Ogami
jeb66038@pegasus.cc.ucf.edu

Q: XWP fan fic has created a mythology all of its own - separate from the TV show. Do you find in your own writing that you try to stay true to the series or have you also added to the fan fic mythology?
I try to stay true to the series, within limitations. An author is always free to add his or her opinions to a story, but not when they contradict an episode. An example would be stories where Gabrielle declares her eternal hatred of Ulysses or Perdicus. Sorry folks, but that is not what she stated in the episodes. You lose the suspension of disbelief when a story says something like that.

Q: Many readers feel that the fan fic often surpasses the TV series in its appeal. What are your thoughts on this? Do you find yourself attracted to themes which are not normally explored on the TV show?
Definitely. The romantic subtext stories that I have read about Xena and Gabrielle on the Internet are what made me a Xenite, and a subtext author.

Q: Do you read fan fic written by others. If so, do you have any favorite authors? Have you been influenced by any?
Yes, some of my favorite authors are Wordwarior, Bardwynna, and Ella Quince.

Q: Of the stories you have written which is your personal favorite and why?
It's a toss-up between "Fruit Feet & Grins" and "XenaQuest II". FF&G rewrote the 3rd season episode "Fins Femmes & Gems", and XQII rewrote "Maternal Instincts" and "Armageddon Now I&II". I have the most fun when I take episodes and give them a new plot twist.

Q: How is the writing process for you? What is your "philosophy" of writing? Where do you get your ideas from? Do you pen a story in one sitting or have to work over several weeks?
My philosophy of writing is to make my opinions and views as transparent as possible in a story. I want the reader to say "Yeah, that's Xena alright" or "Only Gabrielle would say something like that". Nothing is higher praise than a reader who tells me I have the characters down.That's what makes it all worth it!


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