Qui: Welcome to February’s edition of Rebel Writer’s Nirvana Featured Author!
Jilly: The studio is full of love this month, and we want to spread some of that your way!
Daijah: So grab a chair and feel the love!
Karima: Because you’re going to love what we’re bringing your way today!
Mica: You mean like this dress? What’s not to love?
Qui: We’ve got lots of Love and Romance in store, but the first order of business is to meet our special guest!
Daijah: She’s an expert on writing about love, so February is the perfect month for her interview.
Karima: And since she loves surprises, we thought we’d give her one, too.
Jilly: With a little help from another special guest, of course.
Mica: So without further ado, we bring you February’s Featured Author….
All: DaBlondePimpette!
Qui: *Also known as Kristen.
Daijah: Welcome, Kristen!
Kristen: Thanks, Guys ! It’s so great to be here!
I’m in the process of moving, and my life is just chaos! I’m really looking forward to some downtime with you all!
Karima: Well, I don’t know if you’d call it ‘downtime’, but we’re going to relax the best way we know how…
Jilly: With a little help from our favorite guys! Joining us today for parts of our interview will be:
Mica: The Gorgeous Dustin Kimura!
Karima: The Smart and Sexy Logan Myers!
Jilly: The Bad Boy with a Heart of Gold, Vincent Levesque
Daijah: The Man with the Golden…um...Gun, Nicholas Luciano
Qui: and last but not least, That Hot Blooded Lobo Lothario,
Connor Morvant!
All: Welcome, boys!
Nicholas: Welcome? I think you Ladies can do a little better than words!
Kristen: Ladies, did you run out of hotness? You seem to be short one.
Jilly: Oh, she’s right!
Mica: *Looks around the studio. I’m not seeing anyone else.
Karima: Me neither.
Qui: Dai Dai, didn’t you remember to bring someone for Kristen?
Daijah: *sucks face with Nick
Qui: DAIJAH!
Daijah: Oh, yeah. As a matter of fact, I think we may have one left…
Kristen: Patrick!
Patrick: Well, since you dragged me into your sim story, I couldn’t very well ditch you now, could I?
Kristen: Was it the threat of bodily harm?
Patrick: No...it was more about...yes, yes that's exactly what it was.
Kristen: Well I'm just glad you're here!
Patrick: Careful Babe, these wings are on loan!
Kristen: Then it's best if you take them off now!
Daijah: And with that, let’s get onto the interview!
Qui: We’re here in the studio’s craft room to make up some special Valentines! Hope you’re feeling crafty, Kristen!
Connor & Patrick: *groan*
Kristen: Oh come on it'll be fun!
Patrick: Not as much fun as watching you lick the envelopes closed.
Connor: Just keep the glitter away from me. I'm a wolf, not a vampire.
Qui: Speaking of crafts, do you have other talents outside of writing such as drawing, painting, singing?
Kristen: I used to play trumpet, but that was a long time ago. I do what is called shower singing... but I wouldn't say it was that good. I like to take photographs, and I actually think I would have potential if I took more effort into it.
Qui: You fellas doing OK over there?
Connor: *Shakes hand to dislodge paper glued to it, growls.
Qui: How do you keep doing that? It's paper glue Red!
Connor: Yeah but I'm a bit...furry
Qui: **Shakes head** Here let me.
Kristen: Ew! Patrick what is that?
Patrick: It's a heart.
Kristen: No it's not it looks like...
Patrick: It's a replica of a life-sized human heart. You said draw a heart! That's what I did!
Kristen: Yeah but I meant...nevermind.
Qui: About your photography, your Sims pictures tell us you definitely have an eye for it! What do you think is more important, character development or plot development? Or both?
Kristen: Definitely both. The plot and the character have to work together to make things emotional for the reader and exciting. Ooh, Patrick! Nice work with the glitter! Can I use that?
Qui: I can't get this open.
Connor: Allow me! **Rips with teeth** They may look dangerous but they come in handy every now and again. But don't worry, I know how to control them when I want other things **wink**
Qui: What do you think are the elements of a good story? What gets you hooked?
Kristen: I love things that are different, with a good story line, and decent writing. I really get hooked on things that make your head spin though!! If it can throw me off track, I'll go crazy to find out the answer.
Qui: I feel the same way! A good mystery and interesting, relatable characters suck me in every time. Can you pass me those scissors?
Kristen: Hey, Patrick! No peeking!
Patrick: That wasn't what I was looking at! **smiles**
Connor: I thought you were supposed to be working on cards.
Qui: We are but I needed inspiration.
Connor: And you're looking under my shirt?
Qui: Oops! How did my hands get there. I meant to do this...
Connor: QUIANA! Lower! **smirks**
Qui: Are you planning any more stories?
Kristen: Right now, I am in the process of getting ready for Judging Love SEASON 2. It should be premiering by the beginning of summer- I hope!
As for anything fresh, I think I have a lot on my plate, and I don't want to commit to anything else until I have finished a few projects.
Kristen: Enough chatter! That thing with Connor and the glue earlier gave me an idea.
Qui: Right there with you Kristen! While our crew drops these cards off at the post office, we’ll take a commercial break.
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Jilly: Welcome back! We’re here with Kristen in the Nirvana Bakery to help them get ready for the big Valentine’s Day rush! I could never do this for a living – I’d eat all the profits! So anyway, roll up those sleeves and we’ll get to the next set of viewer questions! Now where did we put those guys?
Vincent: Right here, we were just parking the car. You didn't think you could get rid of us that easily did you?
Patrick: Especially with this sweet tooth I have!
Jilly: So Kristen, tell us about your writing process.
Kristen: It's really odd, but I like to think of the beginning and ending first, or at least the gist of it. That way I can fill in the blanks as I go. I love cliff hangers and surprise endings; so, it makes it harder for my readers to guess what is to come. Then I'll figure out the plot, the entire story, get a basic outline and start writing. Then I will go back and edit, cut, or add what I need to.
Jilly: While we wait for the Chef to come back we'll have a few drinks here in the bar.
Vincent: One "Screaming Orgasm" coming up!
Jilly: Later Vinny later!
Vincent: Ok, how about a "Long Kiss Goodnight"?
Jilly: Oh! You meant the drink! That sounds like a really good plan. Pass me one of those, would you?
Patrick: I think I'll give Krissy her "Screaming Orgasm" now.
Kristen: PATRICK!
Patrick: What? We've already established it's just a drink!
Jilly: Where were we? Oh yeah…**takes another sip**. Out of all your stories, which one is your favorite?
Kristen: I love them all! With Life of the Party and Judging Love, I get all the drama and romance. In Project of Love, I get to show how mine and Patrick's sim life unfolds. Which BTW I have pictures up to the third generation! I'm just not releasing any info hehe. Then we get into SIM-Vaded. I get my alien Sci-Fi mystery drama all in one.
Jilly: You definitely cover all the bases! Do you like to keep switching genres, or do you have a comfort zone?
Kristen: I have a semi broad range. I don't step into NON- Fiction, but that is because I don't like to misguide what really happened.
With sim stories, I try to vary in many categories of Drama, Fantasy, Romance, Sci- Fi/ Paranormal. However, with my novels I stay within Fantasy and Sci-fi/ Paranormal.
Vincent: Jillybean what are we doing in the kitchen? I don't really go well with...fire.
Jilly: I thought we could make our own baked goods since the on-duty Chef is taking too long.
Patrick: I don't think that's such a great idea. Have you tasted Krissy's cooking? Leaves much to be desired! **gets elbowed to the gut** Because it's so good!
Jilly: Fine then we'll just buy some from the front.
Jilly: So is that your favorite genre? Do you have one?
Kristen: Sci-Fi or Fantasy. I love anything that is unnatural. I'm not sure if it is just because I find it fascinating, or if it is because I am unnatural myself lol!
Jilly: Wait! Can’t send these out to the public without sampling them to make sure they’re top quality!
Kristen: Jilly, how many of these have you had?
Jilly: Just this one. And one of those. And one of those over there. And see those cupcakes on the counter? Yeah, one of those, too.
Jilly: We don’t judge. (Said Mrs. Pot to the Kettle.) So, what is it about sci-fi/paranormal that you love most?
Kristen: I love there really isn't a limit too far! You can create almost anything! Plus, it expands my mind into a possible future, a possible world out there other than our own.
That’s exciting! We’ll find out more about our FA after the break.
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Daijah: Welcome back to RWN’s Featured Author interview! We’re joining Kristen in another Valentine favorite, Nirvana’s Oompa Loompa-free Chocolate Factory!
Kristen: Aww no Oompas?
Daijah: Not even a Loompa!
Kristen: I was so hoping to see them.
Patrick: Don't worry, I'm pretty sure I can keep your mind occupied enough.
Daijah: Plus I think there's something "Willy Wonka" like in the back too **wiggles eyebrows**
Nicholas: If you're talking about what I think you are, you might want to reconsider.
Daijah: Why?
Nicholas: Besides the obvious health and safety reasons? It's just not kosher.
Daijah: Oh pish-posh! I just love the smell of freshly melted chocolate, don’t you?
Kristen: I sure do! I thought I was full from the Bakery visit, but I think I might still have some room left!
Daijah: *chews…I hope you boys are paying attention! We're bound to find a new favorite or two today! *swallows.
Kristen: I've already found about six...make that seven **gulps** eight...
Daijah: Back on track, are all your stories completely from your own mind, or do you ever see or read something that triggers an idea? *Hey! That box is MINE! Hands off!
Kristen: In my Project of Love Legacy, in the beginning "Hatter" is from the Mad Hatter in the Syfy version of Alice. I LOVE Andrew Lee Pots so I created his Hatter character. I may use some stories as inspiration, but I typically don't base anything off of a particular story.
Patrick: Love?
Kristen: His work. I love his work. Have a chocolate, baby.
Daijah: What do you find most difficult about doing stories?
Kristen: Editing!! I hate it! I know it is essential, but honestly, I'm terrible at it. I get lazy with it, and I want to pull my hair out by the end with it!
However, I have no problems editing other peoples work. I just hate having to work on my own though.
Daijah: Here we are Kristen. You think it would be fun to jump into the chocolate? Like Augustus on Willy Wonka?
Kristen: Oh I've always wanted to do that!
Daijah: We're all about wish fullfilment here! Are you going to finish that, Nic? Nevermind, there’s more over here. What is the easiest part of writing for you, Kristen?
Kristen: Using my imagination! I never know what I will find in there, but it typically just pops right out.
Nicholas: Babe I really don't think that's such a good idea.
Patrick: Yeah what Nick said. Perhaps you should reconsider...
Daijah: Ready? Set?
Kristen: GO!
Daijah: Now THAT'S what I'm talking about! Woo! Sorry, back to the interview...Do you write chapters first and add pics or do you write the chapter based on the pics?
Kristen: I'll write an outline and get the pics afterwards. That way, if the sim does something I think I could implement, I can use that and slightly alter the story line. You have to try this, Patrick? It's amazing!
Daijah: Kristen do you feel that...OMG something just touched me!
Kristen: HOLY CRAP! HOT CHOCOLATE! HOT CHOCOLATE!
Patrick: Yeah um...
Daijah: Not like Willy Wonka! Not like Willy Wonka at all!
Nicholas: I tried to warn you.
Daijah: Save the tongue lashing.
Nicholas: Fine. Licking you clean will keep my tongue busy for a while. Get that chocolate covered body over here.
Daijah: Well maybe it wasn't so bad after all! And that brings us to the end of this segment! We’ll be right back after this commercial break!
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Mica: We thought we’d have fun in one of the all-time favorite romantic things to do on Valentine’s day – a swan ride with the one you love!
Kristen: Great!
Patrick: Um, I get to be in the swan with Kristen, right?
Mica: Absolutely! Climb in, Dusty, and we’ll get started. Kristen, you write such a variety of stories. Where do you get your ideas from?
Kristin: - I actually have many forms of inspiration. It may come from something I hear in class, or it could be born out of a mixture of interests. My favorite, though, is from day dreams. I will be thinking about how cool it would be to do this, or have this happen, so I will ultimately decided to make it real in my stories
Mica: Dustin I think your gun is sticking into my hip.
Dustin: Oh it's locked and loaded but that's definitely NOT my gun.
Mica: Maybe I should um...move beside you.
Dustin: If you think it'll help. **Whispers: It's not going to help**
Mica: *Blushes and clears throat* Kristen, do you have one influence that’s larger than the rest?
Kristen: A big influence would be the past hardships and emotions I have endured. Everyone can relate to pain, happiness, guilt, and love; So I use that as my inspiration. I actually created my novel off of a heart break I was having. So I thought to myself, what if I took this heartbreak and inflicted it upon a fictional character? So, I did. Then I turned the story around how I wanted it to.
Mica: That’s pretty clever. What made you start using Sims to tell your stories?
Kristen: I have played Sims since the first one came out, but I was not aware of the story detail until Sims 2. I started reading Sims 2 stories vigorously. Then, I decided I wanted to create my own. I was a beginner in writing and was immature in my mind. So, the stories were very.... silly. ( I think that is the best word for it!)
Patrick: You look so beautiful.
Kristen: Is that why your hand seems to have a mind of its own?
Mica: Since Sims 1, huh? That’s a long time!
Kristen: Since the first one! My little sister was a gymnast, and we were over at one of her teammates house when they were playing it. I got hooked right then. I have owned every single one since.
Patrick: We have to get us one of these.
Kristen: Why? Just one more place for us to makeout.
Patrick: I don't see what's so wrong about that.
Dustin: What do you think it's packing under the beak Meeks? I bet I could crank this baby up to. With the right programing, we could get these to navigate the whole lake with no piloting, with flashing eyes, and...
Mica: What are you doing?
Dustin: Trying to distract you. I think the lovebirds wanted some privacy.
Dustin: But if you can't beat 'em...
Mica: AHEM... Kristen, do you write anything that’s not Sims related?
Kristen: Of course! I love writing! I am actually currently in the process of editing my finished novel, Gemini. I really hope that afterwards I can get a good agent for it. If not I will strive and go the self publishing way on either Kindle or Nook.
I have also written other (unfinished) novels that I had went ahead and shared with people, such as Love for Blood.
Mica: That’s amazing! Congratulations on all that hard work! Why did you decide to start writing on your own?
Kristen: When I was in the 6th grade I won an essay. Honestly, it surprises me. Our teacher had submitted our essays to this nation wide contest. There was a county, state, and national competition. One day, a man came into the class room and told us that someone in our class had won first in county. My thoughts were, oh which “A” student is it? However, he called my name. I was shocked. I never realized I had that kind of talent. Then a few weeks later, the man returned to inform me and my class that I had won second in state! It was quite the shock! Since then, I just fell in love. I know where my talent is and I don't want to lose that.
Patrick: And in speaking of love **leans in for a kiss**
Mica: Have you always known you wanted to be a writer, or is it a fairly new obsession?
Kristen: I have wanted to write since the sixth grade when I won the contest. I just knew it was the thing for me. However, I was sketchy about if I would actually be able to do it as a living. I will certainly try!
Mica: Well sadly, the ride is over, so we’ll take a short commercial break and be right back with more about our FA!
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Now back to Rebel Writers Nirvana’s Featured Author Interview!
Karima: We’re back with our FA, Kristen, and her main squeeze, Patrick. While we continue with the viewer’s questions, we’re going to do a little stargazing. So Kristen, how do you go about planning your stories?
Kristin: Typically, I will have an outline ready for everything I want to cover. Then I will get the pictures. That way if a sim does something I think is photogenic, I can easily write it in.
Karima: Where did the cooler come from?
Logan: Well while you and Kristen grabbed blankets from the trunk, Patrick and I went ahead and brought a few "cozy comforts".
Karima: You're trying to get me drunk and take advantage?
Logan: No I'd never...
Karima: Damn.
Patrick: I would! **wiggles eyebrows at Kristen**
Kristen: You don't have to get me drunk for that! **sneaks a kiss**
Karima: Is writing and taking shots fun for you or are they chores?
Kristen: Sometimes both. I'm currently in college, so as much as I love writing, it makes life that much more tough each day. However, the minute I start writing I can't stop!
Karima: It's so nice out here!
Kristen: Yes! Very romantic, right Patrick?
Karima: I think a lot of us get caught up - in writing, I mean! Back to your outline for a moment, do you plan everything out, or leave some room to go with the flow?
Kristen: I try to plan out as much as I can, but once I start writing, I will realize that a certain idea just doesn't work. So, I will have to go back and change that certain idea. So in a way, I kind of do both.
Karima: When writing your stories, do you ever come to a time when you feel like ditching your story and starting something new? How do you deal with that?
Kristen: Great Question! I actually have had that happen to me a few times. Sims related, I will try my best to bring it to a proper closing. I would hate to leave my readers hanging. Such as Life of the Party. I actually used it as a test story basis for the Sims 3. I loved it, but I was caught up in other things. So I gave it a proper ending.
However, un-Sims related, it's too much trouble if I have lost heart in it. Such as Love for Blood. I knew I would never finish it, because I was immature at the time, and still had a lot to learn. I still wanted people to have the chance to read it, so I posted it on my blog. **Whispers: I was wrong. I think that alcohol is going to my head.
Patrick: **Whispers: then perhaps I should get you out of here before...
Karima: Well, we’re all glad we got a chance to see some early DBP, and very glad you finished Life of the Party! Do you use reader’s comments to decide what happens next in your story or do you stick to your original outline?
Kristin: I don't let comments affect much, unless it is controversial. It's a story that must be told the way it was thought out, or it could end up falling apart.
Karima: That’s a really great attitude to have, especially if you want to be a professional. I can assure you, no one has ever been disappointed in your writing.
Patrick: I tell her that all the time!
Karima: Oh, look! The moon is in the seventh house, and Jupiter is aligned with Mars…That’s a really great omen, Kristen! Good things are coming your way!
Patrick: I think they’re already here….*Kisses Kristen
Patrick: Do you hear something?
Logan: Yeah, sounds like laughter.
Kristen: In the woods? That can't be a good thing!
Patrick: Maybe we should go see.
Kristen: Maybe we should have common sense and run.
Logan: I think we should go see.
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Qui: HEY! There they are! How was the stargazing?
Kristen: Dreamy!
Daijah: Well that's great to hear! Pull up some grass, log or blanket and join us!
Mica: We hope you had a great time! I know we did!
Dustin: And the night's still young.
Jilly: We’d like to thank our special guest stars for stopping by!
Karima: And for hanging around after the show! Here Kristen, just a little something from the gang at RWN.
Kristen: WOW! What's in it? **shakes box**
Patrick: You enjoy your day?
Kristen: Yes and having you here made it even better!
Patrick: Oh don't thank me yet **impish grin**
Kristen: Patrick!
Nicholas: Hey he's only thinking what the rest of us are.
Connor: Thinking? I've already planned on taking those strawberries and finding a nice bush or shrub and...
Qui: Then why are we still sitting here?
Connor: Because I can't really stand right now.
Qui: Even more reason to leave!
Vincent: I'm sorry my body doesn't provide the warmth but maybe I can add that comfort in a different capacity...
Jilly: Then I have to ask the same question Qui just did, why are we still sitting here?
Patrick: Another strawberry Beautiful?
Kristen: Did you have to ask?
Patrick: **hand feeds another chocolate dipped strawberry**
Karima: It feels great being wrapped inside your arms like this.
Logan: I'm trying to keep my hands busy so I don't...keep them busy.
Nicholas: If I don't stop staring at you, I'm going to take you in front of all of these people.
Daijah: I don't think they'd notice. They're too wrapped up in their own desires at the moment.
Jilly: Mmm you got that right Dai. Vinny, I'm fairly certain I didn't sit on a stick so...
Vincent: Not yet anyway.
Daijah: Love is definitely in the air.
Nicholas: It will definitely fill our bedroom later!
All: Thanks for joining us!
Karima: Congratulations again to Kristen.
Mica: And once again thank you to Patrick for joining us.
Qui: I think it was more he didn't trust us alone with his girl on such a romantic day!
Jilly: Then that not only makes him sweet but smart as well! We hope you've all enjoyed the interview and remember: Next month it might be you!
