TrekGirl welcomes D'Alaire, the first brave soul to agree to this interview.  I had the idea for this page and who I wanted to interview first, on the same night.  I was actually wrestling with a scene from an incomplete story I am working on at the moment, when inspiration of another kind hit.  Within 24 hours I'd uploaded a rough version of the index page and a couple of links.  That same night I sent D'Alaire an e-mail requesting her participation here.  To my delight, she said yes ....
 

TrekGirl asks:

How would you describe yourself?

Aquarian, Libra rising, Mercury in Capricorn, Venus in Aquarius, Mars in Venus...It actually gets scarier.  I'm blonde. (grin)

No, I suppose I'm normal and generally boring, artsy-fartsy and off in my own world much of the time.  I have too many interests which I prefer to remain busy with, especially if it's creative ( = commonly distracted).  I think too much, take the world too seriously sometimes, and then laugh at myself for being so silly.

--And anyone who's met me can say I have an irrational love of coffee and go into battle mode to get my morning cup.  **waving**  Hi Terry!  : )

How long have you been writing?

Stories?  The first "story" I wrote, I think, I started when I was eleven.  (Yes, yes, it did become enormous--900 hand-written pages at one point, sixteen chapters.)  But the characters, I admit were...interestingly similar to a couple I know of.  Very strange.

Funny thing about it was that every time I moved, which was often, I kept finding the draft, year after year, and I kept rewriting it--by hand then by clunky old typewriter.  When I was editing "Judgment" and looking for scrap print paper, I found it again!  LOL!  It was horrid!  Hack!

I started actually writing fanfic (Irremission) in March, '98, but I've been *thinking* fanfic-related ideas since watching Scooby Doo as a child.  Yes, it was an alternate universe Scooby.  ; )

What is your preferred fandom and why?

Trek, of course.  =^=

It's always been an inspiration to me in one way or another, making me think and feel and have hope in the future (which for a teenager in the 80's was a very good thing ; )).  I'd watched TNG and DS9 from the start and loved them both.  DS9's Dominion stuff got on my nerves after a while, though, so I fell away from it for the most part.  One of these days, I'll go back and catch up with them all.

But Voyager's characters really latched onto me--and from the moment I read about them in the TV Guide.  Kate Mulgrew alone was enough to make me love it before it aired, but reading the character descriptions and mini-spoilers, I couldn't wait to see it.  It didn't disappoint.  Even now, much as I might critique and nitpick it, it's still my favorite show.

Who are your favourite characters and what drew you to write about them?

B'Elanna Torres, Tom Paris, Kathryn Janeway.  Simply, their characters fascinate me and I empathize with them.  I also admire greatly the people who play them.  They are all on Voyager a fantastic group of actors, so expressive when they're able to be.  Their ensemble work, when it's on, is some of the best I've seen, IMO.  But that expressiveness...It amazes me sometimes, and makes a deep impression.  Roxann Dawson, especially, under all that makeup...wow.

Paris, Torres and Janeway, though, remind me of myself in some way, or people I know.  They really touch base with me on many levels.  Their challenges and backstories, too, are all strangely familiar.  So, I enjoy exploring their psyches and putting them in situations to see how I can work that out.

If you write relationship pairings (e.g. J/C), which pairing is it and how would you describe the relationship in canon and in your own fictional interpretation?

I write Paris/Torres stories.  I'm pretty staunch on that, being that I thought they looked good together since *before* Caretaker (that TV Guide article really did me in).  The more the show progressed, the more I liked the idea of them together.  "Faces" cemented me into the idea.

I have been adding more and more Janeway to the plotlines, though, mainly because I do love her character so much.  But she's a bit of a scary character to write somehow, or maybe just difficult.

Canon...hmm.  Considering TPTB feel an odd need to recreate the series or the characters every year, I have no clue what they feel about Paris and Torres as a couple.  (I won't even go into Janeway continuity!  ; ))

I think they've slowly had the characters face challenges and grow from them, and have that reflect on their relationship--when TPTB decide to actually show Tom and B'Elanna together.  If you made a clip-fest of all P/T or P/T-related scenes, then the growth could be pretty easily seen in them both, and between them.  So perhaps that's what their purpose has been.  If that's the case, then I like what they've been up to much of the time.

I agree with the actors that there should be more passion between the two--and not just implied.  I also agree with those who say that TPTB have been too sporadic in their treatment of Tom and B'Elanna's relationship, even within the whole ensemble (or especially, depending how you look at it).  I think for story ideas TPTB make the characters take two steps back to take a step forward, which I don't like doing much of.  On screen, it can be frustrating--but in writing, it's *really* repetitive, at least to me.

So, hmm, I guess my interpretation of the characters is a little more centered, more forward-moving and more sensual, all of which fanficsters do have the luxury of doing.  There are a lot of contradictions that they share that are touched on on the show--conscience and instinct, thoughtfulness and impulsiveness, hesitance and drive, need and independence--which I also enjoy magnifying.

Or at least I'm rationalizing a terible lack of continuity.  I haven't figured out which it is yet. ; )

I also believe I concentrate on thier good sides, but that's just my preference for seeing the positive in people while understanding thier weaknesses.  I have a terrible time writing pure villians for the same reason.  I also like their sense of honor and justice, their attempt to do right, whether for themselves or others, separately and together.

Though I do write to see them together.  I'm as sappy and stubborn a relationshipper as they come. (grin)

What do you think makes for a good story?

In general reading?  Plot, purpose and good characterization.  A good story for me conveys the point of its arguments (purpose) with thought, action, development, emotion, and/or reason.  All of this usually leads to a believable conclusion, growth and/or change for its characters, who need to be drawn out in a way I can believe in them.

Of course, it doesn't have to be as mechanical and outright as that sounds, and there's plenty of grey in that (depends on the genre and the writer).  It doesn't mean all the answers have to be found, but it should all blend together in some way, IMO.

I don't claim to have all those things in my own stories (LOL! I wish), but I do think about that, and I do look for that in other works.

Above all, though, I like organized, well-characterized and "feeling" stories.  I like to be endeared by them, either in the author making me love them or laugh at them etc.

When you read another author's fan fiction what do you look for?  Are these elements to be found in your own work?

Oops--I think I might have half answered that already.

In fanfic proper, the types of stories that attract me deal with the characters' growth and imaginative takes on familiar situations.  I like A/U's a lot when they're done in a way that I can believe it really could have been a fractal reality.  OTOH,  "behind the scenes" stories can be a great deal of fun, too, as are PWP's and Codas, which have their own set of rules, I know.

In any case, it *has* to be believable.  Nothing disinterests me more--even if I can admit to taking great liberties with the characters and canon--than not recognizing the people I'm supposed to be reading about, especially when I understand it's another person's interpretation.

To be honest, I'm most paranoid about that in my own writing, whether or not I'm going too far, whether or not I can "hear" them.  Of course, when you *are* so deep into that world you're creating, you do need to double back and check yourself--or have good, honest betas who'll whack you back into "reality."

I admit (ducking), character death stories tend to turn me off, as does angst for angst's sake, breakups, arguments, agony, conflicts...etc.  I like *very* few of those when that's the main theme of the story, and avoid any sort of senseless pain or trauma in my own plots.  It all has to have a purpose in the end, and be an *element* of the story's progression and not the gist, if that makes any sense.

Those singularly angsty stories which do convey a higher purpose or meaning, can be wonderful--though difficult--to read.  I don't read them often, however.  I take them *too much* to heart.

But again, stories should simply be well-written and well-organized, have a purpose and development of the characters.  Even a poorly punctuated/spelled story is forgivable (that can be edited, after all) if the heart and brain is in it.  If they catch my attention and sell their interp's to me in the first page or so (depends on how long the entire work is), then I keep reading.  If they make me feel something, involve me emotionally or intellectually on some level, then I'll like it.

If they do that *and* make me mentally picture and hear the scenes they're portraying, I'll love it.  : )  That is definitely something I try to do when I'm writing, so I'm always thrilled to find a story that connects to me in such a way.

Do your stories have a theme, such as loss, belonging, abandonment etc.  What are they?

I think finding love, finding peace with one's self, fighting for one's beliefs and finding a sense of home (in one way or another) are common themes of mine.  Belonging, overcoming obstacles and loss and learning to trust are others.  They are issues of my own, really, which I enjoy translating to Tom and B'Elanna's characters.

Also--and very important to me--is conveying a general sense of hope and growth by the end of it all.  I.e., I love at least mostly happy endings.

I'd like to share an example of your writing style, please choose a scene from one of your completed works and describe what you are trying to achieve in the snippet.

Agggg!  Really, that's a difficult one.  Annie, how can you ask me something like that?  It takes me days to choose which *coffee creamer flavor* I want to have for the week!

(3 Days Later.) Yes, really.

Okay, I went with a scene from "Avalar."  It's a bit long (natch), but it's a scene I really wanted to write.  While I was *finally* posting "Irremission" for others' perusal, I read the spoilers for "Extreme Risk" and freaked.  I'm a little of a canon/continuity nut, so when I found out that B'Elanna was going to spiral into depression because of the Maquis' destruction, I [very] quickly added a tag in this A/U to balance it out.

In this A/U, living a *somewhat* different life and benefiting from the security she finds in it, B'Elanna (Tom, too) handles the entire Maquis situation differently--i.e., better.  Ironically, I think it improved the end a great deal.  The result of that tag scene is below.

"East Coker" is my favorite poem (though I actually don't like Modernist literature very much), and it was great to actually write this scene around it with my own twisted reinterpretation of the piece.  Unfortunately, you do have to read "Iremission" to really get much of how I've mutated the characters, too.  Tom is a civilian on Voyager, for instance, who had never been captured by SF and remained in the Maquis.  But most of the rest is pretty self explanatory.  : )

In a nutshell, what I sought to convey was that difference in B'Elanna's handling of the situation, but also show why and how.  I wanted to re-introduce, as this is in the beginning of the sequel, what she and Tom had become in that A/U, yet hint at similarities to the "real" Voyager universe.  Also, I needed to reinforce the theme of the story, which is living with--or making--one's cycles in life.  Meanwhile, I wanted to sustain a dreamy, sober, but hopeful mood throughout.  The poem definitely helped in this case.

From "Avalar" .....

She ran a finger under her eye.  She'd needed the makeup for the lack of sleep.  She wanted to look very good for that day.  She didn't want anybody to get any idea but what she was going to say.  She needed to do it.  She wanted to do it.  Yet she had dreaded that day.

Closing the front of her tunic, B'Elanna drew a long breath, and another after placing her ensignia on her collar.  Looking at herself, in her uniform, everything in place, she still wanted to do it.  Her quick heart still ached for that closure.  It was useless to the reason why she was doing it, but she still knew it was necessary.  She gave a tiny nod to herself, satisfied with herself, with her cause.

She glanced up: Tom was almost done pinning her hair back, a braided knot worn at her nape, as always.  He had done that for her almost as often as she had worn her uniform.  He too was dressed very neatly, crisp white shirt, black trousers, his grey coat freshly cleaned; he even had a haircut.

He placed a free hand gently on her shoulder, rubbing a little, caught her gaze knowingly.  It's okay,  it told her,  I'm here.  I know.  I'm right here.

Even so, when Tom stepped back and let his eyes roam her body, appraising her, and when she turned around in mock compliance to his inspection, he smirked.  "I dunno, Chief, I might miss you in that uniform," he drawled.  "I always thought you were pretty damned sexy in it."

B'Elanna laughed, glad for the diversion.  She'd expected it sooner or later.  "Well, I'll try to keep one like it tucked away next time you're looking for a thrill."

Tom shrugged slightly, moved close again to her.  "It is a thrill, B'Elanna," he returned softly,  "pulling off layer by layer, getting under it all."

She ran her tongue across her lip, let him kiss it after.  "I'm sure we can work something out,"  she replied and took his hand in hers.  His fingers enclosed hers warmly, and she felt it so that day, when she needed to.

In that fashion, they met Jenna in the living room.  The children were still asleep, but she stood at the ready, arms crossed.  Her bright green eyes turned and found them when they entered, and cursorily ran up and down both as she approached with a sigh.

"Don't ya worry, sweet,"  Jenna said, unusually quiet as she surveyed her friend, and kissed both of B'Elanna's cheeks.  "You look wonderful, like a proud woman for certain, so don't you be scared about it.  If you feel it in your heart, it's truth."

"I know, and thanks,"  B'Elanna said, summoning up another grin.  "No, I'm not doubting this.  I'm just...nervous."

Jenna nodded in acknowledgment.  "You'll be fine.  Go on now.  You don't want to be late."

Raising her brow with a breath of a laugh at that fact, she went with Tom out the door, turning a look of thanks back on Jenna before the doors closed behind them.

She remembered the first day she'd worn that uniform.

She hated the turtleneck, the added weight on the insignia hard near her throat, the boots were stiff with heels too thick.  The tunic felt too heavy--despite Starfleet's gloried idea that they were built for optimum comfort.  They weren't her clothes, and she hated them.  Donning it the first time, she was sorry she'd let Chakotay convince her she was desperately needed.

Tom had chosen what to do with her hair--she didn't argue though she hated wearing like that--and held her hand as they strolled to the turbolift, and he told her she'd teach them a thing or two about what an engineer was supposed to be.

 Well, she did give him that one.

And once enclosed in the lift for that short time together--he was on his way to Sickbay--he'd leaned down and pressed his lips to hers, drawing her close, between himself and the wall.  When he pulled away, he rubbed his nose against hers and simply smiled.  She knew exactly what it meant, and she'd almost forgotten why she'd been nervous.

Their quarters had changed, and so much had happened since that day, but the corridor passed her eyes in the same unreal fashion.  It was happening all over again.

She hated change, even if it was for the better.

B'Elanna kept her hand in Tom's as they walked into the turbolift, and moved easily into his arms, gladly accepting his kiss.  She'd expected it, and yet she still, for a moment, forgot where they were going, what she was doing there that day, even when he pulled back a little and gave her that smile she knew so well.

He knew.  He was there.  It was going to be okay.

And she would never have to wear those damned boots ever again.

The lift door opened.

B'Elanna reclaimed Tom's hand and held it close to herself.  She held it that way until they had entered the briefing room, and the usual group turned to give her a nod.

Kathryn was reviewing some PADDs, and barely glanced up.  B'Elanna didn't try to keep her gaze.  Their conversation in her ready room, hours long, had been more than enough.  Kathryn had been generous, and B'Elanna had tried not to sound bitter.  Both women were disappointed, and both of them understood.

"If everybody would like to have a seat,"   the captain said, surprisingly light as she set aside the other data that she'd tried unsuccessfully to distract herself with.  "As you know, this meeting was called for purposes other than ordinary ship's business.  But I didn't call it."

Some of them looked around at Janeway's introduction, a little confused.  For a moment, she was surprised that the rumor mill hadn't gotten loose.  The Maquis crew must be tighter than I thought...Or maybe I thought they'd changed.   Sighing, she collected the words she hadn't wanted to say.  "Lieutenant Paris has an announcement to make."

Ironically, B'Elanna didn't mind the formality. It seemed...appropriate.  She had chosen that semi-public decommission, so that the others would understand.  Simply going to Kathryn would not have been enough, she thought.

As she stepped forward, leaving Tom a few steps behind her, she took in the faces of her friends, of Chakotay and Harry, Tuvok and the Doctor.  Even Neelix and Seven were there.  They all looked to her then, her friends, curious.

"Thank you, Kathryn,"  she said quietly, punctuating the difference before she'd even made it.  Taking a deep breath, then, she began.

She stood without apology and made her case, stating with unusual eloquence--she'd practiced that day many times--her reasons.  Without stopping, she watched their faces fall or contort or simply turn a stare.  They hadn't expected it.  Only Kathryn had been let in on her final decision, because she had to be.

Chakotay seemed to take it with his usual stoicism.  He had known from the start that she was considering it, of course, but asked her repeatedly to reconsider, even after she had talked to Carey the evening before.  He had embraced Starfleet again far more than she ever had, and she was glad he had found peace with it again after his long, difficult time in the Maquis.  It made him happy.  She told him she might think it over again, but only to placate him until morning.

He had been so vindicated to see her set up as Chief Engineer--he'd fought long and hard on her behalf, as much as Tom had worked on the Starfleet crew for her sake, as much as she had worked to become comfortable with her staff and her duties once she had been promoted.  She took it on and excelled, making up for that bitter time years before--vindicating her failure in that system, which she'd likewise given up on for lack of both maturity and commitment.  And her former captain couldn't have been prouder for her.

As B'Elanna spoke, Chakotay sighed with an ironic grin.

She yet continued, stating her plans for the future, reassuring her audience it wasn't for spite, but for conscience, that she knew Joe Carey would be more than capable in continuing her usual work.  She could tell they'd have preferred she stay.  It warmed her.

"There's nothing we can say to change your mind?"  Harry asked, looking to Chakotay, whose head was slightly bent.

B'Elanna was watching Chakotay, too.  He was trying.  "I'm sorry, Harry, but I've decided.  I can't go on like before.  It'd be against everything I feel and believe.  I need to do this, to feel right with myself."

"Because of Avalar,"  Chakotay finally said, his voice thick and soft.

B'Elanna's smile was sad.  "Because of Avalar, because of Rodrigues and Atara, all our friends and neighbors--because of it all."  Finally, her old friend's eyes pulled up to hers, and she held them soberly.  "We've lost everything, Chakotay.  I can't walk away from that unaffected."

"But that's not Starfleet's fault,"  Harry told her.

"Not directly,"  she agreed.  "But after hearing what they did and didn't do, I had to decide what I believed in."  She moved a few steps toward him, placed her hand on his shoulder so he'd look up to her.  Again, she smiled sadly.  "Harry, I'm a Maquis.  It's a part of me, just like it's a part of Tom.  We never did give that up, even if we've been far away from it.  We still believe in those things we were defending, believe in the life we were trying to make before we came to this place.

"I became an officer on Voyager mainly because Tom was right--it was a part of my life that I'd left unfinished, and needed to explore.  Plus, I was needed.  I didn't fight for the position, but I did take it, and I did it well while managing a family and..."  she winked at Tom,  "...a pain in the ass husband."

Her smile grew when Harry laughed a little, glad she could at least lighten it a little.  It didn't last, so she continued,  "I might have kept doing that, too, if I hadn't been reminded how much a Maquis I am, and how much of Starfleet I'm not.  It's not like I'm jumping ship, but you should have known before that I wouldn't have stayed in a Starfleet uniform if we got home, anyway.  I had provisional rank, and never forgot that."

"You were more than a provisional officer, Lieutenant Paris,"  stated Tuvok.

B'Elanna gave him a nod.  "Thank you, Tuvok.  That's quite a compliment, but that's not how I saw it."

Turning, she looked at her captain again.  The older woman looked a little drained at the words, but finally brought her eyes up to meet her own.  "I'm sorry, Kathryn."

Janeway grinned weakly.  "Your usual presence will be missed, B'Elanna, "  she nearly croaked,  "I still need you, your talents, all of Voyager does.  But if this is what you feel you need to do, and if none of us can convince you otherwise, I can only accept your request...and support your decision."

"You say that as if I hadn't tried to convince myself,"  she noted, but let it go.  She turned to her other, older friend.  "Chakotay, I hope you understand.  I want you to."

Her former captain grinned painfully--a grin she'd seen before, one of inevitable acceptance.

"I understand,"  he told her.  "I guess I should have seen it coming.  It's not the first time I haven't, if I remember correctly."

"We do have a habit of surprising you,"   B'Elanna agreed, but her eyes still begged him.  Of all her friends, she wanted his approval most, and might have regretted in hindsight not telling him everything beforehand.  She was comforted when his eyes blinked towards her, and a tiny smile twitched on his mouth.

Chakotay looked at Tom then, who hadn't moved from the back of the room.  It was where he usually stood, arms crossed as always, watching everything closely, but silent, and seemingly amused, though Chakotay knew he wasn't.  "And you?"

Tom shrugged.  "I don't have anything to do with it, aside from asking her if she was sure.  This is what B'Elanna wants, and I support her."

B'Elanna glanced at her husband, tried not to smile.  She knew it'd been more than that.  He could make things sound so simple, even when everyone knew they weren't.

Looking again to Janeway, B'Elanna carefully detached her insignia from her collar and walked around the briefing room table to place it beside her captain's other work.  The captain didn't move at first, but finally acknowledged her, silently.  When their eyes met again, B'Elanna's returning expression was a gentle one.  She let out her breath when the older woman finally relented with a little grin.

Kathryn handed her a PADD from the bottom of her stack.  B'Elanna pressed her thumb against the ID tag.  It beeped.

B'Elanna felt a wave of relief pass over her.  It was done.  It was finally done.

The meeting, called specially for that occasion, was adjourned.  She was no longer an officer...

It feels so strange.  But she had done as she'd intended, and the feelings in the room, though bruised or perplexed, were not angry for what she could see.  She was, once again, free.

She looked at everyone in turn, but thought better than to invite them to dinner right away, though she knew a night over a meal and some wine with talk and friendship would be needed soon.  They had not even moved from their seats--would probably sit and discuss her replacement, probably call Joe to the briefing room, question him about what she'd discussed with him, try to integrate him into the senior staff as quickly as possible.

Knowing this, B'Elanna decided she would ask later and privately, let them not feel as compelled by a public invitation. Then, she would be able to really talk to them, outside the officially of the act itself.

So she said nothing, and after excusing herself, returned to Tom and walked with him to the lift, where they spent their trip in a long embrace, then the corridor, hand in hand, then their quarters with his hand resting casually upon the curve of her back as he pressed the door panel.

When the doors opened, she could hear right off Kiarn crying in the other room and Jenna soothing him.  B'Elanna opened and pulled off her tunic for what she knew would be the last time.  Hearing Jenna explain to Tom that the baby had just been fed, however, she did not go immediately.  Tom would bring him to her, anyway.  For the moment, she knelt as Alaine jumped from her breakfast and into her waiting arms.

     .... End of Scene

Oh my!  Improving, definitely (or at least I hope I am)!  Like my dabbles, everything is *always* a work in progress.  I don't believe anything is "finished," especially myself.

How do you keep improving your skills, what help did/do you have?

I just keep writing, I suppose, keep getting more experience in what I'm doing.  I do take a lot of inspiration from reading, of classical novels, articles, fanfic, essays, etc.  I believe one needs to read in order to write.  No question.

I admit I look at creative writing a lot more personally now, covet it more than I ever did while in college, when I was writing research papers and essays  (which I loved).  Maybe in that way, writing creatively has actually made me a better reader.

Do you consider beta readers a help or a hindrance and what do you expect from them?

Frankly, I was scared to death of letting anyone see my drafts before I had prayed over them unto blindness.  So, I didn't have betas until I was editing "Avalar," and then only because of the length.  Now, I am utterly grateful to them for everything they do for me, which is be another set of eyes and an alternate brain--when both organs in me are burnt out.  In some cases, they help me see things I've written that I didn't intend or interpret the text in ways I didn't think of, this aside from the neverending typo chase.

What do I expect?  I expect them to get back to me, even if they're not completed--or can't complete it.  (No, I haven't had much trouble there, though it has happened.)  In short, I expect some communication.  For those who do take the full plunge, I expect them to actually *read* the text they do get through and give some ideas, interpretations and/or corrections.  I want their honest thoughts.

Still, I ask different things of different betas, some for proofing and others for interpretation/continuity/characterization issues.  Some do both whether or not I ask them.  : )

Is professional publication your goal or are you just having fun?

I'm definitely having fun.  Fanfic is very liberating and helpful, as it keeps me writing and thinking while not doing coursework.  It's definitely an art.  However, if I thought up a story that I thought could make some legal money, I might give it a shot.

It'd still be fun, though.  I wouldn't do it if it wasn't.

Which of your own stories would you recommend to the Internet reader and why?

Not to senselessly murder anybody's eyes, but I really did have fun writing "The Word Painter."  A *way* out A/U, it was a real departure for me in many ways, and I liked how it turned out (for now--I've yet to go back over it and pick at it).  But it is very long.

So, for shorter (relatively) stories, I suppose I'd recommend "Judgment," an angsty one, but a introspective piece I was happy with once completed...and edited a few times.

I don't have a large body of work, really, just long-winded stories.  So, I'm happy to know people actually *do* read what I write and have gotten some enjoyment out of it.  I'd recommend whatever they're in the mood for.

You have a chance to recommend another fan fiction, not your own, what would it be and who is the author(s)? (consider any pairing or characters)

Funny that.  Two of the best fanfic stories I've read are yet unfinished and not on the net.  Not that I'm nagging... (grin)

They say that every person has at least one great story in them--and I think it's true.  I could go on and on about fanfic authors, P/T and otherwise, and single stories that I've loved.  I've read a ton of really good fiction, and to count them all and the authors I admire would take a very long time.  And even then I know I'd miss many.

So, I'll choose my first loves--stories I found when I finally got a decent PC at home and starting doing non-school browsing, and were captivated by in one way or another:

Jamelia (J.A. Toner) - "Warmth", "The Mercenary", "Log Entries".
Dangermom -  "Daybreak"
Katie Redshoes - "Torrid"
Margaret Berger - "Honoris Causa"
Captain Chgris - "Courtship"

And though it's not fanfic, really, I got a great deal out of Jim Wright's Delta Blues site.  Heavens!  His DOH review summary *still* cracks me up--and I wasn't even watching South Park then!

Even then, when I think of recommending fiction, I think first to tell a newbie to find an index (ASC is where I started out--an excellent place to find just about anything--and then PTC), hunt around for what stories they like--and enjoy it.  In the end, that's what it's all about, IMO.

Any other comments?

Is this the part where I should ask what I wish you'd asked?  --And you think I haven't babbled and made a fool of myself enough?  ; )

TrekGirl wipes the smirk off her face.

Yes, I am a little shy about it.   Even with all the stuff I've dabbled out, I *still* get nervous just sending stories to betas, rip at it, red-pen it to death, cringe at every mistake I see *after* I post (arrrugh, that makes me crazy--I found two more in *Ire* a couple weeks ago!).  Opinionated as I can be about anything, much as I don't mind talking about hardly legal practice I've come to love, I'm my own worst critic.  And then, other days, I could give a damn, or am so sick of looking at it, I think "recycle bin."   Weird, maybe, but ah well.  : )

Should be interesting when I read *this* on the net.  LOL!  I'll probably crawl into a hole and wonder why in the hell I said this or that!

Would you recommend this exercise to another author?

Despite what I just said above?  (grin)  I think it's made me think about things I wouldn't have.  Honestly, I don't categorize writing or myself very well.  I usually don't think to go *that* far, and I did have to ponder some of this.  So this has been an exercise, indeed, but fun.

Sure, I'd recommend it.  : )

Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts with me, I hope you enjoyed it.

Thanks for asking me, and you know what?  I did enjoy it.  I'm just hoping I haven't scared anybody yet.  ; )
 

The featured author's recommended own work :
The Word Painter, Judgment

E-Mail the featured author :
D'Alaire

The featured author recommends *you* read :
Jamelia (J.A. Toner) - "Warmth - Series", "The Mercenary", "Log Entries".
Dangermom - "Daybreak - Series"
Katie Redshoes - "Torrid"
Margaret Berger - "Honoris Causa"
Captain Chgris - "Courtship"
Jim Wright's Delta Blues - Voyager Reviews 

 Complete the Circle