Our subject this week is well-known on Zoom's message boards for her detailed and wonderfully thoughtful comments on stories being posted in instalments. A comment from this reader is guaranteed to make a writer's day! She's a big fan of fanfiction, and says that she loves giving feedback. I think authors would tell her that they love receiving her feedback too!

This week's interviewee is:

Whereabouts in the world are you?
Arizona, USA

How long have you been a FoLC?
I've been an FoLC (without realizing it!) since the show first aired, and a real one in name once I discovered the fanfic archive and Zoom's message boards, sometime during season 3 or 4, I think.

What drew you to Lois and Clark?
I've always loved Superman, but wasn't an avid comic reader. I remember my excitement at seeing the first Superman movie with Christopher Reeve - I loved it! When I found out that there would be a Lois and Clark series on ABC, especially one that included Teri Hatcher, I knew that nothing could keep me away from watching it. While I didn't find Dean Cain attractive at first, he quickly grew on me!! :)

When did you first discover fanfic?
I don't really remember. I used to visit the listserv fan boards (or whatever they were called then), during the 3rd season, because I remember being thrilled to share "arghs!!!" during the whole annoying wedding argh.er.arc. :) I don't remember if I accidentally stumbled onto the fanfic archive while the show was still on the air or not, but I think it was, because I was already an avid fanfic reader by the time Season 5 was written by the fans.

What's the very first fanfic you read? Do you remember what your first thoughts were about the concept of fanfiction?
I wish I could remember the first one I read. I think I started at the beginning, alphabetically, so I probably started with one of Zoom's. I was completely blown away by the concept of fanfic (how EXCITING that one of my favourite shows could be extended by the fans), and amazed, impressed and delighted by the quality of what I read. The more I read, the more I wanted to read. I wish some of the fanfic authors I read then, and continue to read, had written for the show! And then when I found Zoom's message boards, I loved the fact that I could actually comment or give feedback.

What are your favourite sites for reading fanfic?
The fanfic archive, Zoom's message boards, and Anne's place. I didn't subscribe to the new fanfic listserv when it moved because it unfortunately took up too much of my e-mail inbox at work and I couldn't send e-mail!

List some stories you'd recommend to other readers.
Oh sure, ask me something easy! I may have to get back to you on that because the list would be too long, and I'm sure I can't remember the titles - that's not my strong point! Actually, I think I may have listed some below. There are more that I'd recommend if I could remember the titles.

A new story goes up on the Archive or MBs. You drop everything - and we mean *everything* - to read it. So who would it be by? <g>
Zoomway, Wendy Richards, Irene Dutch, Labrat, Kathy Brown, Shayne T, ML Thompson, Kaethel, Tracey, Sarah, Raconteur, Nan Smith, Leela, Kaylle, Carol Malo, Bev Medos, Chris Mulder (where is that sequel to Meet Me in Kansas City??? ;)), the Gorn (come back!!), ChiefPam, Demi, and others who I can't think of at the moment. I'm currently enjoying Barb's Smallville Players series. Hopefully the rest of you know who you are since I comment in my long, drawn out fashion on your stories whenever I can. :)

What type of stories do you most enjoy reading, and why?
That varies depending on the author. I love stories that are believable (as much as a story about a man who flies can BE believable), ones that let Lois and Clark show glimpses of their true feelings for each other, I love stories that are written with wit, and with humour. I love the use of sexual tension if done well. I like stories that mix A and B plot seamlessly and in a way that seems to flow naturally. I enjoy both re-visions and extensions of episodes, or brand new ideas. I can't stand angst that drags on and on and on and on..and on. :) I HATE deathfics.

What's your opinion of:
Drama?
Enjoy them immensely.
Action?
I think well written action is suspenseful and exciting.
Romance?
Of course I love romance if the people involved are our favourite couple! What's not to like? ;-)
Tearjerkers?
Not too crazy about these. I read fanfic for enjoyment, for entertainment, and for escapism from stress or the daily grind. Tearjerkers bring me down rather than up, so I usually pass on those.
WAFFy vignettes?
I think WAFFy vignettes are wonderful. And I especially like it if I can talk the author into adding onto it if it would be a good fit and not detract from the power of the shorter story.
Elseworlds?
I usually like these very much, including crossovers. I loved Becky Bain's story that was a crossover with Beauty and the Beast.
Alternate Universe/Beginnings?
These are usually very fascinating. In fact, if I ever get up the nerve to write my own story, it would probably start with an alternate universe or an elseworld. But we'll see. :)
Other (if we've failed to include your favourite type, here's your chance to set the record straight <g>)?
You've left out excessive angst, which I've already mentioned that I hate, especially when it's angst for no good reason: if it doesn't move the story along, Lois and Clark haven't learned anything or grown as individuals or as a couple as a result of it, and some of it just lasts forever (at least it can feel that way!) for no other reason than to make Lois and Clark and/or the readers miserable. And I hate deathfic. I don't understand the purpose of writing stories that have Lois or Clark killed, or dying. I avoid those like the plague. I LOVE time travel stories, especially Strange Visitors by Carol Malo. I really enjoy Echo's and Wanda's George and Lynn stories.

Can you choose one, possibly two, stories you'd consider personal favourites, and tell us what you like about them?
This is difficult but probably Meet Me in Kansas City by Chris Mulder, the first two Season 5 eps that explained how Lois and Clark got their baby, which involved time travel and Tempus, and A Consummate Revelation by the Gorn. I like everything about them. They fit smoothly and believably into the L&C universe we know and love. There is witty dialogue that I can hear them speaking, the situations are interesting and wonderfully written; there is a wonderful combination of action, romance, humour and just enough angst. It's hard to explain what I enjoy so much about them in this type of format. I hope what I wrote was enough!

Has everything been done in L&C fanfic? Are there any unexplored scenarios? Or doesn't it matter? <g>
I don't think everything has been done. Life is so complex, that even if we saw re-writes of every episode multiple times, I don't think this group of talented people would run out of exciting and new ideas. I really enjoyed some of the fairy tales, but not all of them. :) I'm sure there are unexplored scenarios, and hopefully someone in FoLC land has a good memory to remind us what those might be!

If you could be your favourite author's personal Muse, what would your dream story premise be?
I don't know if I can answer that one - that's a toughie.

In your opinion, what makes for the best story? What ingredients, in your opinion, are essential to your favourite type of fanfic?
A wonderful imagination, and witty dialogue.

Any other comments you'd like to make?
I think there should be a question on what readers DON'T like about fanfic. I can easily tell you what makes me crazy and decides me against reading particular fanfic. Grammar. Spelling. Poor writing. Nothing turns me off more than trying to read something that is just really poorly written. These jar me from the plot and annoy me.

I want to thank all the writers for their marvellous, very much appreciated time, talent, sweat and tears, imaginations, and humour to transport and delight your readers. We think you're fabulous!! Who knows, maybe some day I'll be brave enough and motivated enough to join your ranks. :)

Thanks for asking for my comments!
Vicki