Absolute Chaos Discussion Boards
Fic Talk => Featured Story of the Month => Topic started by: mare on June 01, 2009, 11:12:42 AM
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Well, it's now June already and time for a new story. This month is the ever popular Sinister Devotion by Erika. This one is a favorite among many of you so I hope to see a nice discussion going on this month.
Here is the link to the story:
http://absolutechaos.net/viewstory.php?sid=9374&warning=4
Don't forget to post any questions or comments to Erika in this thread and hopefully she'll be here to answer them for you!
Enjoy! :)
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1) Tell us one thing about your story that no one else knows?
2) How long did it take you to write this entire story?
3) Give us a summary different from the one you have posted on AC, with a few more spoilers to make people tune in.
4) If you could cast this story as a movie who would play the main roles and why?
5) Have you ever thought of giving up on the story and if you did what made you continue to work on it?
6) What was your writing process? (Outline, make it up as you go along, the characters wrote it, I am Tonja and plagerized lol)
7) Who was your favorite character in this story and why?
8 ) You had to know this was coming, who was your least favorite?
9) Are all the boys in this one? If not why did you choose to exclude them?
10) If we like this story...then we'd love what story? (Could be by you or someone else) and obviously tell us why lol
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HOLY!!! What a time for Erika to be without internet!
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Congrats Erika! Hope you get your net working soon! I've seen you on Twitter, so I know you at least have access somewhere... that's good!
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It figures lol How long will she be without internet Kristal, do you have any idea?
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She's been using her hubby's phone to get onto twitter...I don't know if she can get onto here, too. BUT, it looks like she may be getting her net back later this week! :)
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Congrats lady!
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OKay, good. lol
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I'm here *waves* ??? Oh wow!! I heard about it, but now that I see it on my computer screen, it's so much more exciting. *Squee* It was my luck, right when I get featured, my internet gets cut off, ain't that some bull. I got it back today, though. Yay!!
Uh...believe it or not I'm still in shock, so I'm not sure what to say. Thank you guys!!! I'm looking over the questions right now and will post them tonight or tomorrow.
Thank you Julie and Darby for the congrats... ;D ;D ;D I'm excited to answer questions!!!
By the way...this has really lifted my spirits!
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Hi again.
I finally got these questions done, lordy, I’m so bad when on the spot. So I apologize if I sound like a dufus, in some of my answers.
1) Tell us one thing about your story that no one else knows? It would be, that instead of an assassin, I had thought about having AJ be a vampire or some kind of clone of himself, in this story. lol!!
2) How long did it take you to write this entire story? Um…let’s see. I’m going to say about five months, because I did think about it for a couple of weeks, before actually writing it. It was a story, that played in my head like a movie, from start to finish.
3) Give us a summary different from the one you have posted on AC, with a few more spoilers to make people tune in. Jack (AJ) is a professional hitman, who ends up somewhere in Kentucky on a mission to kill Kevin and his first born. Once there he meets Crystal, and because of her encounters many obstacles before even getting to Kevin. Jack has never really been around people enough, to go through the emotions that a person goes through or to stop and think of what exactly he does for a living or how it affects others and himself. That he doesn’t even realize when, or how he falls in love with her. Suddenly, all hell breaks loose, people start dying, and he has no idea who is doing it. Well now, all he can worry about is keeping her alive, when in reality, he just might be the one, she has to be afraid of.
4) If you could cast this story as a movie who would play the main roles and why? It’s funny you ask, I had a dream that I was asked this question. I would love AJ to play it, but in the case that he couldn’t, I‘d have (Don’t laugh, cause if AJ can’t, then this guy most certainly can‘t either) have Johnny Depp play Jack (haha he has played a Jack before) I just think he’s an amazing actor and can play any role. (He IS playing a mafia dude) As for Crystal, I was thinking someone sweet, yet spunky and with attitude…I’m still debating on this one, but for now I would say Evan Rachel Wood. She looks so innocent, but did go out with Marilyn Manson.
5) Have you ever thought of giving up on the story and if you did what made you continue to work on it? I guess, I would be lying if I said, I didn’t want to give up on it. There were times, that I was sooo stuck, without being able to get what was in my head into my screen, that I did feel like just putting it on the backburner. But when I would read the reviews and find out that people were reading it, it made me want to continue. It motivated me, along with Kristal’s help.
6) What was your writing process? (Outline, make it up as you go along, the characters wrote it, I am Tonja and plagerized lol) I kinda suck at this part, but I'm definately not a Tonja. I don’t really have a process. I just saw the scenes in my head, talked to Kristal about them, and then started writing them out. I tend to go with the flow, from chapter to chapter. That is also why, I’m currently rereading and editing it all over again.
7) Who was your favorite character in this story and why? Jack of course, because he’s so conflicted between, living his life the way he always has, with no emotions or attachments to anything, but a car a and believing he's a monster. Or realizing that he can actually experience emotions, that he can love someone and that he's just as human.
8 ) You had to know this was coming, who was your least favorite? I didn’t have that many characters in this story, to have a least favorite, so I’m gonna say none of them. I find Crystal just as conflicted, cause she falls for a heartless man.
9) Are all the boys in this one? If not why did you choose to exclude them? Yes, all the boys play a small role in the story. Really…really…small ones. I didn’t find a reason to really develop them, since they were going to…(Oh I’m not supposed to give too much) lol
10) If we like this story...then we'd love what story? (Could be by you or someone else) and obviously tell us why lol
I guess, I’m going to base my decision on the ‘out of the norm plot’ it would have to be “On Nightingale Hill” by FiliKlepto. I think it’s a really good story, I love the detail (it’s not overboard), the concept is something new to me, and it’s just really well written. It pulled me right into that fantasy world. Plus I love Nick in it. LOL!
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Glad to see you on here Erika. It's happened a few times when i've picked someone to feature only to find out their computer decided to blow up on them that month lol
I have my very first question for you. You said Aj's name is Jack in this one. Is that just an alias or is he never 'AJ' at all and if he's not, what made you decide to make this a BSB fanfic and not just an original fiction?
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YAY...Erika has her net back!
Hmm...I've been trying to think of questions, but I can't. Since I was a fairly big part of the brainstorming process, I don't think there is anything that I don't know about this story. *snickers*
Ok, ok...so here's a question, Erika. IS there anything I don't know, about this story? :-\
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Glad to see you on here Erika. It's happened a few times when i've picked someone to feature only to find out their computer decided to blow up on them that month lol
I have my very first question for you. You said Aj's name is Jack in this one. Is that just an alias or is he never 'AJ' at all and if he's not, what made you decide to make this a BSB fanfic and not just an original fiction?
Haha! Yeah, I noticed that. I'm really glad I got my internet back, just in time. lol!!
As for your question. Yes, Jack is just an alias that he was given, by Don, who saved him and is also his boss at the time. Later on, he definately finds out he's AJ. ;)
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YAY...Erika has her net back!
Hmm...I've been trying to think of questions, but I can't. Since I was a fairly big part of the brainstorming process, I don't think there is anything that I don't know about this story. *snickers*
Ok, ok...so here's a question, Erika. IS there anything I don't know, about this story? :-\
Yeah I'm excited about my net being back up, although i think I should start focusing on other things. lol!! Better said, than done.
Very funny, I don't think there is anyhing you DON'T know about this story. You know and knew it all...well except that I'm rewriting it, and the ending might be different. Did you know that?? lol
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Yes...you told me that it might be ending differently. You told me you might be using the ending you had thought of using before, and then you were surprised that I couldn't remember which one you were talking about, LOL.
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Yay, well done Erika, so glad Sinister Devotion is the featured story, you know how much I love it!!
I'll be back when I can think of some questions, at the moment my mind is mush, lol.
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Ok Erika...
What was the hardest part, of writing this story?
What is your absolute favorite scene?
Which is your least favorite scene?
Would you like to tell everyone why you are re-writing the story? ;)
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Yay, well done Erika, so glad Sinister Devotion is the featured story, you know how much I love it!!
I'll be back when I can think of some questions, at the moment my mind is mush, lol.
Thank you Steph, I'm so glad you loved it. ; ;)
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Ok Erika...
What was the hardest part, of writing this story?
What is your absolute favorite scene?
Which is your least favorite scene?
Would you like to tell everyone why you are re-writing the story? ;)
Hey there, first of all, thanks for the questions. *sigh*
The hardest part was, trying to keep the story in order and making sense. Especially since I didn't have an outline.
My fave scene...I think it's a tie, between, Crystal helping him take a bath or Jack making Crystal run out of the house half dressed and hop on a motorcycle.
My least fave scene...hum... maybe when he gets hot and heavy with Crystal and leaves her hanging. lol!! He's so mean.
Oh you just had to bring that up. Um...well I'm rewriting Jack, because I'm turning it into original fiction. Because I've been promised by my old boss (who works at a credit union for the entertainment business) that she and a friend who's a writer/director, will take the time to read it and let me know what can be done. I'm excited about it, but I know she's a busy lady, so I'll believe it, when she actually calls me to tell me, what she thinks. I'm not the type to get butt hurt with constructive criticism, but I don't want them to think it sucks either. lmao!! We will see what happens.
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Soooo...if SD becomes a movie, the whole AC gang will get invited to the premiere, right? :D
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OMG!! I'm laughing, wouldn't that be nice. I doubt I'm that lucky. BUT, in case, of course!!! ;)
By the way how are you today?
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Alright, let's see if I can throw out some more questions here...
Where did you pull your inspiration, throughout writing this story?
Jack is a pretty deep character, with a lot of inner struggles...ho w did you create those inner struggles? Was there anything that helped you mold his conflicting personality?
Did you find it hard to work with his character and balance all of his issues?
How much, if any, research did you do, for this story?
Alright, that's all I've got, for now. LOL.
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Why do YOU think that your readers are so drawn, to Jack (judging from conversations, or reviews)?
Is there a specific character that your readers don't seem to care for? Why?
How do you feel about this story, in comparison to other stories you have written?
Was this story in or out, of your comfort zone? Explain.
Aaaaaaand that's all for now!
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...and where is Oprah Mare?
Ooops...I'm kinda taking over her job...I hope that doesn't earn me a smiting! LOL
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Here is the answers to your first batch of questions Kristal...is it funny that you know this story better than anyone, and your the one asking questions. lmao!!
Where did you pull your inspiration, throughout writing this story? I got a lot of inspiration, by talking to you about all my ideas, you rooting me on and helping me develop them. Another inspiration were all the reviews I was getting, finding out different people were actually reading, and seeing that people were into Jack’s life. It really made me want to keep writing, cause I knew someone else was interested in him. Plus I’ve been watching a bunch of action movies, I’m addicted to them.
Jack is a pretty deep character, with a lot of inner struggles...ho w did you create those inner struggles? Was there anything that helped you mold his conflicting personality? Ok hun…I really have to think of this one, cause I wrote three different answers, and I didn’t like them. I CAN tell you, that in some part of my mind I was thinking of how AJ has struggled with being a rebel, and being the good guy he is. Well I think that is how Jack is…Ever since his parents died, there hasn’t been any good or positive influence in his life. He’s learned that what he does, is a job and people don’t matter. But deep down, he always had the good in him.
Did you find it hard to work with his character and balance all of his issues? Not at all…I was so into making Jack, that it came so easy. I think, because real AJ and Jack have so much in common. They both struggle bad inner demons, but are really good. Which crystal brought out in Jack.
How much, if any, research did you do, for this story? I actually did more research on this story, than I ever did on any other one. How long does it take for a wound to heal…how does it feel to be shot…how to break a neck…Greenville…How do fractions work…little dumb things, that I wanted to know exact specifics about. LOL!!
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...and where is Oprah Mare?
Ooops...I'm kinda taking over her job...I hope that doesn't earn me a smiting! LOL
Yeah, you're asking all the questions I would usually ask.
Although I do have a quesiton. What made you decide on using AJ as the hitman and Kevin as the target?
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Why do YOU think that your readers are so drawn, to Jack (judging from conversations, or reviews)? I think they are drawn to seeing Jack(AJ) kicking some ass, being so mean, yet having a soft spot at the same time. Plus he sounds sexy. So i've heard. lol!
Is there a specific character that your readers don't seem to care for? Why? I have gotten a couple of reviews that say they don't like Crystal. Cause she sounds whiney, but then again, the poor girl has to deal with Jack, who can be a real ass.
How do you feel about this story, in comparison to other stories you have written? I love it! Because I went out of my comfort zone and tried something new. Although not everyone likes it, there a nice number of readers that do. I was also surprised to get compliments from people I didn't even think would read it. Plus I've always wanted to know what it would be like to be a guy, and I go to know it through creating Jack. LMAO!
Was this story in or out, of your comfort zone? Very out of the comfort zone, I usually write romance stuff..lol! I had to look up stuff, talk to you a lot to make sure I made sense. But I had a lot of fun writing it.
I hope those were good answers. lol!
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What made you decide on using AJ as the hitman and Kevin as the target?
I picked AJ, because he seems to be the badass of the group, the rebel, and I can totally picture him as an assassin. Yet, I know that AJ is a softie and he is nice and caring...
I chose Kevin, because he has the younger child, and that sparks a problem for Jack. There is another reason, but that would be a major spoiler.
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I know you are already working on a sequel (Although I could be wrong?) have you ever thought about making a prequel? And if not, if you could only pick one of these characters to stretch into a story of their own with the exception of Jack/AJ, which would you choose and why?
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I know you are already working on a sequel (Although I could be wrong?) have you ever thought about making a prequel? And if not, if you could only pick one of these characters to stretch into a story of their own with the exception of Jack/AJ, which would you choose and why?
Yes I am working on a sequal, which I'm slightly stuck on. lol!! You know, I think someone asked me that question before, and I haven't really given it thought. But in a way, that could be a good idea to write a prequal, so the readers could understand Jack's life, better. As for picking another character to stretch into a story hum...maybe not, none of the other characters have much of a role. Thanks for the questions Mare!
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Aww, Congrats Erika! You know I'm already an advocate for this one. Your writing has just improved so much. Sorry I've been really MIA lately, but better lat than never, eh?
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;D Thank you so much Kelly. Yeah I've noticed you haven't been on...but I also remembered that you were moving. How is that going??
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If you could change any part of the story, which part would you change and why?
If it was made into a movie, which actors would you like to see play the parts?
And yes, I'd like an invite to the premiere too :)
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Yay Steph!!! Well let's see if I could change something about this story...I think I would change the ending. I had an other ending in mind, but it was a sad one and I wouldn't have been able to make a sequal. LOL!
If this was turned into a movie I would have to say Johnny Depp as Jack and Evan Rachel Wood or Scarlett Johannsen as Crystal. I think, I'm still trying to think of others.
Of course all my AC buddies would be invited!! I wish that would happen!
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Great choice of actors, I can totally imagine Johnny Depp as Jack and Scarlet as Crystal :)
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Hahaha right!! But just getting Johnny on set would cost me my whole budget and more. LMAO! I can dream though. Thanks Steph for the questions.
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Another question from me!
OK, so I've read most of your other stories which were all mostly romance, what made you decide to write something different?
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Good question Steph. You know what, I'm not sure really.watchin g all those action movies, I guess...then I asked myself which guy would fit the kicking ass profile...I came up with AJ. Hahahah!! Thanks Step!
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10) If we like this story...then we'd love what story? (Could be by you or someone else) and obviously tell us why lol
I guess, I’m going to base my decision on the ‘out of the norm plot’ it would have to be “On Nightingale Hill” by FiliKlepto. I think it’s a really good story, I love the detail (it’s not overboard), the concept is something new to me, and it’s just really well written. It pulled me right into that fantasy world. Plus I love Nick in it. LOL!
ERIKA! :o Oh my gosh, you flatter me too much. *blushes* I've added your fic to my reading list, the summary sounds pretty riveting. Congrats on being featured!~
I will come bug you with some questions as soon as I finish reading it. =]
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Wow, this month has gone by fast. Slow down summer!
Any other questions for Erika?
Erika why don't you tell anyone who hasn't read this yet, maybe they aren't AU fans or AJ fans etc... why they should give it a chance. Anyone can answer this I guess?
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Here's my take, on that question...
First of all, AJ's character (mostly known as Jack, until near the end) is a complex character, that you really feel for...it's not some flat, 2D character that you just read off a page...he really comes alive and you can't help but feel his emotions. You're instantly addicted to Jack!
The story itself is an awesome concept, and she was really able to pull it off and make it work. It keeps you on your toes and makes you want to look over your shoulder, just in case. There are so many unexpected twists and turns, that you're constantly wondering what the hell could possibly come next. Trust me...you'll never be bored!
The emotional rollar coaster, that she puts Jack on, is another good reason to read the story. She takes him from a cold hearted assassin who doesn't love or care about anyone...who doesn't feel any emotions whatsoever...a nd over time she has Crystal's character slowly awaken these emotions, within him. I don't think Erika could have better portrayed the overwhelming frustrations that he struggled with. His emotions come alive and your heart goes out to him....you want to take this assassin into your arms and tell him everything's ok. The emotions that Erika weaved into the story are so realistic, that you sometimes forget it's just a story.
The most important thing is that people don't let him being an assassin detour them from giving it a chance...sure there is fighting and some killing...but that's not what the whole story is about. It's about a man who has litterally had NOTHING, learning to love, through the most unusual circumstances. He fights it and tries to deny it, but it truely changes him...in ways he can't even understand.
If you're willing to take a chance and throw yourself into Jack's world, you'll be surprised at how much it really sucks you in and how much you end up feeling for Jack.
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Very nicely said Kristal. :)
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Aw Christine...it s only the truth.The first day I started reading, I couldn't stop...I was like this is the last chapter...and then I'd be left wondering and I had to keep going. Which I have to catch up on.
Oh wow your gonna read SD... I'm hoping you like it!
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Hey Mare, you are definately right, the summer needs to slow down. I can't believe this month is almost done.
So I was going to answer your question and then I read Kristal's reponse...and I don't think I could say it any better. Thanks Mare for the questions.
Wow Kristal that was *blink* a very intense way to put it. Thank you Kris...for all your help and that nice long reason to check out SD.
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I agree with Kristal! When I started reading it, I was instantly hooked. The way they story and characters are written, it was like I really got to know them and feel what they were feeling, like I was there with them. I can't recommend it enough :) Also Jack/Alex is so god damned hot and sexy, I fell for him completely and I'm usually more of a Nick/Kevin lover!
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Also Jack/Alex is so god damned hot and sexy, I fell for him completely and I'm usually more of a Nick/Kevin lover!
Yes....I agree, even though AJ was already my favorite...Jac klex (as we call him now, since in the sequel he goes by Alex.) is so sexay! When I said you want to take him in your arms and tell him everything's ok...I also meant you end up wanting to jump his bones! LMAO
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OMG!! You guys crack me up!! *grins* I have to admit Jack is a sexy hot mess!