If you've so much as dipped a toe in the fanfic waters you've definitely heard of this week's author, Aloysia Virgata. From casefiles, to post eps, to drabbles, to AU's, Aloysia's writing will pull you in and take you places you wish the TV show would go. Her take on post-season eight Scully and Mulder featured in "In a Yellow Wood" and "Breeding Lilacs out of the Dead Land" are heartbreaking reads and "By Falling In and In" is one of my personal favorite family fic AUs. If you're looking for something a little lighter there are 3 parts to the "coffee shop au" that will make you smile.
We chatted with Aloysia about writing and what brought her to The X-Files.
How long have you been a Phile?
Since the beginning of Season 4.
What was your first episode?
I had seen bits and pieces before, but the show never really clicked for me. Then I caught Detour when I was babysitting one night and it was the scariest, most compelling thing ever. I was in love.
How long have you been writing fic?
Since late 2007, I think. Or maybe very early '08.
For more questions, read after the jump.
What inspired you to start writing?
I'm not totally sure. My kids were small then and I was home with them quite a lot. I had actually left XF fandom after "The Truth." But I was on Facebook and someone had posted an MSR vid and I got so nostalgic. I started prowling around fan sites and was hooked all over again. And I'd never written fiction before, but I ordered the boxed set after I saw that vid and something in me was just itching to go for it. I didn't even know about IWTB when I came back to fandom, actually. Just good timing.
Who is your favorite XF character to write?
Scully, for sure. I identify pretty strongly with her. Mulder is harder for me.
Are there any XF characters you dislike or find too difficult to write?
Well, I mostly write Mulder and Scully with a few side characters as events warrant. I've never written Krycek or Marita. Mytharc stuff doesn't interest me much. I wrote Doggett recently, for a prompt, and that was harder than I expected it would be.
Is there a story you're most proud of or that's a favorite?
I really like "Lacuna." It's a casefile, and putting all of the pieces together was a fun experience for me. I set it just after "Milagro" and while it ends in MSR, there's a Scully/other part in it that I think serves her frame of mind well. I am also pleased with "Samson," because the way Diana was written and how she has been regarded by so much of fandom really irks me.
Where can people find your work, and what's the best way to send feedback?
AO3 is the best way for both. I'm doing my best to stay updated there!
Do you take fic prompts from fans?
Yes, lots of people send me prompts on Tumblr. I'm always happy to write them when I can!
Have you written your own original characters outside of fandom?
No, fic (XF, BSG, Hannibal, The Fall) seems to be the only writing I'm capable of.
Anything you’d like to share about your writing process?
I tend to start with one scene and things develop from there. Often I don't know what the story or context or the ending are, just that there's a part I can envision. After that piece gets written, I can usually build around it without too much trouble.
Do you have a favorite author? (fanfic or published!)
I love Kate Atkinson, Neil Gaiman, and Ann Patchett. Fic writers....goodness, I wouldn't know where to start. Our fandom is huge, and there so many "classic" authors, a number of whom I am lucky enough to count as friends. Penumbra, Sabine, and JET are among those who have really influenced my writing. There are some lovely younger authors as well. I'm in the process of beta-ing a piece for h0ldthiscat right now, and she's enormously talented.
Is there any advice you'd give to aspiring writers?
Don't be afraid of constructive criticism/real beta reading. My first beta was absolutely brutal, but I learned a tremendous amount. Feedback is about the writing. It's not about you as a person. If you can't handle that, you are not going to become a better writer. I cringe at some of the earlier things I wrote, but that feels great because I can see that I've improved.
Anything else you'd like to share that I missed?
There are over 1,200 bat species in the world and they are amazing.
Thank you to Aloysia Virgata for talking with us!