This Is Me Magazine Issue Two

Interviews

Interview with: @snowballsierra

Darkphoenix1836: How did you come across this site?

Snowballsierra: Well, it sorta happened when I was sick for like a week and became really bored- so I looked up fanfics on google, because I felt like reading. So I read stuff on here for, like, a month- before signing up then deciding to publish my work.

Darkphoenix1836: What is your favorite thing to read about, and why?

Snowballsierra: I really love dystopias. I guess that is why I started writing one. Dystopias really interest me. They are described as the worst thing that could happen to our world. They have a sort of creepy sense to them. The fact is, if you look hard enough, you can see very strong similarities between that world and our world. The idea that this could happen to us both bothers me and hooks me. It's an odd combo, but somehow, it works. If that makes any sense...

Darkphoenix1836: Haha, yeah, I agree. Great answer! Here's the next question: What inspired you to write "Flaws?"

Snowballsierra: Well, I guess it was when I switched schools. No one really knew me there. I guess this is a natural human response, but of course, they were all quite prejudiced of me. From the second I walked in, I had people judging me. Some good, some bad... Lots of them would call me out for not fitting their mold. I didn't wear makeup or short shorts all the time, and I was not so much the 'preppy popular girl.' They all judged me for what they thought were my flaws. After a while, I learned to conform to their ways. I was still me; just... toned down. After a while, I got kinda bored of trying to hide myself- so I went back to being 100% me. I ignored the glares. Later on, I found myself thinking how high school was kinda like its own government. The populars are like the dictators, and the others are under their rule. It struck me as dystopian-like, so I made it one. I guess that, in short, is how I came up with Flaws.

Darkphoenix1836: Wow, that is a fantastic response! I really like how you described High School as 'its own government.' I couldn't agree more. Now, speaking of flaws, what is one thing that that you think you should improve on your story? Or change?

Snowballsierra: Well, honestly, I think my biggest weakness on this story is that it's going too fast. It's hard, because I have so many ideas on what is going to happen and I can't wait to use them. So being my impatient self, I decided to put them in right then and there. It makes for very action-packed chapters, but I feel as though I may run into a road block at some point in time thinking, 'what else can I do?' Honestly, I have revised a million times- adding in more detail to slow it down. I feel bad for a couple of my first readers who, when they look back at the old chapters, find that I added an extra page. I'm sure they're like, what the heck are you doing!?! My poor loyal fans...

Darkphoenix1836: I understand completely. It helps for me to just write all my ideas down in an outline, so I don't forget them. Then, I look at the ideas and find out ways to incorporate them into the story and try not to put too much information or ideas all in one chapter. So, do you have any characters in "Flaws" that are slightly based off of you?

Snowballsierra: Yeah, actually, Melony. I guess she is kinda like me. Well, half and half. Melony's looks are 100% my mom, who I love to death. Melony's personality is 75% me, and 25% my mom. If Melony was 100%, me she would have some spaz in her- and I find that a spazzy character does not go well in a dystopia, so I added in my mom's seriousness to balance Melony out. However, her stubborness and sarcasm are all me.

Darkphoenix1836: When did you start writing? What moment led you to want to start writing?

Snowballsierra: Well, I started actually writing stories out of school in seventh grade. I used to write fan fictions, but I found that I liked making my own characters and plot better. There is only so far you can go in fanfictions. I guess the moment that led me to start writing was sort of a series of events. Lots of things happen in my life that are uncalled for. I find that there are a couple things that I can do to get the worry out of my mind, and one of them is writing. I'm not much for writing a diary; I don't want to write about the bad things that happen to me. They will just remind me of them. So instead, I write stories. They take me to another place and put my life into perspective. I mean, it could be worse; take Melony's chaotic life, for example.