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7/19/11
Primarycolors Talks Fireflies and Fate
When the opportunity presented itself to interview the author of one of the most popular fics out there at the moment, I didn’t hesitate. Primarycolors, author ofFirefly in Summer, sat down and answered a few pressing questions posed by her fans and me (I’m a huge fan too, by the way).
Firefly in Summer: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6672297/1/Firefly_in_Summer
Summary: Edward finds himself back in the little beach town of his childhood when he inherits the local bar from his uncle. The elusive, pretty girl next door has killer legs, a sketchbook and secrets that are slowly eating her alive.
Rated: M – Angst/Romance – E/B
DH78: Where did the inspiration for Firefly in Summer come from?
PC: Well, the setting of Summerside is modeled after a few real places, most notably Seaside, Florida. I spent some time there as a teenager when Seaside was still very small… it was romantic and quaint, very quiet. The beach cottages really were like lollipops! But for the purposes of creating a setting for the story, well- I threw a lot of “Mayberry” in there too—some old-fashioned, one-street, small Southern town characteristics like Mrs. Cope’s one room grocery, and having to “go into town” for anything big, like art supplies or the movies.
As for the story… it’s just a premise that’s always intrigued me. Having the opportunity to change something in your life… and what the consequences of those changes might be. It could never just be black and white. There would always be sacrifices.
DH78: What made you want to start writing?
PC: Something I’ve discovered about myself… I think very visually. I’ve read some excellent fics in the past few years and my favorites were always the ones that fed me those tangible clues… color and smell, how something felt under someone’s fingertips, emotional cues. People always seem to give themselves away physically. The best visual cue fic I’ve ever read was in.a.blue.bathrobe’sTropic of Virgo. I could eat that story with a spoon.
When I started rewriting fics in my head as I was reading them… adding those little visual details… that’s when I thought that maybe I should write one for myself.
DH78: Without spoiling it for everyone, was the big plot twist planned all along, or was it something that came out organically as you were writing?
PC: Every single thing in Firefly in Summer was planned! I had to, in order to keep myself sane. All the details are organic though. The major plot points were not.
DH78: This is for other authors who struggle with updating on a schedule: How do you keep yourself on task when writing, when obvious issues like RL take priority? Do you set a specific time aside to write?
PC: As an artist (my RL occupation) I learned early on to draw something each day, even if it’s only for five minutes. Even though I never considered myself a writer, I discovered that writing is very much the same, especially with a story.
I’m lucky in that I work from home; so I can move my time around as I see fit. I can also write with kids playing right beside me. I have no idea how I developed that particular magical ability but I’m grateful for it!
I do wish I could write at night… it would be easier. But my head is clearer in the morning. Most days I’ll get up before anyone else, grab some coffee and work on a chapter for an hour or so.
I also keep a notebook in my purse… the scene right before Edward stands with Bella’s sheets in front of the washing machine? I scratched that out with a stubby pencil that desperately needed to be sharpened while waiting for my two little girls to get out of gymnastics class. One of the other moms said, “What on earth are you writing over there? You have the saddest look on your face!”
DH78: Who’s your favorite character in your story? Why?
PC: I think Edward is my favorite. He changes the most. He’s the only one who will truly be able to appreciate what he has. I also feel like I owe him big time for breaking his heart.
DH78: How long have you been in the fandom?
PC: I think I opened my Twilighted account in 2008! I lurked and read a lot before I ever ventured out by myself.
DH78: What was the first ff you ever read?
PC: My first was Amethyst Jackson’s Only Human followed closely by Oxymoronic8’s Innocent, Vigilant, Ordinary.
DH78: Are you reading any ff right now? If so? Wanna rec something you’re loving so far?
PC: Gosh. Well, I have crushes on several authors- which means if they post something, I’m there. Right now I’m in love with twanza’s Love in Idleness. She has the loveliest imagination. The fact that she can back it up with beautiful words is heaven on earth.
DH78: A lot of people were asking this, so I have to put it out there. Feel free to answer as you wish: Are you an HEA girl? The #1 worry from your readers seems to be the nervousness they feel about how this is all going to go down. Any thoughts?
PC: I know that’s a big worry for people! But I’m very conscious of the readers who want to keep things a surprise. A lot of things were righted, but not everything can ever be perfect. I loved SM’s Breaking Dawn, but life just doesn’t turn out like that. However, I do think Edward has been through enough. Let’s just leave it at that.
DH78: What are your ideas about Fate? Do you believe in it? It seems to be the most prevalent theme in your story, besides the obvious relationship between E/B. Do you think everything happens for a reason? Do you think Fate fixes itself?
PC: Hmm. I think Fate can mean different things for different people. Personally, I feel that there’s a plan, but that I have free will within that plan. If I had Dr. Shan in front of me right now, I might ask him if he really believed his recalculating theory, because it implies that a wrong turn was taken. What if “wrong” were simply relative? We’d never discover anything if we always went where we were told… we learn by doing, by making mistakes, by overcoming adversity. We can either believe that we have no choices, that everything is predetermined, or that Fate or God places certain obstacles in our path so that we can learn, influencing our later decisions, hopefully changing us for the better.
As for how this applies to Firefly in Summer… well, that’s up for discussion. Edward certainly has choices. He’s going to make the most of them.
-DH78
Fic Review: Edroar, The Angry Lion
Author: Tropical Sorbet
Author’s Twitter: @TropicalSorbet
Summary: Edroar the Angry Lion frightens all the girls and boys at Cullen Publishing with his loud roar. Will his new massage therapist Bella Swan run away like all the rest, or can she tame this savage beast? AH/AU OOC, Rated: M, Romance/Humor, E/B
Who would have to be so high-strung, so tense, and so… so, UPTIGHT that they would need to retain their own personal massage therapist: A massage therapist who would be on-hand at a moment’s notice? Reader, meet Edroar. Edroar, meet reader.
Bella Swan takes a job at Cullen Publishing as a massage therapist to the company’s head, Edward Cullen. Bella’s sufficiently warned about Edward’s lack of patience and general nasty attitude, as employees have dubbed him Edroar, the Angry Lion (the reason is discussed in the first chapter). Bella is no-nonsense and knows how to stand her ground against Edward– something he’s not quite used to, since everyone pretty much scatters and runs away in tears at his “roar”. Can you see where this is going? I was curious when the title of this fic was passed around on twitter and was intrigued. I’m very glad I started reading, because honestly, it’s some of the best E/B banter ever. Here’s a great example, taken from chapter 7:
I eyed him, inquisitively. “Haven’t you ever done something to help a friend who truly deserved it?”He grimaced. “I don’t have friends.”“Oh stop, you must have at least one good friend you can trust?”“I trust no one.” a flicker of pain crossed his features before they stiffened. “You’d be wise to do the same.”I shook my head. “I don’t think so,” my voice softened. “I could never cut myself off from bonding with other people.” I paused, as I took out my shovel. “Don’t you ever get lonely?”“No,” he frowned.He was lying to me and probably himself as well.“Come on, that’s impossible.” I dragged out the last word. “I have a lot of close friends and I still get lonely every now and then. It’s human nature,” I hesitated a moment. “Are you sure you’re human?”“I never said I was human,” he stated, coolly. “But, if having friends is a requirement, then no…I’m not.”My brow rose dubiously. “Really, so if you’re not human, then what are you?”He ran a hand through his tousled hair. “If I recall correctly you told me what I was on your first day of work.”“Yes, I did and if I recall correctly you told me you knew what I was.”“I do.”“Well…what am I?” I was curious to hear what his twisted mind had come up with.He contemplated his answer a few moments. “Perhaps, you should ask one of your friends,” and then the wall went up. “We’re finished here. You’re dismissed.”I let out a frustrated gurgle. “Why must you always dismiss me?” I glared at him. “It’s so rude.”He raised himself up from the table so that he was sitting at the edge, the sheet tossed loosely around him.He actually looked insulted by my accusation. “It’s called leadership. This is a business, Ms. Swan. I am your leader.”I grimaced. “My leader…don’t you think that term is a bit much?”“No, I don’t,” he snarled. “Now go!”“Fine, I’ll go.” I spat angrily. “But just so you know…good leadership is more than bossing people around. You should respect your employees,” I resisted the urge to point my finger at him. I turned and walked away from his reddened face and scorching eyes.He chuckled darkly. “Respect is earned. I don’t give it lightly.”I froze at his words. “You don’t respect me?” I was looking at him from over my shoulder.He waved me off. “You’ve been dismissed.”“I asked you a question,” I stomped my foot like a child.He shot away from the table and stormed towards me. “You’ve been warned about your inappropriate behavior more than once,” he growled, lowering his face to mine. “You assaulted me, while I lay defenseless in your care, you intruded in my personal life,” his growl was steadily increasing.” And now you have the audacity to scold me with your unwelcome business advice,” he roared in my face, full on lion.I wish I could say it scared me.I really wish I could say it didn’t electrify…incite…arouse…and stimulate every fiber of my being.But it did.I ripped our eyes apart and walked over to the counter, slamming the book down pointedly. “Well, if I’m such an awful employee then why haven’t you fired me?”Stupid question, but I was angry and really wanted to know the answer.He was completely still for a few moments. I decided to shoot some more fire his way, so I stomped back over to him and looked directly into his eyes, ready for the storm. I was stunned by what I saw.His eyes…looked wounded. It made no sense at all.“Is that what you want?” He asked.“What?” I was so confused.“Do…you…want…me…to…fire…you?” He showed no emotion.I thought about it a moment. Why did he care how I felt? The room began closing in on me. I couldn’t breathe.God damn it…I was frazzled.“I….I…don’t know,” I stammered like an imbecile.He moved in closer making it worse. “You don’t know?”“No,” I shook my head. “I don’t,” I worked hard to steady my breathing. What on earth was wrong with me?His cool stare was covering me like a blanket. I needed to get away from him. I spun around to leave the room, but my footsteps weren’t getting me anywhere. I looked back and noticed his hand on my elbow.“Not until you answer my question,” he warned.“I can’t answer your question right now,” I huffed.“Why not?”“Because…you’ve… frazzled me,” I blurted out like a confession.“I frazzle you?” He looked stunned.“Yes, frequently.” I admitted.He released my arm.We were just standing there looking at each other. The animosity seemed to have dissipated. Slowly, I started to regain control of my senses.“Why do you want to know how I feel?” I asked in a low voice.“I don’t know,” he answered, honestly.“Oh.” I didn’t know what else to say.He was deep in thought for several minutes before returning his eyes to mine. “Answer my question,” he ordered, curtly. He was so damn bossy.I raked my teeth across my bottom lip as I contemplated an answer. “Do you want the truth?”“Of course.”I inhaled deeply and slowly exhaled. “Okay, well… I find that I…uh….enjoy…making you angry.”Jesus, Mary and Joseph; the secret was out.He laughed. I liked the sound of it. I was sure his features had softened a little….very little.A crooked smile formed at the tips of his lips. “Was that supposed to shock me?”“You knew?” My mouth fell open.“You were trying to hide it?” He looked confused.“Of course I was trying to hide it. You’re my boss.” Did he think I was an idiot?“Well don’t. I can’t stand liars,” he gruffed.I choked, fully insulted. “I’m not a liar. I was trying to be respectful. Do you really believe your other employees tell you exactly what they think?”“I don’t care what they think.”“And you care what I think?”“I didn’t say that.”“You didn’t say you didn’t. You care what I think don’t you?”“Don’t flatter yourself.”“Well, someone has to,” I folded my arms.“Give it to me,” he demanded, impatiently.I stepped away from him. “I beg your pardon?”“The book. Give it to me.” He held out his hand.“Ah ha!” I shouted. “I knew you were curious to read it.”“Hardly,” he scoffed. “I’m intrigued to know what someone like you finds amazing.”“Someone like me?”“Yes, now give it to me.”“You know saying please wouldn’t kill you.”He glared at me menacingly.I rolled my eyes before darting over to the counter, I grabbed the book and slowly strutted my way back to him swirling it around in the air tauntingly.“You want it don’t you?” I teased.He didn’t respond right away, but his eyes gave me the answer. They always did.“Not nearly as much as you want to give it to me,” he grinned, wickedly.“I only want to give it to you because I know it’s amazing.”“We’ll see about that.”“Yes, we will.” I handed him the book and headed for the door, feeling his eyes on me every step of the way.I stood in the frame for a moment allowing my eyes to wash over him. He was still grinning…the cocky bastard.
Um, yeah. See? Totally hot. Their banter is serious foreplay. Edward’s hot, even when he’s sulking and angry.
TropicalSorbet is a very nice person, a true gem in the fandom and I’ve had the chance to talk to her on several occasions. As awesome as this fic is, it takes her forever to update, which she confesses to. She’s a self-proclaimed “tweaker” so it takes her a while to be satisfied with a chapter. With that said, I wouldn’t rec it to some of you out there who like to read finished fics or even those who like to read WIPs that have a fixed posting schedule. Sorry folks. It ain’t gonna happen with this story. However, if you hound her enough, she will write and maybe give you a teaser if you beg (which I’m not above doing, you see). When she does update, however, it’s always worth the wait, and I have insider’s information that it’s about to get pretty frisky, so go put this story on your alerts. You won’t be sorry!
-DH78
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