Hi there, Border!
Hi, Nicnac.
Would you please tell a little about yourself?
Sure, I’m from the English/Scottish border (hence the pen-name). Over the last 10 years I have lived in several places in Scotland, Spain and England. At present I’m in London and intend to stay here for several years. I’ve wanted to be a writer my whole life. Unfortunately it was only until recently I realized that to actually achieve that dream I would have to write. So perhaps NaNoWriMo will give me the kick up the backside that I need to get going on this. I’m currently in my first term of teaching so the work load is horrendous.
Yikes! A busy schedule makes it difficult. I wish you the best with your NaNoWriMo novel. I’m doing it for the first time this year too. So, when did you begin writing?
I began writing when I was four. I wrote and illustrated a story about a girl called Lily who was so poor she didn’t have any knickers. I guess as a small child I associated poverty with not having the most basic of clothes, although, she did have a pink dress with a yellow and a brown patch. Why? Because I just wanted to I guess, I can't quite remember.
Is that when did you first considered yourself a writer?
I probably thought I was at four. But now I’m not too sure if I am or not, even though I love making up stories. Perhaps I’m more of a daydreamer that needs to make the time to write everything down- then I’ll be a proper writer.
What inspires your writing?
My daydreams, music lyrics, history and generally just things I see around me. Films and other books can also inspire me. I might think of an alternative situation, or build on a character I’ve come across in a film or book.
Oh, daydreams are a wonderful inspiration. There are times I am daydreaming about something and have to write it down quickly, before I forget. This can be extremely dangerous when you’re driving, (heh heh) so now I own a voice recorder.
So, Border, who would you say is the greatest supporter of your writing.
The FanStory community. I haven’t admitted to anyone I know personally that I love to write and dream of being a published author. Whilst doing NaNoWriMo I’ve become quite unsociable. I’m telling my housemates that I’m going to my room to get some work done. Although teaching is hard work, they probably think I’m putting far too much effort in.
Yes, I love FanStory as well. It is a great site with encouraging and helpful writers. Many fanstorians have helped me tremendously with my craft. Are any particular fanstorians your writing mentors?
Yes, especially Nor84 and Redrider6612
What is the most difficult thing you’ve written?
For some bizarre reason I decided to write about the time I was sexually assaulted. Then I posted it on FanStory. Even though I posted it as “non-fiction, autobiographical” people still thought it was a work of fiction and either criticized the ‘character’ or suggested different endings, others criticized the explicitness of the story. The feedback hurt too much so I deleted it. I should never have shared it.
Oh no. I am sorry your feedback was hurtful, Border. I’m sure that was extremely difficult to post. I do hope that the writing process itself was cathartic.
Is there a work you’ve written that you are particularly proud of?
Yes, my one and only novel to date-or rather “Novella”. The first seven chapters are available to read on FanStory. Completing it was a wonderful feeling. It took 7 years to write. Not because it was lengthy or writers block. The plot was clear in my head for a very long time. However, I always thought of writing as a hobby and something I couldn’t indulge in until I had finished my academic work. So years of studying got in the way- I wouldn’t let myself write until I’d done my work. Luckily I was unemployed for a while and was able to finish it off. However, since joining FanStory, I’ve realized that although I had a good idea, I had no idea how to write. My POV is all over the place, so editing the novel is time consuming. That is the reason I’ve only posted 7 of the 28 chapters so far. Why am I proud of it? Because I finally got it finished.
What a sense of accomplishment! Finishing a project is a great milestone, but the editing process seems never-ending. (giggle)
Can you tell us what the title is, and share what it is about?
It’s called, “The Norton Axe Murders”. A murder has taken place in the quiet town of Norton, police suspect the killer was influenced by murders of the Marsden family back in 1959. Four teenagers go to investigate the Marsden house and find there is far more about the house than first seems. Can they discover who the killer is? And more importantly, will they find out what really happened to the Marsden family?
Ahh! I love scary and suspenseful stories. That sounds fascinating. I have plans to write suspense, but have only jotted a few ideas down on it so far. So, what are your current writing projects?
Three novels with a few chapters written and countless outlines scattered here and there. I started a novel from scratch for the NaNoWriMo, only to realize that it wasn’t planned in sufficient detail (no clear twists), so I’ve put that one on the back burner and picked up one which I have researched, or at least the first part of. I don’t intend to finish it after a month because 50,000 will probably only be half of it-if that. I’m already 8000 words in and my protagonist still hasn’t set off on his epic journey.
Three novels? Wow. I can only work on one project at a time or my characters tend to meld together and have the same characteristics. (giggle)
Do you have a favorite author?
Yes, Michael Crichton. Now there’s someone who knew something about pace. He always researched his novels in detail and they tend to have a scientific background. When reading his “State of Fear”, I was nodding my head all the way through, everything he said I agreed with. When I checked his bibliography (he always included one) I was amazed and thrilled to see that he had read all the same journal articles I had when doing my research project at university.
What about books, do you have a favorite?
Just the one? Sorry no can do. I need at least two: The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett and La Catedral del Mar by Ildefonso Falcones. Strangely enough, they are both about the everyday lives of people during medieval times set in a background of political struggle and the building of a cathedral.
What are you reading now?
La Mano de Fatima by Ildefonso Falcones, set in 16th century Andalucía it follows the life of a young man who is neither fully accepted by the Spanish or Moorish communities.
What are some of your non-writing interests?
I adore languages. I am fluent in Spanish and would love to be competent in French before moving on to other languages. I’m also an anorak about genealogy, I’ve traced every branch of my ancestry back at least 160 years and certain tips of some branches can be traced back thousands of years. Oh, and er... reading- can’t leave that one out can we?
I admire anyone who is fluent in more than one language. I struggle with just one. (hee hee)
Well, Border, good luck with all your writing projects and editing. I wish you success!
I’m not going to give up. Seriously, mark my words I will become a published author, even if it takes a life time.
I believe it! Go Border Go!
If you would like to read some of Border Reiver’s work, visit her on FanStory, @ http://www.fanstory.com/border_reiver .
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