This week’s author not only writes to keep Philes entertained, she’s working on a philanthropy project that helps fandom have a way to give back. Meet 2momsmakearight!
She may be new to fic writing but her first offering “For Better or For Worse” does a great job of exploring the rest of that conversation we didn’t get to see between Mulder and Scully in the parking garage in “My Struggle Part 1.″ If you wonder how our heroes went from fighting at the beginning to presenting a united front by episode two this should fill the gap!
The short but so heartbreaking “Of Butterfly Books and Yellow Shampoo” takes a deleted S10 scene between Scully and William and squeezes your heart with the sadness of what could have been.
And we can’t leave out “Undercover Swing.” Let’s just say this fan-favorite will hit the spot if you’re looking for something more “adult….”
We talked with 2momsmakearight about writing, inspiration, and of course The X-Files.
How long have you been a Phile?
Since right before the first movie - “Fight the Future”. I was friends with a die-hard fan in high school, and she converted me. Gave me her tapes (yes, VHS tapes) to watch, one-by-one, until I was caught up. I’ve been hooked ever since…
What was your first episode?
My friend was very adamant that I start from the beginning. So, even though I started watching during Season 5 (1997-1998), my first episode was “The Pilot”.
How long have you been writing fic?
I started writing for the fandom during Season 10. “My Struggle Part 1” presented as a great muse, and I spent the following morning writing “For Better or For Worse,” which was my first official story for the fandom. The feedback I received was favorable, and I was excited to write more.
What inspired you to start writing?
The characters…the episodes. Where to start… The revival sparked something in me because I felt there were so many stories that could STILL be told, so much business that was unfinished. There are so many periods of time that fans were unable to witness. What happened after we left them in “The Truth?” How long were they "on the run” before they settled down in that little house in “I Want to Believe?” What ultimately led to their breakup prior to Season 10? The list is endless, and therefore the inspirations to write are endless.
Who is your favorite XF character to write?
I feel that I IDENTIFY more with Mulder on a personal level - the intensity and devotion, the single-minded focus. But I enjoy the inner complexities of Scully, as well. However, it’s difficult to write characters that are so well-established because there’s little room for growth or development. These characters are already developed. They have their strengths and weaknesses. If you insert too much into their already-established personas, it’s perceived as "out of character.” We each observe them differently, but I feel that if you have a good grasp of the show, understanding their histories and what led them to where they’re at, you can write them fairly easily.
Are there any XF characters you dislike or find too difficult to write?
For as much as I enjoy the complexities of Scully, she can be difficult to write because she’s actually pretty simplistic and plain when you get down to it. I sometimes wonder if the Scully I make say or do things in my story would ACTUALLY do them on the show…. “Undercover Swing?” No.
Is there a story you’re most proud of or that’s a favorite?
I think it’s safe to say that "Undercover Swing” is a fan favorite…for obvious reasons. Sometimes the short pieces I write in an hour turn out beautifully, and it surprises me. I am my own worst critic. All writers are. We certainly don’t NEED negative feedback as we’ve been likely beating ourselves up during the entire writing process. But I have to say that I’m proud of “Tupelo Honey” and “The Art of the Game.” "Tupelo Honey” was written out of sheer frustration with the writing and lack of closure that Season 10 brought. Season 10 lacked in so many important areas, namely the relationship between Mulder and Scully. Season 10 began with the breakup of Mulder and Scully, but we never got to see exactly WHY or HOW it got so bad. Certainly it’s understandable that Mulder’s mindset would be what we saw in MS-1, but the evolution of their relationship throughout the rest of the episodes didn’t ring true to many fans, including myself. So, “Tupelo Honey” is my attempt at telling the story that we never got to see – an afternoon spent together as friends and former lovers, still feeling that ultimate attractive pull towards the other; reconnecting, and renewing their devotion to each other, and learning to speak the same language (a theme that was discussed in “Babylon”) after so many years of not speaking. I needed to write it as a fan, and I think (based on the reception of it) that fans felt the need for that sort of closure as well. My only regret is that I didn’t use a “beta” (editor) for that story. If I would have had a good beta, I think that story could have been even more beautiful.
Where can people find your work, and what’s the best way to send feedback?
All of my work is on Tumblr, but I also have an AO3 account where a large chunk is located.
Do you take fic prompts from fans?
I do. I have a few I’m still processing. Sometimes they spark something in me. Sometimes they don’t. But I love getting them. I love hearing from people who have been inspired or moved by what I’ve written.
Have you written your own original characters outside of fandom?
I’ve written original characters INSIDE the fandom. And I have an original novel I’m working out in my head. It’s something I MIGHT work into a fanfic prior to writing the original work… It could go both ways.
Anything you’d like to share about your writing process?
Other than the fact that it’s awful? Ha! When I am inspired to write, I will write the story in my head. I will spend hours pouring over the idea while doing dishes, rocking my baby, working out… When I have time to sit down on my computer, I can USUALLY get the story written fairly easily. Of course, this is easier said than done. Generally, my writing process involves a lot of self-doubt, and whining, some tears, frustrated messages to friends, pacing, deleting, editing, deleting some more… There are days I enjoy writing, and days I hate it. But, I LOVE the finished product. I love finishing it, and I’m always very excited to share it with the fandom.
Do you have a favorite author? (fanfic or published!)
I have many favorite fanfic authors, but I’m reluctant to name them. I have to say though, David Duchovny is one of my all-time favorite authors. Whether scripted or written for a novel, I enjoy the hell out of his words and I aspire to write like him.
Is there any advice you’d give to aspiring writers?
Just keep writing, and get someone to rip it apart. Seriously. Find someone who will tell you the truth and hand it back to you with red edits all over it. It will make you a stronger writer.
Anything else you’d like to share that I missed?
Inspired by her work as a feminist and philanthropist, I’ve started the Subject Woman Project to raise funds and awareness for the charities that Gillian Anderson supports. After she wore a shirt that I had made for her (Chicago Wizard Con, August 2016), fans began asking where they could buy it. I offered to make the shirts with the knowledge that the funds would be donated to charity. In a little over a month, I raised over $1,000 for Childreach International’s Taught Not Trafficked Campaign. It’s been very exciting to be a part of an avenue that bridges fandom with philanthropy, and I’m excited to see where the Project goes, and I’m truly touched by all the fans who have joined and participated in it.
Thank you to 2momsmakearight for talking with us!