Author Interview: Jade Blood

This was an interview conducted over AOL Instant Messenger by Nova Skywalker to Jade Blood Kenobi

Nova: So, Miss Jade, when did you first start writing?

Jade: Well, I've been writing since I learned how. In fact, the first fan fic I wrote was about Robin Hood fighting a dragon when I was about four. *laughs* When I started getting aggressive about it, I was thirteen. I was writing science fiction and fantasy stories that I look back on and cringe... with some pride.

Nova: You say you write sci-fi stories... is that your only genre? If not, what others interest you?

Jade: I love horror. Mostly I'm a reader and not a writer, since it never comes across in my own stories the way I'd like. I'm also into anything fantasy related or romantic... Typically when it comes to romance, I prefer it have fantastical themes, though.

Nova: Who or what in your life has been an inspiration in your writings?

Jade: Obi-Wan. But that's pretty obvious. I'd have to say that Stephen King was the reason I started getting so serious about my work. When I began reading his books, I was blown away. I'd never read anything of that caliber before, and it still leaves me in awe. I also have been affected by the works of Tanith Lee, Neil Gaiman, and Bentley Little. Just to name a few.

Nova: How do you feel about the genre of fanfiction? Do you think it nurtures a writer's ability or undermines it?

Jade: Nurtures, most definitely. I feel that it can hinder if you allow it to be your only outlet, but as a place to play and discover your style, it's an incredible tool. I feel like I've honed much of my "voice" via fan fiction.

Nova: You've already mention that you started writing fanfiction very early on. Can you tell us why you started it?

Jade: The bug bit me when I saw The Phantom Menace at age sixteen. Before that, I was much more prone to writing my own, original fiction, but I couldn't resist writing about Obi-Wan Kenobi after having fallen head-over-heels in love with him. The great thing that I discovered right away was finding a voice through someone else’s character. I loved writing about Obi-Wan and feeling as though I connected with him in some way.

Nova: How has writing fanfiction, or writing in general, affected your life?

Jade: Sometimes it feels like you're walking around with a secret. It's very hard to explain to people who don't understand the writing process why you spend so much time on these imaginary worlds. Why you're in love with these imaginary people. Why they mean so much to you. Everything I create is apart of me in some way. Overall, it's been edifying. I've met some of the most wonderful people through my writing and had some of the most powerful experiences. It's been a good thing.

Nova: If your ability to write or create was taken away from your somehow, how would you handle that?

Jade: I think my head would implode. *laughs* Seriously, I have to have someway to express myself. I'm a creative person by nature, and I have to release that. In other words, I would barely function.

Nova: Have you ever gotten "writer's block" and, if so, how do you deal with it?

Jade: Constantly. Usually, it helps when I discuss where I am with someone and brainstorm aloud with them. I find that my greatest ideas come from just chatting about what I'd like to write next. Also, music is great for jogging those blocks loose.

Nova: Very nice. How do you feel about criticism?

Jade: I'm going to be honest and say that I am sensitive to it. I try to be objective when someone gives me criticism, but part of me wants to jump to the conclusion that they are insulting me, whether this is true or not. When someone close to me constructively reviews a story, I can usually take it more calmly than if it were a stranger who decided to give me some "pointers".

Nova: Have you ever had any negative comments? And how did you deal with them?

Jade: One of the reviews I received for "Kenobio" was simply "Ew!" So I suppose that's negative. Really, I just take it in stride. Nine times out of ten, it's written by someone who doesn't even have the nerve to leave an email so that I can respond and ask them why they took such a negative stance. You can't let things like that stop you from doing what you love.

Nova: What have been your best moments?

Jade: That I've written, you mean?

Nova: When have you felt the most joy in writing... What have been your proudest moments, I should say.

Jade: Ah, I see. Arwen will enjoy this... Probably one of the greatest, proudest writing moments I've had was writing with her on "Earning Betrayal" and "Sands of Time". We really pushed ourselves beyond our safety zones with those. Also, the Secret Love RPGs at One and Obi. I interacted closely with so many amazing writers, and I feel lucky to have experienced that.

Nova: Where do you feel you can improve on in your work and... to where do you see your work evolving to?

Jade: I believe my grammar could use some work. *cackles* I'm one of those who gets into a pattern and writes the same word or phrase far too many times. I'm redundant, in other words. As far as where my work is going, I've become so much braver than I thought I could be with my characters and the plots I will allow them to participate in. I see angst in my future.

Nova: Interesting... You mentioned working with other writers. How has your relationships with other authors affected you and your work?

Jade: I think that is, in essence, what has made me so brave. I'm in contact with people who want me to push the envelope, and I start to get hyped up when they encourage me. In working with other authors, I receive much needed praise and prodding to move forward. It makes you feel like you have an incentive.

Nova: What do you hope for for the future of your writing?

Jade: Only to continue improving. I'm the Anakin Skywalker of fan fiction in that I want to be the best writer ever. And that only happens with practice. Also, getting published wouldn't be too shabby.

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