for her role, but I am not sure about her style of acting Snow White. 

She was a wonderful Bella in Twilight, playing that young girl who is uncomfortable with herself and angry at the world, but in Snow White, she needed to deliver the innocence that's so important as a counterpart to the clever, scheming queen. She played the part well, but I was surprised by how few lines she had to speak, which seemed peculiar since she was the main character. Chris Hemsworth (a great actor and always a joy to look at) and the rest of the elaborate cast (it was great fun to detect the famous actors hiding beneath heavy dwarf make-up) did their best, too, but even they couldn't ensure that the viewers felt emotionally moved - which brings us to what was really lacking in this movie: A good script.

While all the elements of a fantasy story - heroes and villains, a quest, exotic landscapes and magic creatures - were there, what was lacking was: a) a good, satisfying love story (Snow White has two gorgeous guys to choose from -Thor and the handsome priest who fell in love with a mermaid from Pirates of the Caribbean 4. Hello? Where is the romance, emotional conflict, scenes that sizzle with physical tension?) and b) dialogue and characters that deeply moved the audience. Some lines were so boring and meaningless that I waited for the characters to say something else.

Here's an example: Snow White has just killed a villain who intended to rip out a vital organ from her body (slightly changed to avoid spoilers here, villain could be male or female); let's pretend for now that it's the liver.

Villain: has just delivered a very evil and hateful speech before our heroine kills her (or him) and breaks down, sputtering black blood and aging rapidly

Snow White: *watches villain with tears in her eyes* "You can't have my liver."

Me: *waits and listens*

Snow White:

Snow White:

Snow White:

Me: *waits and listens*

Me: I can't believe it. This was her final line in that scene. You can't have my liver. Wouldn't Snow White say something in addition to that line, something cool, clever, or even with a hint of black humor, to give this great villain the good-bye she (or he) deserves? What about this: "You can't have my liver - or other vital organ -, because it already belongs to the unbelievably handsome Huntsman who's madly in love with me and will be warming my bed every night while you rot in hell, you evil b*tch. (or insert suitable male cussword here) Besides, I was always more beautiful than you. You should have wiped the dust from that blind old mirror of yours before you made him choose who's the fairest. Oh, you're already dead. Good. Guard, throw her over the castle walls for the ravens to feed on." *rips crown from deceased villain's head*

And where, may I ask, was the final, passionate kiss that everyone wants to see at the end of a fairy tale? Instead, all we got was one of the male protagonists (I won't tell which one, not wanting to spoil your fun) - washed and combed for once, coming around the corner while Snow White watches him with tear-clouded eyes and a yearning look on her pretty pale face.

Me: Finally! Now grab and kiss her before you carry her to her chamber, you strong, sexy, handsome ..

Movie: *cuts to black, end credits*

Me: What the …? Are they kidding?

Husband: Let's go! *look of relief on his face* I think I need to watch a splatter movie now.

Me: I think I need to rewatch Thor now to recover from all the Chris Hemsworth lady boner teasing without results. And all three extended editions of Lord of the Rings.

If you like dark fairy tales and epic fantasy, go and watch Snow White and the Huntsman! This dark fairy tale is visually exquisite, entertaining and a good action-driven fantasy movie. What you shouldn't expect is too much depth or a romantic love story. It's one of the films that makes you think what could it have been if there had been a bit more of a background story. Now excuse me while I put on a low-cut black dress and start commanding over my own little kingdom here at home. I wanna be a badass queen, too! This makes me think of Galadriel's words in Lord of the Rings:

"In the place of a Dark Lord you would have a Queen! Not dark but beautiful and terrible as the Morn! Treacherous as the Seas! Stronger than the foundations of the Earth! All shall love me and despair!"

Blog Swap!!! Interview with Author Blak Rayne

Dear Readers,

Today I have a very special guest: Blak Rayne, my good friend and published author who, among other projects, writes romantic and homoerotic fiction influenced by the Japanese Yaoi genre. At the same time, Blak has graciously invited me for a Q&A with a book giveaway on her blog (May 23rd), which you'll find here, so we are doing an interview swap of sorts. ;-) 

Blak is not only a talented and successful writer, but also a lovely, fascinating and kind person whom I'd love to meet in person one day. As she tells readers on her website, she likes men, period, and she likes hers hot and powerful, to have secrets and burn up the pages. She says: "I like to believe there's a love story out there for everyone, it's just waiting to be told." Brava, bravissima Ms Rayne, I wholeheartedly agree! 

Q&A with Blak Rayne

 Could you please tell us something about you?

Well, there is something new I’d like to mention. I have just started to write under another pen name within a totally different genre. For me, this is wonderful, and something I have been longing to do for many years. I can’t wait to see the results!

When did you decide on being an author?

Cliché as it sounds, early childhood, though my dream didn’t come to fruition until much later in life (isn’t that always the way). 

What inspires you to write?

Anything really, my imagination constantly churns. But if I had to pick, I’d have to say music. I was raised on music (my mother’s influence) along with a passion for books (my father’s influence). I took years of piano–practical and theory, self-taught guitar, played a little drums, and also ukulele. 

What is the premise of your book?

My current novel, which is nearing completion is 'The Ideal Side of Love'; a short story about a successful businessman, Stephen, who has struggled all his life in relationships until he meets Myron. After years together, Myron dies of cancer. The only way Stephen can cope is by immersing himself in work until he accidentally bumps into a stranger. I won't go any further because I don't want to spoil the story. TISOL is written in first person POV, which is very different for me, but I think it really works for the story and characters.

~***~

 The Ideal Side of Love

‘Average, but extraordinary, and only twice in a lifetime.’

Stephen Prichard is a resilient and self-made man that has it all, a successful business, great husband, and a summer condo on the waterfront, until life throws a curve ball. After twelve years together, his husband Myron dies of cancer, leaving Stephen to confront a future of uncertainties alone.

Then fate lends a hand, when not one, but two chance encounters with the same stranger put his feelings to the test. First and second impressions are lasting. Stephen longs for companionship, and the stranger is attractive, however, he’s also enigmatic and cold, and the memories of Myron are still painfully fresh.

Can a man Stephen barely knows renew his faith in love? But, more importantly, is he willing to let go of the past?

 http://www.blakraynebooks.com

http://www.blakrayneblog.com

  ~***~

What is your favorite passage in the book?

For TISOL I can’t say yet, as the book is incomplete. 

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Honestly, I’m a bit of both. If I’m writing an in depth story, I will plot, otherwise I fly by the seat of my pants. But then again…some of my better stories were written off-the-cuff. Yep, I’m a bit of both.

How do you develop your characters?

I usually start with a name. Then a simple image comes to mind–the way the character looks, dresses, and so on; as the story evolves, so do they. In other words, I may mould the character to his or her story, or circumstance. It depends. Sometimes the story dictates the character.

How did you come to write m/m erotic romance?

I’ve written hetero erotica before, some sex within my fantasy stories, and even a little homoerotic, but I never considered writing m/m erotic romance until a friend dared me to enter an online writing contest. I had to write an m/m erotic story, and did so in five days, following the contest rules. I didn’t win, but the feedback was decent, and I sent the story to a publisher many years later.

Which books/authors influenced you most and why?

I love to read when time permits. And, since I’ll read just about anything, there are many authors I enjoy. As far as influence goes, I can’t pick any particular one for their writing abilities because every author has a unique written voice–even I do, but I certainly can for imagination; J.R.R. Tolkien, Agatha Christie, C. S. Lewis, Morgan Llewellyn, Kazuma Kodaka, Robin Cook, Terry Brooks, R.D. Wingfield, Joseph Wambaugh, Oliver Bowden, Brent Weeks, Bram Stoker…

Which is your favorite hero and villain in a movie or TV series?

I almost always root for the villain–well those with half a conscience. You know the type–driven by a vengeful spirit, but also emotionally torn by their own sinister actions. Which are usually brought on due to an unrequited, lost or stolen love. Bram Stoker’s Dracula is my favourite. He’s a prime example of a tortured soul seeking revenge in the name of love. 

Is there a contemporary author, musician or actor you particularly admire?

The only people I really admire are the authors I’ve worked with, those I have gotten to know on a personal level. Most have struggled, and I admire their determination, their achievements, and how they treat others in the industry. 

What will be your next project?

Well, I have several erotic m/m novels awaiting my undivided attention. And, adding to this, I have a ten part fantasy series I’ve been working on faithfully for fifteen years, that needs editing, covers etc to reach publication (this is under my new pen name). I’ve got so much on my plate at the moment I can scarcely keep up. 

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

First and foremost writing is all about passion–sharing your imagination with others. Be passionate about your work. The second part is honing your craft. Read what you like to write, learn from other authors this includes their triumphs and mistakes. But the most important thing, do what you feel is right. Stay true to yourself.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Birthday

Happy 153rd birthday Sir Arthur Conan Doyle - I bow to thee.

"OCTOBER 16TH.--A dull and foggy day with a drizzle of rain. The house is banked in with rolling clouds, which rise now and then to show the dreary curves of the moor, with thin, silver veins upon the sides of the hills, and the distant boulders gleaming where the light strikes upon their wet faces. It is melancholy outside and in. The baronet is in a black reaction after the excitements of the night. I am conscious myself of a weight at my heart and a feeling of impending danger--ever present danger, which is the more terrible because I am unable to define it."

~ The Hound of the Baskervilles ~

Guest post on Bitten by Paranormal Romance

This week, I am featured on one of my most favorite blogs, "Bitten by Paranormal Romance", with a guest post! If you don't know this awesome blog yet - it's packed with book reviews and giveaways -, I can highly recommend it.

You'll find the original post here and a Midalah's new review of "Virgin Dancer" here. Special thanks to Laurie for inviting me again.

Step into my World

By Deborah Court
(originally written for "Bitten by Paranormal Romance")

Before I started to write myself, I worked as an editor and translator of romance novels. It was the job of my dreams, since I've always enjoyed reading, and this gave me not only the opportunity to enjoy many books from different genres, but also enabled me to get to know how they are structured, what is elemental to a story. More importantly, I learned what readers expect from a book. A plot and interesting characters are elementary, but the real challenge for a good story is that it's supposed to take the reader into another world for the entire length of it, starting from page one.

It's all about escapism. God knows we need it nowadays, especially young people who struggle with getting a decent education and a career, or hard-working mothers who run their families like a tireless, multi-tasking robot each day. They have a job, loads of housework, take care of their children and elderly family members while they often neglect their own wishes and needs. I have learned that those women are my most faithful readers; they give me incredible, heartwarming feedback. "Thank you for helping me escape for a while," is something I often read in my readers' messages, and to me as a writer, it's the biggest compliment imaginable.

But is escapism a good or bad thing? (Naturally, escape can also be experienced through watching movies, TV shows or other forms of entertainment, but being an author, I'd like to talk about books for now.) There are people who'd argue that such avid readers prefer to live in their own worlds - or, in the case of a fiction book, in a world a writer created for them. But this world, whether it's fantastic or very close to reality, lingers on in their minds long after they finish reading; it feeds their own inner world, the childlike part of their soul that's still able to be in utter awe of a breathtaking sight, believing that whatever they are craving for can actually happen. Sometimes astonishing creativity blooms after readers lose themselves in a compelling story - there are myriads of talented fan fiction writers and artists online who got motivated by a book they particularly liked in the first place.

Now this can't possibly be a bad thing, can it? Don't have a bad conscience if you like to escape for a while. We all need to from time to time. You've earned your own private fantasy, and it will give you renewed strength to face life when you need to get out of bed in the morning. Because the world you found in a book will linger inside you, still filling you with joyous wonder and hope long after you turned the last page.

*****