Commentary and Philosophy Non-Fiction posted August 28, 2022


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An Interview with a FanStory writer.

An Interview with Terry Broxson

by Terry Broxson


This is the last of a series of interviews with FanStory writers. 

 My previous interviews were with Lyenochka, Jay Squires, RG Star, Humpwhistle, Giraffmang, Ric Myworld, Gary Maclean, and Sandra Nelms-Ludwig. I am grateful for each one who gave willingly of their time.

I also thank the FS members who read and reviewed each interview.

Today's interviewee has been reluctant, obnoxious, and often too self-absorbed. 

ARE YOU SO EGOTISTICAL THAT YOU ARE GOING TO INTERVIEW YOURSELF?

Maybe, but what exactly do you mean by egotistical?

A PERSON WITH HUBRIS, PIGHEADED, INFLATED PERSONAL WORTH, AND FULL OF HIMSELF?

I have never bought hubris and wouldn't eat it, even with ketchup, and you know how I love ketchup. I did quit eating pork many years ago. I never discuss finances. I am only full of Amy's Creamy Tomato Soup and the cheese sandwich I had for lunch.

I CAN NOT THINK OF A THING TO ASK YOU THAT ANYBODY WOULD FIND INTERESTING.

You could ask me about my formal training as a writer.

GOOD IDEA; WHAT WAS YOUR FORMAL TRAINING AS A WRITER?

I flunked freshman English in college. Mrs. Mathis, the professor, said, "Mr. Broxson, you will never amount to a hill of beans!" Truth be told, I have had my fill of beans. However, she was mostly right.

WHY DID YOU START DOING THE INTERVIEWS? 

That is easy. I asked some of the best writers on the site to do ninety-eight percent of the writing, and I got all the reviews.

DID YOU KNOW THE INTERVIEWS WOULD BE WELL RECEIVED?

No, not at the start. I had not seen anyone use an interview format. I wasn't sure if it would work. I sent my first questions to Lyenochka, Jay, and RG. My original thought was it would be one interview with three people.

But then I received Lyenochka's answers. The light bulb went off in my head. Her answers were so good I decided the interviews needed to be separate. This approach also allowed me to customize some questions for each writer.

Before the first post, I knew the interviews would work. Sure enough, every writer was different, informative, engaging, and fun for the readers and me.

The people interviewed are the reason it worked. All are intelligent and talented.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE INTERVIEW?

Yes, but it sure ain't this one.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE REVIEW OF ONE OF THE INTERVIEWS? 

Yes, there was a review of the Jay Squires interview. the reviewer wrote, "That old windbag wouldn't shut up!" The reviewer was Jay Squires.

WHAT DO YOU THINK PEOPLE LEARNED FROM THE INTERVIEWS?

I can only speak for myself. I learned a lot about presentation. Things like a good picture to support the work (like the good-looking guy at the top of this page). The readability of the story you post. Larger font size, avoid the wall of words and think about how your reader will look at it.

Write a draft of the story. Set it aside. Come back later and edit it.

I am learning about writing fiction. Create a setting and a character, then let the character tell the story. I think that is pretty cool.

Each writer discussed reviewing. I try to incorporate some of their thinking when I do a review.

I try to use personal experiences. I want to add a twist to the end of the story where possible.

I wish I could tell stories like Jay Squires, write poetry like RG Star and Sandra Nelms-Ludwig, and fiction like Humpwhistle, Giraffmang, and Ric Myworld. I would love to have the versatility of Lyenochka. I envy Gary Maclean's ability to edit.

WHY ARE YOU STOPPING THE INTERVIEWS?

The interviewee did the writing. Before I ask anyone for an interview, I felt it necessary to research their work. I could not go back and read everything, but I did try to cover the last few months, including what they wrote, the reviews they received, and the reviews they had written. I read books a couple of authors had on Amazon.

One person asked if I was with the CIA. It took time to research and prepare the interview for posting.

The point is I would like to try to write some fiction. I consider my writing a work in progress. I have many things to improve. I enjoyed the interview format, but it took time away from being the writer.

I want to encourage people to interview FS members. I just created a contest, "Interview a FanStory Writer." Ask someone you respect if you can interview them for the contest. It is not a blind contest. If they agree, send them some questions that interest you. When you get the answers back, post them as Q and A. 

It won't matter who wins. We will all be winners to read the interviews.

IS THIS INTERVIEW GOING TO END WITH A TWIST?

Yes, indeed. I just fixed a screwdriver. There is no doubt I will be the one twisted. Cheers!

  




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August
2022
Pays one point and 2 member cents.


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