“Her smile is genuine but it is not permissive, it is not a change of heart.” This line comes from an excellent series by a fantastic author who is new to the X-Files fandom. It’s just one of many examples of how this week’s author, somekindofseizure, beautifully captures the spirit of Scully and Mulder. That line is from “Things You Said Sitting Still,” which is the first in a series that now has 7 parts. And if you missed this recent piece “London Calling” go read that first and then come back to this interview, I’ll wait. It’s Scully’s birthday after the events in “Fight the Future” but I think it’s the reader who gets the gift from this wonderfully-woven ficlet.
We talked with somekindofseizure about writing and The X-Files.
How long have you been a Phile?
I binge watched it (the first time) starting about a year ago. I think it’s really nice that longtime Philes are so welcoming of newcomers.
What was your first episode?
The Pilot. The first one that really got me was “Ice,” the neck-check scene. The stakes are “I might have to kill you,” but the subtext is, “I want to kiss you.” The X-Files is special that way.
How long have you been writing fic?
About seven months.
What inspired you to start writing?
So much of Mulder and Scully’s relationship is implied on the show. The characters feel real and like they exist to us, and yet there’s so much we never actually get to see. It’s rife for my imagination running wild.
Who is your favorite XF character to write?
Irritated Scully and Love-stricken slash Depressed Mulder.
Are there any XF characters you dislike or find too difficult to write?
I will confess I don’t really enjoy writing any XF characters besides Mulder and Scully.
Is there a story you’re most proud of or that’s a favorite?
“When the Ink Dries” was satisfying because crossing the XF world with The Fall opened up a lot of possibilities in terms of what and how things could be explored. I’m also fond of a very short one called “Tiny Spoons.”
Where can people find your work, and what’s the best way to send feedback?
On tumblr and Ao3. Comments are great on both, but tumblr is more conducive to interaction.
Do you take fic prompts from fans?
I love prompts, they’re like gifts. I’ve had some prompt experiences that really surprised me, happy accidents. For example, with my “Things You Said” series, they came together as a series as I went along answering the prompts, rather than in a plan ahead of time.
Have you written your own original characters outside of fandom?
Yes. But I do think there’s an element of that in fic as well. You see the characters vary from author to author and even piece to piece. If they didn’t, there wouldn’t be an appetite for so much writing about them.
Anything you’d like to share about your writing process?
I jot random words all the time. Contour, tumbleweed, thatched roof – like that. If anyone were to open my notebook, it would read like a scavenger hunt. (sometimes an R-rated one.)
Do you have a favorite author? (fanfic or published!)
Hardest question ever. Dickens and Fitzgerald for classics. Maybe Michael Chabon. Jeffrey Eugenidies, Michael Cunningham, and Mary Karr for current.
Is there any advice you’d give to aspiring writers?
I once heard the advice to invite constructive criticism from people you trust or admire, not just anyone, and I believe strongly in it.
Anything else you’d like to share that I missed?
If you’re wondering about the handle, it’s a reference to the fact that Scully’s first medical guess during an X-File emergency is usually “I think they’re suffering from some-kind-of-blank (usually a seizure).”
Thank you to somekindofseizure for talking with us!