Here's the story of an author named storybycorey, who was writing us some very lovely fic.... Ok I'll quit with the Brady Bunch reference and sing the praises of this week's author storybycorey instead! If AU's are your thing, check out her college AU that starts with "You'll Forever Be in Debt to a Bunsen Burner" and has two more installments after that. If you're looking for a short and sweet kick in the feels I highly recommend "We Discussed It" and "Peonies." If more "adult" stories are your thing and you want to know what happened post hand-holding in Season 10's "Babylon" well let's just say "Wonders Never Cease" may hit the spot!
We talked with storybycorey about writing, The X-Files, and what got her into fanfic.
How long have you been a Phile?
I’ve been a Phile since 1997. I started watching because the guy I was dating recommended it. He watched it for the supernatural, and I watched it for the romance. We broke up soon after, but there was no turning back for me!
What was your first episode?
I honestly don’t remember. They aired reruns on cable at the time, and once I started watching, I watched every night trying to catch up with the current season, so it all sort of jumbles together for me!
How long have you been writing fic?
I published my first fic in 1998, and began several others at the time, too, but never completed them. Then I took a longgggg hiatus, and began writing again last year. And I haven’t stopped since!
What inspired you to start writing?
Once I became addicted to the show, I began scouring the internet for all that I could find about it. One lucky day, I discovered fanfic, and my entire world opened up. I honestly had no idea that people did this thing that I’d always thought about- write stories about Mulder and Scully actually getting together. I am an artist, so have always been creative, but I’d never actually written anything creatively. But once I knew it was a “thing,” I had to try my hand at it.
Read more questions after the jump.
Who is your favorite XF character to write?
Scully, Scully, Scully. I resonate with her like crazy, so writing her feels natural to me.
Are there any XF characters you dislike or find too difficult to write?
The only other X-Files character I’ve written is Mulder, and he’s fun, too. I’m not sure I’d ever find reason to delve into anyone else, but I suppose it’s always a possibility!
Is there a story you're most proud of or that's a favorite?
The stories I’m most proud of are those that have stretched me as a writer. Since I’m still finding my way and my style, I appreciate times when I’m able to spread those wings. They’re not necessarily the most popular, but that’s okay! I love my story “Reading Between Her Lines” and also the drabble “You Never Realized Distance Had a Temperature Gauge.” And the college AU I’ve just finished is a favorite, too!
Where can people find your work, and what's the best way to send feedback?
All my stories can be found on AO3 and fanfiction.net under the author’s name “storybycorey.” They can also be found on my Tumblr page. Those places are also the best places to leave feedback, and I looooooove feedback!!!
Do you take fic prompts from fans?
Sometimes! Depends on whether the idea clicks with me or not.
Have you written your own original characters outside of fandom?
No, unfortunately not. I think that’s one of the perks of being a fanfic author. The characters are already established and have a rich history that your readers already know. It makes it MUCH EASIER to jump right into the story that way!
Anything you’d like to share about your writing process?
I am an extremely slow writer. EXTREMELY SLOW. I’m a perfectionist, and tend to agonize over word choice and cadence and structure endlessly. In the end, I hope it comes out in my work at least, to make all the struggle worth it!
Do you have a favorite author? (fanfic or published!)
I love some of the fanfic authors from the original run (Rachel Anton, Karen Rasch, Shannon Kizzia), and also current authors like @somekindofseizure and @icedteainthebag from Tumblr.
Is there any advice you'd give to aspiring writers?
Hmmm, good question! I’ve never thought about it! I guess maybe to let yourself really sit inside your mind for a while. Allow the images to come and then sit with them and see what they tell you to do. And don’t be too structured. When I write, I allow my writing to guide where the story will go. Sometimes a line comes out that completely alters my intended story, but I go with it and let it lead me.
Anything else you'd like to share that I missed?
For anyone who doesn’t know, I have a cute story about how the The X-Files has affected my life. I met my husband 18 years ago by placing a personal ad (in the newspaper back then!) that read “Be Mulder To My Scully.” Gillian tweeted about the ad a couple of months ago, so you may have seen it. If it weren’t for The X-Files, we probably would never have met. We just got back from the Wizard World Comic Con in Chicago, and had both David and Gillian sign the ad for us!
Thank you so much to storybycorey for talking with us!