Dear Readers,

Welcome, I am glad you have chosen to drop by and read this week's interview. I hope you enjoy it and you will come back week after week. Also, you will find links to past featured writers at the end of this interview. Just click on the writer's name and you will be taken to their interview.

This week's Featured Writer is originally from Ireland but now calls England her home. She is a professional writer who in the last ten months has written many outstanding L&C fanfics. Her fanfics are much sought after by her ever growing fan base.

Now without further ado, I am proud and honored to present this week's Writer, in the Writer's Showcase ...

Personal Information

Author's name
Wendy Richards

E-mail addresses
wendy@lcfanfic.com

Residence
Irish, now living in England

List, AOL, or web affiliations
LOISCLA
LOISCLA-GENERAL-L
Debby's nfic mailing list

Lois and Clark or Superman Status

How long have you been watching L&C?
Since Honeymoon in Metropolis; when the series first started on British TV, I saw about 30 seconds' worth and found it hard to see Dean Cain as Clark Kent after being used to Christopher Reeve, so I didn't watch it; then I found myself watching HiM and loved it! Dean Cain grew on me very quickly... ;)

How long have you been a fan of Superman?
As a child I occasionally read Superman comics and often used to fantasize about the characters; that increased dramatically after the first Superman film with Chris Reeve, which I have seen more times than I care to remember!

How long have you been writing?
Since primary school; I used to scribble short stories occasionally, I even started writing a book the evening before an important school exam, rather than studying! I write professionally (I'm an academic), but that is factual rather than fiction, so fanfic is a wonderful opportunity to allow my creative impulses some exercise.

How long have you been writing L&C fanfic?
Only about nine or ten months; I read avidly, as much as I could get hold of, as soon as I discovered that such a genre existed, but only had the nerve to try my own hand at it early in 1998. It was such a wonderful feeling to get positive feedback on my first story (Identity Crisis), and I have to say that my editor at the Archive, Lynda L, really did encourage me wonderfully.

What types of Fanfic have you written?
Most of my stories concentrate on the relationship between Lois and Clark, occasionally with a 'what-if'; for example, 'Identity Crisis' said 'what if Clark had told Lois he was Superman;', 'House of Lane' asked 'what if Superman had told Lois that Lex was evil'. I've done a couple of 'in-betweenies', both concerning ATAI. Most of my stories are either pre-relationship, or early post-marriage, but a very recent one is set about 25 years after the end of Season 4.

Occasionally a minor character takes centre stage, such as Lucy in 'A Guest from the Blue', or Jimmy in 'Sex, Lies and Photographs.' I don't think I'm very good at dramatic plots, but I have more recently been writing some much longer stories which attempt more serious plots. I haven't written nfic; while I enjoy reading it, I have difficulty seeing myself writing it! Although... the feedback I got after submitting 'It Happened One (Super) Night has inspired me to try a sequel, and that very quickly became a little too steamy for the Archive ;)

Most recent story posted? Where?
In January, 'It Happened One (Super) Night' appeared on the Archive site, and currently being edited is 'An Ordinary Man', which is set between 'House of Luthor' and 'Madame Ex'. (I''ve just returned to work after three months' post-operative sick leave, so I've had plenty of time for writing!!)

Favorite story you have written? Why?
It's hard to say; whenever I've just sent a new story off for editing, I immediately become convinced that it's absolutely terrible and should never see the light of day! I believe many fanfic authors feel the same way, and I am certainly very grateful to the wonderful editors who provide much-needed positive and constructive criticism. I also now understand just why feedback from readers is so important... (hint, hint)!

I really enjoyed writing 'That Super Man of Mine' because TOGOM has always been one of my favourite episodes. I also like 'House of Lane' because I'm uncomfortable with Clark's behaviour in BatP/HoL; he does behave a little like a spoilt child in some respects, and in the end it is his own actions which drive Lois into Lex's arms. 'House of Lane' is how I would have done it ;). But I think some of my most recent stories may be my best work, in particular 'A Love so Long...' and 'Super Night'.

Current project/projects?
I've been working for several months on a (very) long alternative Metropolis story, one with a different premise from that used in 'Tempus, Anyone'. I *hope* it will be completed before Easter! I've also just started a sequel to 'Super Night' - see above ;) I have one or two other ideas in my folder, but they will have to wait for the time being. As I'm now back at work I have much less time for writing.

Personal picks of other Fanfics you have read?
What a question! Anything - I mean *anything* by Chris Mulder or Sheila Harper, all of Season 5 and 6, much of the Krypton Club's 5th season, for starters. I also love Margaret Brignell's work, particularly the 'Only You' series about the Alternative Clark. The Swap-Meet duo, by Margaret Brignell and Debby Stark, is a masterpiece. Zoomway's 'When I needed you most' - absolutely wonderful, and just about beats the excellent 'Counter Clark-wise' as my favourite Zoom story. Kathy Brown's Winners, Crystal Wimmer's 'Full Circle', BB Medos's 'In the Beginning', Erin Klingler's 'When You Needed Me Most' and 'What it Means to Love You', many stories by Phil Atcliffe, especially 'Montrose's Toast' and 'Couch Potatoes' - come on, Phil, when's the next 'Couch' episode going to be out?? Demi, too, particularly 'And the Answer Isn't', 'Temporary Insanity' and 'Heaven's Prisoners'. Two by Ben Pistorius are well worth reading 'Flash in the Pan' and 'When a Great Man Loves a Super Woman'; I also enjoy Jeff Brogden's work. And newer stories too Carol Malo's 'Recognition' series is excellent, as is Jenni Debbage's 'The Huntress' Revenge', and LadyBiker's Love Finds a Way. I've also hugely enjoyed Yvonne Connell's work.

General Interview Questions

What attracted you to writing Fanfic and what about it do you enjoy?
I've always loved writing, though in recent years I had given up on any efforts at fiction in favour of my academic writing. However, along came this TV show with wonderful characters, a timeless love story, humour, adventure, danger and a super-hero all wrapped up together. I watched the episodes avidly, and after the end of Season 2 on British TV felt that I couldn't wait until its return in the autumn... I went to the Internet, discovered hundreds of fantastic L&C sites, and best of all... fan fiction. Hundreds of great stories about my favourite characters. I read them all, eagerly checked the Archive for updates, was delighted when the Fifth Seasons started on the Internet, and regularly ended my working day with a treat - reading a new story. What started me writing for myself, I think, was buying the videos of Season 1 episodes I had never seen, and the kindness of some UK FOLCS in giving me copies of some episodes I was missing from my taped collection. I watched TOGOM for only the second time early in 1998, and thought - as many FOLCs did - that the non-resolution of Lois's feelings about Clark's 'death' was so disappointing... so I went away and wrote 'Identity Crisis, in which, when Clark reveals his real identity to Lois, she is hurt most of all that he could have let her think that he was dead. And I haven't been able to stop since!

hat about L&C and the characters do you like the most?
I always liked anything to do with Superman, although I wasn't a great comic fan. The idea of this Super being, who could do almost anything, yet preferred to hide under the guise of a quiet reporter, always intrigued me. When I started watching L&C, and realized that in this incarnation *Superman* was the disguise, I was hooked. The series has always had humour and wonderful WAFFy moments. But it also introduced a Clark Kent who was so very human; who made mistakes, was unsure of himself both as Clark and Superman, who was kind and giving and could also be hurt. And Lois was created as intelligent and feisty, a very strong female character who, however, also had a vulnerable side; and who managed to show Clark on many occasions, even if she didn't know it, that her intelligence and cunning were often better weapons than super-powers.

How do you interpret them in your work?
I hope that I show Clark's vulnerability as well as his strength; and Lois's capacity to love as well as her ambition and intellect. She is a thoroughly modern feminist, who learns that a relationship with a man *can* be an equal one, that it doesn't have to mean that either one is lessened by it. Clark learns, I hope, that to win Lois he has to trust her with his secret, with control of her own life. I also enjoy showing their interaction with close friends and family, whether or not those friends know 'The Secret'.

How did you begin writing in general?
I can't remember; I've always enjoyed scribbling and regularly used to get good marks for essay-writing in school, whether the essays were fact or fiction-based. Reading has always been a favourite activity, and perhaps it is that which led me to try writing for myself... I don't know.

What are you working on now and where do you see it going?
My long opus, the 'alternative' Alternative-Metropolis story, is around two-thirds finished, I hope! (I keep getting inspiration for additional scenes!) The premise is essentially what if Clark had been at the Planet longer than Lois, and was the more experienced reporter? This seemed to fit into a scenario following 'Tempus, Anyone?', except that I decided that Superman's identity should still be a secret. I added an additional twist that the highly suspicious 'everyone has an angle' Lois should also be suspicious of Superman's motives. The story has currently reached over 80 pages...watch a space on an Archive near you sometime in the next six months!

What is your opinion about the following types of L&C fanfic's?

Action?
Yes, as long as the action doesn't exclude interaction between Lois and Clark, and some 'relationship' moments; this was the disappointing feature of the C.J. Cherryh L&C novel. It was not about Lois *and* Clark.

Drama?
Love it, again as long as there is interaction, and as long as WHAMs are not thrown in without some purpose, such as a resolution which involves some character development (the ending of Sheila Harper's Mxysplit is a perfect example how this should be done).

Humor?
The series always contained plenty of humour, whether it was Clark's weak jokes, the interaction between Perry and Jimmy, or a comic villain; therefore a good fanfic should contain some humour. Zoomway does this perfectly; I really envy her facility at genuinely funny dialogue. But again, for me a story has to have *more* than just humour to make it worth re-reading.

Round Robin?
Although I've never been able to participate in a RR session - and I don't think I'd be particularly good at it anyway - I do enjoy reading the results, and some of the recent stories from the IRC group have been excellent. I loved the Hollywood spoof some months ago, and 'Hickery Myxery Dock' also sticks in my mind as a favourite. I'm not a fan of the Soulmates series, since I loathed the Soulmates episode.

Nfic?
There, I am now a little more fussy. When I first subscribed to Debby's list, I read avidly everything Joyce sent me, but I now prefer nfic in context as part of a good dramatic story, rather than on its own (let's face it, apart from the super-powers, it could be a description of sex between any two people). Those who do it outstandingly well include Sheila Harper (of course!) and Demi; also Kathy's Winners, and LabRat's humour make her stories a pleasure to read.

Has *everything* been done in your opinion, and if not, what is left?
No; as so many people have commented on this forum, there are always new angles! I think that now the series has ended on TV there is even more scope for writers of fanfiction to place their interpretation on what happens next, what happened before, and what *could* have happened instead.

Unlike a previous respondent, I love revelation stories, and I think that there are no end of possibilities here. There are also alternative universes to explore, descendants of Lois and Clark to write about, and the Utopia founded by HG Wells. Every time the Archive is updated with new stories, someone else's interpretation of the story is there to be read.

What do you think makes the best story?
A mixture of drama, suspense, emotion, humour, supporting characters, and exploration of the characters' motivation. There must also be a purpose for the story; for example, if there has been a serious WHAM, I don't want to be left feeling 'what was the point of this?'

Where is the best place for a reader to locate your work?
The Fanfic Archive, maintained by the wonderful Kathy Brown and Demi, among others http//lcfanfic.actwd.com/

Open Forum For Author Comments
Writing fanfic has been a great experience for me for a number of reasons; not only do I enjoy the writing, but I've made some great friends. People who write to me with feedback; and editors, at the Archive and elsewhere, who have been incredibly generous withe their time and talents. More recently, I have also signed up as a General Editor with the Archive, which I have enjoyed enormously - not only do I get a chance to read some great stories before they are released, but I've also had even more great conversations with other writers.

Thanks, Annie, for creating this site. It's a great opportunity for fanfic fans like me to read more about our favourite authors; and thank you also for inviting me to participate. I am honoured!