Faith, a well-known author around
Central. Not only in the fanfiction section, but also on the message board.
;-) She wrote a large amount of fics in different genres, but Matt/Shirley
stories remain her passion. I decided it was time to question her about
her writing.
INTERVIEW
WITH FAITH
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
My real name is Nicole. I am fifteen
and I have three siblings. One older and two younger. My parents are divorced.
I live in Manitoba close to Brandon. I plan to be a Historian when I grow
up and am deeply in love with History. I am also a crazed perfectionist.
My favorite shows are Shirley Holmes and Mythquest. My favorite actors
are Bill Switzer, Christopher Jacot, and Meredith Henderson.
What was it in the Shirley Holmes
TV show that attracted you to it?
My sister actually was the first
one to watch it. I sort of sat down one night with her and thought "Wow
I love this!" I really loved the whole story line. Shirley has a nemisis
(Molly) and she has a best friend (Bo). One of my favorite things about
it is that Shirley has a guy for a best friend. I wish I did. Another favorite
thing is the whole mystery idea. I love mysteries especially on tv. (simon
and simon, relic hunter etc.)
What is your favorite character
in the show?
I love all of them for different
reason's but I guess I would have to say Alicia. She is kind of like the
one who surprises everyone. Sure she concentrates on her wardrobe and hair
but she has another side to her and is there when people need her.
Do you feel that the Shirley/
Molly plot has been neglected in the show?
Yes, I do. Without Molly there would
be no real mystery. Molly is what keeps Shirley on her toes. If it wasn't
for her "deeds" Shirley would be bored out of her mind and I think so would
the viewers. There should always be that good versis evil.
What was it that made you start
writing SH fanfiction?
I had read Andrea's and I loved
it. I guess she sort of inspired me. Also a lot of thanks to Damon for
it. He was really kind and made me welcome and that my ideas were important.
I started one night and the words just came. I also saw that there was
not a lot of Matt and Shirley fanfics and I wanted to change that. It is
sort of my duty to let the readers ,who love Matt and Shirley together,
have an author who will let them read it that way. I just hope they enjoy
the way I express it.
Why are you a Matt/Shirley shipper.
What is it in Matt that attracts you?
Matt reminds me of the perfect boyfriend.
Smart and cute. Where he will argue (in a cute little way) when he disagrees
with what you are saying but will never make you feel stupid. He has plans
for the future. I also love how Matt and Shirley like maybe even love each
other but know that they aren't to be together right then and there and
are comfortable with it. They don't go all mushy on each other or make
it look totally unrealistic (Romeo and Juliet). Another thing I like is
that Matt is played by Bill Switzer and I am a huge fan. His work is inspiring.
What is your favorite genre to
write?
I am different then a lot of the
other authors. I love writing a Matt and Shirley fanfic. I also love putting
Molly in there. Molly makes a mystery seem more real and her character
is easy to weave into the story. I did write a few romances, I wanted to
get it out of my system, but now I think that I will be sticking to mysteries.
They seem to be more satisfactory not only to the readers but to myself.
Do you prefer planning stories
out in advance or are do you go where the story takes you?
I sit down and type. No rough drafts
no nothing. It all comes to me. "The Case of the Hyper Bee" was typed out
in one hour. I just typed and typed. That is all I have to do. This can
be a good thing and it can be a bad thing. Sometimes I feel that I could
do better if I took time. "Missing Matthew" took a couple of tries. It
started out as a Shirley Holmes/ Simon and Simon crossover. It took me
a good month to write it. Then my computer deleted it. I had to start from
scratch and redo it. I am actually happier with it this way. I love it
and it is my favorite one yet. It is something I know I can be proud of.
About "Missing Matthew": Was
the name of Jack Mooney in any way inspired by the Harry Potter books?
No, it isn't. I thought the name
Moony was cool. It sort of sounds like something out of an astronomy book.
Also I love the name Jack.
How far do you go in researching
your story?
I am afraid not very far. I basically
take ideas from episodes. The Hera thing came from "Virtual Zeus" along
with Kaitlin. The whole Prom fanfic was completely out of my head. I wanted
to write a romance and so I did. Basically I write from my knowledge.
Do you feel there is a recurring
theme or a deeper meaning to your work?
Yes I really do. The way Matt and
Shirley have that unexplained connection is really sweet. In my stories
I sort of imagine what it would be like if he stayed. It shows that somehow
love will find a way.
What is your favorite SH author?
Andrea definately. I love her Tattooed
Twiggy. Andrea is like me. Her fanfics consist of Matt and Shirley just
like mine. Also her whole story plan works perfectly. It makes you think
"OH what will happen next?". I love her fanfics and I hope she continues.
I wrote Hyper Bee and Missing Matthew for her in a way.
What are your thoughts on the
SH fanfiction awards?
I think they are a great idea. It
gives the authors a chance to know that there stories are appreciated and
though they might not win an award, your name just being up there says
a lot. The authors are amazing people. They should be very proud.
What are your plans for writing
in the future?
Right now I am working on the transcripts
but I do have another one in my head. I have actually started it. I plan
to write a lot more stories (mysteries this time) and of course use the
Matt and Shirley thing. I also plan to have my own little group of characters
but I really like sticking to the main Shirley Holmes cast. I am hoping
that my name will be all over the fanfics section and not the messageboard
(he he).
Any tips for your fellow authors?
Well I understand that the authors
all have a scenerio they go by and that is cool, I mean I do not see myself
writing a Bo and Shirley fanfic, but if anyone could, I would really love
to see more Matt and Shirley especially from Boo, Ha, Courtney, etc. Also
I would like to see more deep thinking mysteries. The ones where you go
" Oh that's how it happened" kind of thing. The authors all have an unique
style which I adore and I hope that they continue writing from the heart.
Quite some hints in that last
answer there! You're giving us quite some work! Anyway, it was nice to
talk to you. Thank you very much for your time!
Got an author you want to see questioned?
Let me know and send a question along in the message. You can send
me an e-mail or use the contact page.
