I was recently handed a fill in the blank writer's interview by Mamma [link] who admins at the Masque [link] and I thought it might be fun to post it here in promotion of ..well... me. *grins wide* Enjoy.

Author Interview: J.P. Bederwehl

1. When do you recall your first interest in writing? What age?

I had absolutely no interest in writing until about 4 years ago. I was working on a comic book project, as the artist and I couldn’t get anyone to write an actual story for me. So, resourceful as I am, I took on the work myself. A few years later, the comic book never went anywhere, but the story evolved into something bigger. My first short story. It was then, that I fell in love with the written word and found that I had the necessary skills. I was 36.

2. Do you remember the first piece you wrote for fun and not for assignment?

I had written a really short piece for a friend. An erotic tale that made me blush profusely. At first I remained anonymous, but she caved and admitted that it was I that wrote it. After that, things just started to flow.

3. How did you get started writing? Is it the only genre you write in?

Same story, actually. But I don’t write in that genre much. I tend to stick to my paranormal mysteries. That’s where I want to make my fame and fortune.

4. What are some of the greatest challenges you face when writing?

Speaking my mind. I’m rather self-conscious about telling these tales. Most of the time, I’m afraid I’ll go to far with the description. Too graphic. Too racy. But, I’m learning that if I write it out, my filters will tell me if it’s too much. Always go for too much, it’s easier to take away than add to.

5. How do you set your environment for writing, i.e. do you have to have a quiet room, can you be in public, soft music, candles?

Well, once I make up my mind to dig in, I turn on one of my Pandora.com radio stations, usually the loudest, most obnoxious one in my list. It all depends on what the subject matter is. If it’s horrific or action packed I go aggressive. If it’s soft and tender I go with something new age. The only requirement is that I use my headphones to block out all else. I have a short attention span and that seems to be the only way to get me to focus. Oh. And coffee. Lots of coffee.

6. Do you ever write long hand and transcribe or you type as you go?

Uh-uh. No writing by hand for me. I’m out of school. That’s what a keyboard is for. Incidentally, my keys of choice are attached to a Dell Studio 17 laptop.

7. Do you scribble or jot down notes regarding current future stories whenever/wherever the muse hits?

If I’m near my computer, I have a page of scraps. Stuff that I’ve read (actions or dialogue) that I can tweak to my own designs. After all, there is nothing new under the sun. I’m just very careful not to plagiarize. The scraps folder also contains stuff that I’ve come up with myself that strikes me as amusing. In that aspect, I save it all and wait for it to find its place in the story. If I’m elsewhere, I use the memo feature on my phone so that I don’t lose the idea. Then that gets transcribed into the scraps folder later.

8. Do you have to be in a particular mood to write?

“the mood” isn’t an emotion for me. It’s more a matter of will. It’s like a social experiment. I’m conditioning myself to be in “mode” when I turn on Pandora. The trouble is, getting to that point. Like trying to push a mule off a cliff.

9. How often a day to you commit to your craft?

*Laughs*Oh, if only I could commit to a daily basis! I do try to do something writing related on a daily basis. Whether it be pounding out more of a current chapter, outlining on a back burner project or just simply reading something to inspire.

10. Do you outline, or let the story flow as it grows?

That all depends on the tale I have to tell. If it’s a short story that has just struck me out of the blue, I just let it flow and see where it goes. I like the mystery as much as the reader. But, if it’s a big project, such as the novel I’m working on, I outline so that I have a general feel for where I want it to go. Tip: Outline the whole story, but also outline the chapter. Gives you places to fill in the gaps.

11. Do you have to like a character to write him/her effectively?

Not at all. Most of the time, I don’t even know them until they tell me about themselves. When I wrote the short story for “Stacked Deck” I didn’t even know what Mouse was until Jamus told Tom. I even have several characters that I absolutely HATE. Which makes them interesting because there is conflict there. And a story just isn’t as compelling if there isn’t conflict. (Comic Book Writing 101)

12. How do you develop your characters?

I start with a gender. Then I just let a name flow. David Garret, for instance. I don’t take the time to struggle over the name, it doesn’t need a meaning. I will however, if the person is a baaaaad person, google the name to make sure I’m not defaming someone I don’t know. If it clears, I run with it. After that I just throw them into situations and see what they have to tell me. What their reactions are to the environment. If the mood strikes me, I’ll make up an interview with them and see what else they have to tell me.

13. What is your favorite work of your own?

To date? “9 Lives: a DarkWalk Investigation”. It’s a short story that introduces the background of Sharon “Mouse” Benson. Content wise and flow, it is by far my milestone achievement in finding my voice. My second choice is “The Cabin” my first three part Erotica. It holds a special place in my heart. A place that I make noises about returning to at some point.

14. What’s your favorite book or story by another writer?

Well, much like movies, that tends to change by the moment. But currently I’m a huge fan of J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series. Not only is it hot stuff, but her flair for observation makes me hard. (“Like a pit bull on a paper chain” and “She tested his hips with her teeth” Such an inspiration to me. I’m also a huge fan of Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files. He’s got a knack for the paranormal mixed with sarcasm.

15. Who has most influenced your writing and style?

Well, I’d say the above authors. But even more than that, my team of “filters” I pass around my roughs to them and they make suggestions about grammar and any plot questions that come up. If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t be very happy with my writing.

16. What kind of advice you have for someone trying to write?

First: Don’t think. Just do it.
Second: Don’t fight with it. If it’s turning a direction you didn’t see coming, go with it. It’ll be all the better for the story. I Promise.
Third: Find a fellow writer or three to collaborate with. Trade stories and proof each other’s works. They’ll catch stuff you never even thought of.
Lastly: Read a LOT. Don’t compare yourself to other writers, you aren’t them. But, you’ll pick up some great chops and greater ideas. It’ll keep the flame going.

17. What do you avoid when writing?

The writing itself. I have yet to turn it into a habit. I’m lucky if I can buckle down for a chapter a month. But, while writing, I try to avoid too many outside distractions.

18. Are you “out” to your friends and family as a writer?

Absolutely. Everyone knows that I tell tales in my spare time. It’s just a matter of whether they care or not. I even have the support of my mom. When it comes to the non-erotic of course.

19. What story out there do you wish you’d written?

None. They have their voice. I have mine. I’ll stick to what I know.