Moderator Spotlight - March: Jazen

*Warning: Some scenes contain nudity*

Daijah: Hey there Rebels! Welcome to March's addition of the Moderator Spotlight!

Jill: Today we're celebrating a well known name around RWN and lovable author, Jazen, also known as Mica!

Daijah: If you're wondering why we're wearing University t-shirts, it's because we've decided to go back to school, at least for the day.

Jill: Well mostly we'll be doing the things the college students do when they're NOT in class. Although, we do have at least one course to attend today!

Daijah: That's right! So get on your thinking caps Rebels and take a trip with us through University! And now without further ado, let's all give a warm round of applause to Mica!

Mica: Thank you everyone! I'm so pleased to be here.

Jean-Marie: She's lying! She was trying to scale the wall near the wishing well! It took the three of us to pull her back down again.

Paula: Yep! I even had to threaten to hog tie her and keep her from escaping!

Nancy: That still might not be such a bad idea though. She looks a bit antsy.

Jean-Marie: I think I may have scared her a little bit taunting her about Daijah's revenge.

Mica: But I did nothing to her that requires revenge! I just know you put it in her head to do something. I may have to go through the day with my eyes closed.

Daijah: That's not advisable. You'll miss some of the best parts!

Mica: It's better than being scared of what's coming next.

Jill: Oh you think you're scared now, wait until later.

Mica: What's that supposed to mean?

Daijah: Oh nothing. Anyway, I think Jem got us a table near the back. I'll go and grab the drinks why don't you go ahead and get started with the questions.

Jilly: We'll do that!  I think Paula has a question.

Paula: What genre do you most enjoy writing?

Mica:  I guess it would be romance/drama. Both stories have underlying romantic themes so I guess that would be my comfort zone. I haven’t really tried anything else but I would like to stretch things at some point and write something not focusing on the romance so much.

Jilly: I bet you'd find a way to drag some romance in there somewhere! Nancy, do you have a question?

Nancy:  Sure do! How did you come up with the idea of a Beauty and the Beast twist like Fiendish and why make the bad guy a serial killer?

Mica: When I saw the Fairytale thread on RWN I thought about what story I wanted to do. I knew I needed the twist to be something different than falling in love with some horrible beastly looking person. So I flipped it, using a person who was beauty on the outside but beastly on the inside. If you love a person enough, you can look past the physical but could that be true if the person is the worst kind of monster? In the typical Beauty and the Beast stories that’s how it goes; the person had some horrible attitude so they are cursed to look as ugly on the outside as they are on the inside. Through that curse they change, and grow and find love and are freed from that curse. Seth isn’t cursed, he didn’t lead a life of misfortune, he just does what he does for fun because he can. So can love really conquer all? Can a person look past that type of flaw or beastly nature if you loved them enough? That’s really the question I’m trying to answer.

Jilly: And we're all waiting for that answer! No pressure, though!

Mica: Oh, no. Of course not...

Jean-Marie: When will you get out of Seth's mind? Is there hope for you yet?

Mica:  Well, when the story is over! He’s in there or I’m in there, however you want to look at it, for a while since I’m not done writing it yet. I admit it’s a scary place to be sometimes but it’s also a little freeing. There’s plenty of hope for me.

Daijah: I leave you guys alone for one minute and I come back to dismal talk of lost hope? Seriously, you guys! This is supposed to be fun!

Paula: OK, how's this one...Where or what do you draw inspiration from?

Mica: All over really. There are the standards like books and movies and of course music. But other things can give me ideas as well like the scene in Kiss of a Vampire where Finley nearly drowns in the pool, that scene was inspired by poses that Zhip made. She didn’t make them for me but when I saw them I knew how I wanted to use them.

Jilly: Her poses are SO awesome! Even though I don't use poses, I admit seeing them has given me some great ideas!

Jean-Marie: So back to Seth; is Seth going to die by a mysterious female archer with long black hair and caramel skin, who just happens to be waiting in the bushes?

Mica: Um no I don’t think that’s how I have the story planned. I’m pretty sure I haven’t thought about bringing any mysterious woman that fits that particular description but if something changes you will be the first to know.

JM: Yes, yes I will...

Jill: Yeah, so... Mica, how's your tea?

Mica: Um it actually tastes a little funny. And why does it smell rummy? I thought at first it was like a cinnamon cappuccino. It really doesn't taste like Chai Tea.

Daijah: That's because we added a little something in there for you.

Mica: WHAT?!

Jill: I thought you said she wouldn't notice.

Daijah: Well how would I know? I don't drink so I might have put a little too much Bailey's in.

Mica: DAIJAH! Why would you spike my drink? And at 10 O'Clock in the morning?

Jean-Marie: We thought you might want a little liquid courage to get you through the day.

Nancy: Yeah and considering you were ready to rabbit earlier, I think you needed it.

Mica: But you've spiked my drink!

Paula: It wasn't like we drugged you...not really. Plus it's your favorite alcoholic beverage right?

Mica: That's a little besides the point. Oh and while we're on the subject, what do I need the courage for in the first place? What have yall got planned?

Jean-Marie: That's for us to know and you to find out!

Nancy: When have we ever steered you wrong?

Mica: Well, there was that time when -

Jill: Well we'll save some of that for later. We have more fun to come and up next, we're hitting the bowling alley!

Nancy: Your main characters have such a hard time, do you find it hard causing such continuous grief?

Mica: Yes, yes I do. I try to give them moments of good, where life isn’t so hard but the storylines are set up for them to not have the easiest of lives. It does get a little depressing though; I think my next story will have to be more sunshine and rainbows.

JM: So I was just wondering, what is your home address? My simself wants an audience with Seth in private! We can skip the weapon search on her part!

Mica: Hahahaha um 123 Anywhere Street, Sometown USA. We will be doing a strip search for you. Not to say I don’t trust you, but just an added precaution.

JM: 'Something that can't be found in a strip search...' 

Mica: Did you say something, Jem?

JM: Oh, no, no. Carry on!

Paula:  How often do you get ideas for stories?

Mica: Things run through my head all the time, but most will never see the light of day.

Paula: With characters like Seth living in there, that might not always be a bad thing! Ha ha! Speaking of that, is it hard writing for a serial killer?

Mica: Yeah kinda. Since I don’t have any real life experience with killing people trying to figure out what to do for him takes some work. I knew that I didn’t want him to be the standard do the same thing each time type of killer. He does this for fun and likes to try new things on his victims so it allows me to be creative with his torture.

Jem: How do you get yourself in the mindset to write?

Mica: Music. I listen to various songs when I’m writing. For Kiss it can be anything since that story is more easy going compared to Fiendish. For that one I do listen to a lot of the same songs on repeat to finish out a scene or chapter. For instance chapter 29 is named after the song Broken by Seether, 30 was named after the song Madness by Muse. For a lot of the more intense scenes between Seth and Calida I listen to Love the Way you Lie by Eminem and Rihanna. When I have mentioned piano compositions that Seth plays I will listen to them while I’m writing that scene. Music really does help and it plays a very large role in what I produce.

Nancy: What about working on all those stories at one time? What do you do when you have to update 1 story, because let's say you're behind, but only get ideas for the other?

Mica: I neglect the other story, which most times is Kiss. I truly have to force myself to focus on that story at times because Fiendish takes over. I see things a lot for that one and will go with that and get on a roll with the writing and things become very unbalanced. That’s where I am currently. I have two and a half chapters written for the next Fiendish updates and none on Kiss.

Daijah: You play alot with the duality of characters, Seth and Mulo especially. Is it hard to write, knowing you have to give them both likeable and loathesome personality traits?

Mica: Yeah it can be. Both of them are bad men that have a skewed idea of love. Seeing their good side isn’t always welcomed by some since their bad sides are so bad. It’s a hard thing to balance especially with Seth. Mulo is your run of the mill asshole with some real redeeming qualities but Seth is truly a monster. The dark side we see of him is his true nature and what we see with Calida or in public in any sense is his act of sorts to fit in to the norms of society. That was until Calida started changing some of him and so not all of his nice guy time is an act. Balancing his crazy to his normal is not an easy thing to do especially when he is with her. I think it’s fun to write them this way because to see the readers really hate them for something then a few chapters later praising them for some decent act it keeps people on the fence giving them hope that maybe, just maybe there is enough good in them to override the bad.

Jilly: I'm really glad to see you fearlessly explore Seth's dark nature, and how Lee's poor self-worth draws her to him even when her head knows better. You get alot of very emotional feedback on Fiendish, does it bother you, or make you rethink your plans for upcoming chapters?

Mica: Glad you are enjoying the darker corners of my mind. I was actually a little nervous about how the concept of this story would be received and overall it’s been good. So no it doesn’t bother me. I know exactly what kind of story I am writing and what that means. Seth is a horrible person most of the time, but not always. Calida has terrible self-esteem and is the perfect person to fall victim to someone like Seth. It is a borderline abusive relationship and that is never easy. I know the characters and the story that I want told. I understand that people aren’t going to always understand it or like it but that doesn’t change things for me. I know they want her to just leave him and for him to die but that isn’t going to happen. Women stay in relationships that are a lot more abusive than what Calida finds herself in everyday for various reasons. We always wonder how can a woman love a man that does those things to her, and it’s something we may never fully understand if we have never been in her shoes. I don’t change things in hopes of getting more favorable comments. My readers have never been mean or hateful they are just very vocal about their dislike of my characters actions which I understand and expect.

Jilly: You really take the time to explore the damaged psyches of both Seth and Calida. We get to see what makes a monster, as well as what makes a victim fall prey to them. Did you do a lot of research to have such great insight, or is this instinctual to you?

Mica: Instinctual? Um I’m not sure what you may be implying there. I guess some is on instinct and what I see for the story but there is some research involved. More for Seth than for Lee. Things for her are pretty standard which is great since Seth does cause me some trouble. I spent a lot of time researching the difference between a psychopath and a sociopath to figure out which one better fit him and he’s actually probably a little of both. Trying to keep both characters true to who I want them to be and believable isn’t easy. I’m surprised I’m not bald from pulling my hair out. And thanks for asking the hard stuff while I'm trying to throw a 12 pound ball!

Daijah: Yeah, blame it on the questions, Mica!

JM: Do you have plans to begin any new stories? Plots or ideas you can share?

Mica: Yes I have one called Retraction that deals with a newspaper reporter who gets caught up in a murder and has to try to clear her name. It’s in the very early stages of planning because I won’t really start focusing on that one until I finish Fiendish because I struggle as it is with the two stories.

JM: That sounds great! We'll definitely be looking forward to that one. What about when you're writing? Do you ever hesitate on a path you take a character down and then ultimately regret not going another direction?

Mica: In Fiendish, I poorly executed how I really wanted things to play out with Seth and Lee. In my head the reader was not to know that Seth was the killer until Lee found out. However that didn’t work out so well so he gets extra hate because you all know what he does and Lee is clueless.

JM: Oh, I think I would've seen him for the SICK, TWISTED monster he really is, whether you would've told us or not!

Daijah: *clears throat

JM: OK, OK, I'm done. 'like HELL I'm done...I'll get my hands on that -'

Mica: What was that?

JM: I said I can't wait to get my hands on a ball. Yeah. That's what I said.

Nancy: How long does it take you to conceive a story from start to finish?

Mica: Can’t tell you since I haven’t done it. I know that sounds strange but it’s true. When I started Kiss I had no idea how it would end and still don’t. Fiendish started out the same way with no clear ending defined. With both I got the idea for the story and started writing. From there the story guides me as far as what will happen. I have a general idea of events, well for Fiendish at least, that I want to happen but that’s about it. I would love to be more organized in my writing and planning but so far this scatter brained method of mine is working for me.

Paula: Oooh! A split! Why don't you try my ball to pick it up, Mica? It's a little heavier. I think it'll help.

Mica: OK, Here goes...

Mica: YESSSSSSS!

Daijah:  I think she went over the line...

JM: She writes for Seth. I think you should give her this one.

Daijah: Good point. Yay, a spare! Go Mica!

Jilly: You are writing a 100 baby challenge where the mother has but 9 kids within 90 chapters. Is it hard writing a 100 baby challenge?

Mica: Hahahaha yeah well when you are writing one like mine it’s very hard. I had no idea it would turn into such a story, so much so that I have to force the kids in. If I knew then what I know now, I don’t think I would have done a baby challenge. Not sure how the story would have been different, but I wouldn’t have to worry so much about having babies.

JM: What made you want to do a 100 baby challenge?

Mica: I thought it would be the easiest way to get into writing Sims 3 stories. I had tried just playing a legacy but it got corrupted, as they all have sadly, so after reading over stories on the forums I thought to myself hey I can do that. So I briefly thought of an idea as to why she would be having 100 babies and started writing from there. Joke’s on me though since it has since turned into something entirely different.

JM: Yeah, It kind of did! Do you have an endgame in mind for Kiss of a Vampire? I know it started out as a 100 Baby Challenge, and you changed your mind because the story just grew too large to be confined to that. Did that change Mulo's role?

Mica:I think I have one, but nothing that is set in stone. It has grown out of the normal confines of the typical baby challenge. Mulo, good ol’ Mulo, well his role keeps changing as it goes; first he was supposed to be the only bad guy, then he became a not so bad guy when I brought in Marisol, and well he is never ending. What will he be in the end? Your guess is as good as mine honestly.

Jilly:  All of your stories have a female protagonist, do you find it easier writing from a female perspective?

Mica: With Kiss it sorta makes sense to tell it from Amari’s POV since she’s the one having these babies and it’s her story. I’ve popped in Mulo’s POV some and even a bit of Marcus when I felt it was needed. In Fiendish we get just as much Seth as we get Calida, although his POV is sometimes harder to tell but I think that could be due to the complexity of his character and not so much because he’s a man.

Nancy: That's it; that's the game! I win! Good game, Mica!

Daijah: Yeah, you weren't too-too bad. Maybe James was wrong after all and your genes aren't so bad. Anyway, we get to test your skills again. We have to go to class and I'm very curious how well you're going to fare.

Mica: I really don't like the sound of that.

Daijah: Smart girl. See you're learning already!

Mica: Art? Why are we in art class?

Jill: Because we're interested to know if Ellis gets his anatomically correct artistic talent from you.

Mica: You told them?

Daijah: Well it's not something one can keep secret! Your son is talented and creative. He saw something missing and decided to add it. You should be proud!

Jill: So let's get this show on the road!

Mica: So do we have a model or are we just drawing from imagination?

Jill: Well it's funny you mentioned that Mica because... *hands over robe*

Mica: Wait, what?!?

Daijah: Yes Meeks, you're modeling for us!

Mica: No the hell I'm not!

Jean-Marie: You have to, we've already got everything all set up! We even got you nice and liquored up!

Mica: WHAT?! That's what that was about? No! I will not do it! I refuse!

Daijah: Ah come on Mica, there's no reason to be shy, we're all friends here.

Paula: Yes and we promise not to add any 'extra' body parts to your picture!

Mica: You guys are so cruel! I knew there was a reason to fear coming here today! Well I'm sorry to disappoint you but I'm not modeling for you!

Jill: Fine then you get a big fat 'F'!

Daijah: And sadly that means you don't get rewarded for good behavior. I guess I'll just have to tell Caleb he's not needed today.

Mica: Wait, what? Caleb? Where? What?

Jean-Marie & Mica: CALEB!!!

Caleb: Hello Ladies, congratulations Mica on your spotlight!

Mica: Mmm thank you Caleb.

Jean-Marie: You never mentioned he was coming!

Mica: That's because he's not here for you! He came for me! Mmm Caleb. I'll model for you now.

Jean-Marie: The hell you will! You missed your chance, I'll model for him!

Mica: In your dreams!

Jean-Marie: No in reality and right now, let him go, he's mine!

Mica: Back off Jem!

Jean-Marie: I think you're still a little drunk from breakfast Mica or you're high on something! Caleb is MINE!

Mica: You may have spiked my tea but I am FAR from drunk right now and I am more than ready to throw down right now!

Caleb: Ladies, ladies calm down. There's plenty of me to go around, trust me. I have the stamina of ten men! *wink*

Daijah: Plus he's here to model for all of us and Mica, we still have more questions to ask. Go on now, unhand our model so that he can undress.

Jean-Marie: Oh we can help him with that!

Mica: Gladly!

Caleb: Yeah Daijah, they can help me with that!

Jill: Down boy! We haven't even begun yet!

Paula: I thought you said "down" boy.

Caleb: Oh I am down. Surely you've seen my Simful spread. There's a BIG difference between the two states. *wink*

Daijah: So no pressure, Ladies, but I understand there's a prize at the end for the best picture. Just sayin...so while we work, any more questions for our featured mod? Anyone? Hello?

Jilly: What? Huh? Oh; the interview! Right!  So, uh, Mica, when did you first start writing?

Mica: Mmmm Mmmmm Mmmm.

Jilly: Mica?

Mica: What? Writing? Well if you mean for Sims, it started with Kiss. If you mean in general, well I haven’t written anything since I was in school. I always did enjoy making up stories and such for class but I was never an avid writer. Now you girls hush and let me focus! That prize is MINE!

Jean-Marie:  Speaking of focus, when you're writing, do you ever find it hard or confusing to focus on which character you are writing about?

Mica: No not really since I write in first person. That helps give me a very clear idea of who I am writing at that moment. Things do get a little hard in Fiendish when the POV changes back and forth within the same scene. I try to make sure it’s not confusing for the reader but with the way that story is set up it is needed to see both. Had I known I would have done that story in third person but when I started writing it, it came out in first and stayed that way. Now seriously, let a girl concentrate!

Jean-Marie: Yeah...concentrate.

Caleb: Time's up, ladies!  Let's see what you've got!

Jean-Marie: 'I'd rather keep seeing what YOU got!'

Caleb: What was that?

Jean-Marie: I said, Sure! I'll give it a shot!

Caleb: And the winner is...
 

Caleb: Daijah!

Mica: But it's MY day!

Paula: But you drew a GIRL.

Mica: Well you guys kept distracting me!

Daijah: Yeah. THAT'S what happened. Looks like Ellis got his talent from his Daddy!

Caleb: Ladies, ladies, there's enough of Caleb to go around.  I'll stop by a little later with the prizes, I think you have a curfew to be back in the dorms, and I'd hate to have to punish anyone!

Jilly: Caleb's right. Let's head on over, and we can ask Mica a few more questions while we wait for the next part of the interview.

Later in the Dorms...

Paula: My picture was WAY better!

Mica: No way! He really liked mine best! He just didn't want DJ to feel bad!

Jean-Marie: You guys are nuts! Mine was definitely the best!

Nancy: What? Are you kidding me? Mine was the best, hands down!

DJ: Hey, aren't you guys supposed to be asking Mica some questions?

Paula:  Yeah, yeah, Fine. Do you find legacies fun and easier to write or do they turn into a chore at some point?

Mica: Well I wouldn’t say it was a chore but they get put on the backburner. The ones I have going are easy to write when I get around to writing them. I just end up neglecting them unfortunately because I’m always trying to get my actual stories updated.

Paula: That's easy to do with all the drama in your main stories.

Nancy: What is the best time of day for you to write?

Mica: Mondays-Thursday from 9:30 until about 12:45 because I have the house to myself during those hours. It’s just me, my dogs and Pandora playing and I can write with no interruptions. Well mostly no interruptions. The hubs does telework on Tuesdays and is home every other Thursday and for some strange reason he thinks he should talk to me. I have no idea why but he does so that can break my concentration.

Nancy: The nerve! Ha ha!

Paula: What would you say is your morning routine as far as simming, not parenting because I know how that goes?

Mica: Well after I drop the little people off at school I come home, make me a cup of tea and fire up my computer. If I’m behind on my writing I open up my docs and hope I can produce something and not sit and stare at it all day. If my writing is all caught up, I will work on shots for that chapter.

JM: Do you often use dreams in your stories?

Mica: No but I often dream about my stories which will give me ideas to use in them. Well I guess that is sorta the same thing so then yes I use my dreams in my stories.

JM: If they're about Seth, I think those qualify as nightmares!

Paula: Yeah, I'd much rather see Marcus in my dreams than Seth! Now that's a fine looking sim!

Paula: Speaking of Sims, how did you find out about the Sims games?

Mica: My daughter Jordan. She kept talking about wanting this game called Life Stories. We didn’t know what it was but we bought it for her off Ebay. You can all thank her for getting me started in the Sims world.

Paula: Thank you, Jordan! Did you start with the first Sims game?

Mica: Nope the first Sims game I ever played was Life Stories.

Jilly: Have you ever created a Sim-Self and used them in a story of yours?

Mica: I don’t use my Sim self in a story. DJ currently uses her in Codename: Danger. When I started reading that story I told her how in love I was with Dustin and she surprised me with bringing her in as his girlfriend. I was a little annoyed with her when she first mentioned he was being set up on a blind date. I was all prepared to hate whatever skank was coming into the picture to mistreat my Dusty, but it was me and well I can’t hate myself. It was weird to see her in their first sex scene but since I know DJ’s writing I knew it was coming. I play with her some with the newly created Chase, thanks again to JM for letting me have him. They don’t leave the house much and I don’t really think I need to explain why that is. Other than that the only time I use my Simself is for the Featured Author interviews.

JM: Anytime, Meeks!

Jilly: Yeah DJ does have a certain rep in the story department! Frankly I was surprised that she let us wear real clothes this time around! Of course, she made up for that by setting up that awesome art class, and I'd take that deal all day long!

Mica: Me too!

Daijah: You're all very welcome! Now, if you could live in one of the Sims towns (Sunset Vally, Bridge Port Etc) Which one would it be and a good reason as to why?

Mica: Um, I guess I would say Lucky Palms. My inlaws live in Phoenix and I love visiting them there. I know most people don’t see the beauty in the desert landscape but I do. I told James it’s the one place I’m willing to relocate to if his job was to ever move him.

Nancy: It would sure be great to not have to deal with snow anymore!

Nancy: I know the answer to this already... but anyway... Are you proud to be a Simmer?

Mica: No, I play in secret in a dark room and no one knows about my obsession. Ha ha! Yes I have no problem telling people I play Sims. My sister doesn’t understand it and James doesn’t really care but it’s fun for me and that’s all that matters.

Daijah: Yeah, you definitely have to play it to understand the draw. Of course, we don't just play very often - we're too busy using it to write stories! So how often do you just play to play?

Mica: Not very often. I have a few for fun games going but none that really hold my interest. I just find that between trying to write, or take shots for my stories on top of balancing family life there isn’t a lot of time left over. I tried to dedicate my weekends to playing but the kids have activities and things that keep me busy so I don’t get much done.

Jilly: *Does empty nester dance...

JM: Of the ENTIRE Sims franchise 1-3. Which is your ultimate fave? (including Simcity, stand-alones, consoles)

Mica: Well I started playing with sims 2 right when sims 3 came out so I didn’t play with it much. Because of that I would have to say sims 3 is my fav because it’s the one I know the most.

JM: How big is your download's folder? Since I forgot to ask DJ that!

Mica: Oh wow, um ok so had to go do some checking for this. If you look at just my ‘downloads’ folder is shows very little 374 MB with 123 items. But I have my mods folder that has items in it as well which is 4.54 GB with 544 items but some of those items are folders that contain more items so that number is a little skewed. Then I have my CCmagic folder that also contains some of my CC. It’s broken down into 3 parts sim 3 packs (3.21 GB 1645 items), sim3 store packs (2.02 GB 196 items) and packages (75 MB 99 items) so yeah a lot of crap there.



Jilly: I think we're all a little guilty of that! Let's head downstairs. I think DJ picked us out a really great movie for our girl's night!

JM: Wait - you let DJ pick the movie? Why do I get the feeling we're not going to see any chick flicks tonight?

Daijah: What was that?

JM: I said DJ really knows how to pick a flick! Let's go!

Jilly: While DJ sets up the movie, let's get some more questions in! Paula?

Paula: Sure! How did you first get into Sims stories?

Mica: I was getting bored with the regular game play. Once you do it so many times its all the same basic thing. One day I was trolling the Sims 3 forums and came across the stories and legacies place. I never knew people turned the game into a story like that and thought it was very interesting. I spent the day reading through some. Some were good, some not so good but still seeing how people took this game and brought it to life made me want to give it a shot.

Paula: That's so true, there's so much variety out there in the stories. We're sure glad you found enough to inspire you! How long do you Sim in a day? Or better yet, what's your record?

Mica: I don’t know. I spend a large amount of time thinking and working on my stories but actually Simming good question. Before I got into stories I could play the game off and on all day with Jordan. We would both be set up with our computers playing and talking about what was going on in game. I guess you could call it our bonding time. Now days I am writing or taking shots but not actually playing. 

Paula: That sounds so fun! If you could pick one of your characters to be which one would it be?

Mica: Who would I want to be? I think Macy. She’s fun and carefree. She has no real worries in the world. She’s dating a plastic surgeon, has a daddy that pays all her bills she just gets to enjoy life as she wants to. Yep I’d definitely be Macy.

Paula: Good choice!

Jilly: What is the thing you absolutely LOVE about the Sims? Any one of them.

Mica: I love the ability you have to create a world all your own with them. We all basically have the same games but no two people play it the same way. Being involved in such a diverse community of people is great.

Jilly: Boy, that's the truth! Do you see yourself tiring of the game, not that we still see it as such, anytime soon?

Mica: No I don’t think so. Now that I’m into storytelling I think the possibilities for this game are endless.

Jilly: I think we can all agree on that! What other games do you play?

Mica: If you are meaning computer games, none. I’m not a gamer by any means. I like to play Monopoly on the PS3 and James recently bought me a PS3 game called Heavy Rain that DJ told me about. I’ve just started that but I’m not very good so it’s slow going.

Jilly: I'm kind of like that, too. Sims is the only PC game I play, and it's the only game I spend money on extras for.

Nancy: What about you, Mica? Do you HAVE to have every store item or expansion?

Mica: Store item no. I do HAVE to have every expansion but not every stuff pack. Some of those are just useless and I refuse to buy them, like that Katy Perry one. UGH no way was I wasting my money to make my game look like Candyland.

Nancy: I think most of the Simming community felt the same way on that one! What type of Expansion would you like to see for the Sims 3?

Mica: Good question. I don’t know really they’ve come out with the ones I liked most from Sim 2 which was Pets and Seasons.

JM: Do you have plans to purchase/play/write for the Sims 4?

Mica: I honestly don’t know. I’m still learning things about sims 3 plus I have so much invested in it. I would have to wait and see what 4 offered and see how bug free it would be. I get so frustrated with the bugs and glitches for this game that I am not ready to put money into a new game.

JM: That's definitely a huge drawback, and why lots of players are still playing Sims 2. It sure would be nice if they did something about them. At least the community takes care of the players!

Mica: Yes they do!

Paula: Who are your favorite author and books?

Mica: Right now it’s CJ Roberts Dark Duet books. My nook gave me the suggestion of what to read based off what I had already purchased and her first book Captive in the Dark came up. I am so glad it did. The story she created with Livvie and Caleb is so amazing. She is a first time author who did self-publishing and I think her books should get the praise and attention that the 50 Shades series gets. Her characters have more depth and the story has a lot more to it than what was portrayed in that other one. It’s not a series for the faint of heart since it deals with sex slaves, beatings, kidnappings and such but hey if you all can read Fiendish, you can get through these.

Paula: Do you have a favorite story or poem?

Mica: Not sure if I have a favorite but I like The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allen Poe.

Paula: A classic!

JM: Here's what I want to know...Tell us about your initial tattoo that later became a dragonfly.

Mica: Hahaha yeah, on that. Well the initial one was one of those tats you get then later realize it was probably not the best idea later. It used to be an ice cream cone located on my right boob that said lick me (yes lick me). As my kids got older, I decided it was easier to cover it up with something more appropriate than to explain why mommy had a lick me on her chest. So James took me to New Orleans one year for my birthday. While we were there a friend of his had told him about this really great tattoo place because he was thinking of getting another one. He didn't end up doing it but I got the cone covered up so now it's a very pretty dragon fly with flowers. The guy did a great job and I'm much happier now. Especially since the kids are very fascinated with my tats.

JM: Now THAT's a great story! What about this - What famous person would you want to have dinner with? Why?

Mica: Well I could say the standards of Johnny Depp or Matthew McConaughey, or countless other hot actors and the why would be the same X-rated answer. But for a real answer I would say CJ Roberts. She’s not really famous but sorta and I can pick whoever I want and I say her. As for why, well because I would like to talk to her about her books and future projects she may have coming soon. Also to get tips on becoming a self-published author and to get some extra insight to Caleb and Livvie.

Paula: What time of day do you say would be your most relaxing?

Mica: 9:01pm. 9:00 is bedtime so once the little people are tucked away in bed, kisses given and stories read I can relax for the night and maybe even have a conversation with my husband.

Paula: I can totally relate to that! What is the hardest part about being a mother?

Mica: Being patient. I have never been a patient person so having to remember to be patient with them takes some work. And having no privacy. Simple things like taking a shower or even going to the bathroom usually involves little people at my door asking me questions or needing something.

Paula: What is the easiest part about being a mother?

Mica: Loving my kids.

Paula: Awww. That's really true.

Nancy: Tell us more about YOU. Where were you born?

Mica: I was born and raised in the good ol’ state of Georgia.

Nancy: What do you do for a living?

Mica: I am a full time stay at home mom and a part time Realtor.

JM: Congratulations! I saw you mention celebrating your 11th anniversary, How did you meet your husband?

Mica: Yes we just celebrated 11 years of marriage. We met believe it or not at a night club. A place called Makkos that was a Mari Gras themed club. I was out with a friend and he came up to me, I can’t remember what he said, probably some lame pick up line but as he likes to remind me it was good enough to pull me. I guess he has a point there but I would never tell him that.

JM: What do you like to do for fun when you're not simming?

Mica: I like to read. Last year the hubs bought me a nook and I love that thing.

Daijah: I hope you also like watching movies, cuz that's next on the agenda! Let me fast-forward through these FBI warnings...while we wait, what is your greatest fear?

Mica: Is this a hint about what kind of movie you brought us?

DJ: Maybe...

Mica: My greatest fear would be something terrible happening to my kiddies or really anyone in my family for that matter.

DJ: Well rest assured, this movie doesn't have a single person from your family in it!

Daijah: Oh the movie's about to start! I got more popcorn. Are we ready to watch the Gruesome Twosome?

Mica: The what? Is this another Saw reboot?

Daijah: Pfft Saw. This movie makes Saw look like My Little Pony.

Jilly: Before anything gruesome happens, We'd like to thank Mica for taking the time to share a little bit about herself with us! Oh my God...is that guy going to...OH!

Everyone: EEEEEEWWWWW!

Mica: Th-thanks for planning this great trip to Uni, and for asking such great - Where's his head? WHERE'S HIS HEAD???

Nancy: Are those girls in a dorm room? And does that dorm room look alot like THIS dorm?

JM: I can't look! I can't look! Tell me what's happening!

Paula: And is that axe murderer coming up the dorm steps...that look strangely like THESE dorm stairs?

DJ: Sshhhhh! You guys are making too much noise!

Jilly: That's not us...it's coming from the hallway!

DJ: Then I think it's time to say Goodnight, Rebels! See you next time!  Probably...

Mica received:

Congratulations again!
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*Author's note: Jean-Marie, I had to remake you since the download for your Simself was being uncooperative (in case you're wondering why you look different).*