Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Fic Author Interview: Savage, Author of Hide & Drink
We were very excited when Savage agreed to be the subject of our second TwiFic Author Interview. The author of Hide & Drink, her story isn’t as well known as some…yet. However, it will be. My hetero-life-mate Chonga has said that this fic will be “the one to read this Spring” and I couldn’t agree more.
It came to my attention not too long ago due to the ever fabulous JAG at Random Acts of Rob on one of her regular TwiFic rec posts. Honestly, I can’t believe that I tried it because normally I can’t stand vamp/AU fic but something about the way JAG described it caused me to give it a go. It was only a few chapters in when I started but I. was. consumed. It’s the dark, suspenseful, brilliantly written “other” side of Twilight. Oh, and it’s REALLY HOT and there hasn’t even been any citrus content yet. Wanna know what would have happened if Edward had given-in to the monster within that day in Biology when he first got a whiff of Eau de Bella? READ THIS STORY!!! But first read our interview with the author…
C2R: I’ve hated every Vamp Fic I’ve ever read until yours. Mostly because fic authors take great liberties with Stephenie Meyer’s universe in the sense that they change powers around or don’t take into consideration the vamp’s powers when they are writing the story so my brain is screaming at me “Edward could never get away with that because Alice would see it happening!” etc. This isn’t an issue when reading your story because you’ve handled the powers so perfectly. Is this something you have to put a lot of thought into?
Savage: Probably not a lot of thought, no, but I have read the books about 10 times each, maybe more, so I’m very well versed in the universe. My focus is really just on the character of Edward and what he is thinking, his motivations, his desires, and his reasoning for his actions.
Chonga: Hmm, which I imagine may be difficult to do considering all the books are missing his POV?
Savage: Exactly! I was so thrilled when I found Midnight Sun, then so disappointed that it was not to be finished, and then delving into the fanfic world to get my fix. When I got there, I didn’t end up finding exactly what I wanted. I found lots of EPOV, and lots of vamp fics, but nothing that fit the exact mold of what I wanted to read. So I started writing it instead.
C2R: In a way I think this is almost how Twilight should have gone. In fact I find this Edward more compelling than canon Edward because he is more complex. The lengths to which he will go to keep her, while terrible and appalling are also a huge turn on in the sense that he will do anything to keep her. Canon Edward wouldn’t threaten to dismember a toddler in the street for example.
Is it difficult to walk that line while you’re writing? The line between Edward being gloriously consumed and possessed by his need for Bella and being irredeemable? Do you worry about going too far?
Savage: I do worry about going too far sometimes. There is a fine line to walk between writing the story I need to write, being true to the characters and also not pissing your readers off too much. Sometimes it’s easier than others. I probably never would have written him actually killing a child, but we also had to know he would have done it if pushed too far. Some readers probably thought Edward was beyond hope with the first chapter, but I think he’s still got a chance.
Chonga: Yes, when I first started reading your story, I was on pins and needles about how far he would go, into the darkside so to speak. But now he seems to be a bit “tamed” by his feelings for Bella. But barely! Do you plan on merging some of your fic with Twilight Saga books events, or is this story literally the other side of Twi
light? Meaning, when he decided to kidnap Bella and drink from her, did he completely change their destiny? Will they eventually make it back to Forks with a little Renesmee in tow?
light? Meaning, when he decided to kidnap Bella and drink from her, did he completely change their destiny? Will they eventually make it back to Forks with a little Renesmee in tow?
Savage: I think part of what I like about it is you don’t know how far he will go. This Edward could quite literally do ANYTHING to keep Bella. Even though he’s a little more on Bella’s leash at the moment, he could snap at any time. It keeps things interesting. This story has no intention of following any particular pre-existing storyline.
C2R: At different points in the story Edward experiences “flashes” I guess you’d call them, “visions” of himself and Bella in completely different, more canon-like situations. For example he’s tying her up in Chapter 2 and then imagines her back in his bedroom in Forks in the same position in a big, gold bed that doesn’t actually exist in that universe but would have of course in the canon story eventually. So Chonga theorized that Edward drank her blood and changed their “destiny” so to speak. Is he receiving glimpses of that “other” destiny?
Savage: I didn’t do that with any fifth dimension in mind, though feel free to think of it that way! My intent was more just a way to show that he wasn’t just thinking about blood, but also that he didn’t truly understand why he was having those thoughts, either. Like when he says (while Bella is sleeping) that he wished he could have contained the monster and not gone to her house after school. Edward is just thinking of other possible outcomes if he had been a different sort of vampire. Though like art, writing is different things to different people. If you want to think of it as his visions of an alternate reality – feel free!
C2R: Leaving room for interpretation is always fun 
Chonga: It did give it an interesting twist, considering I tend to think of your fic as the alternate side to Twilight.
Savage: It is an alternate twilight, certainly. This Edward, though I try to keep him reasonably true to canon, has given in and not adopted the control Stephenie Meyer’s Edward has. There is always room for interpretation, whether left there on purpose or not! 
Chonga: Gotcha! One of our members asked: “What’s your thought process as to why it pains Bella so much when she ‘gives’ blood? Is it mainly out of fear, that she doesn’t like the after effects, or is it truly painful? If i t is truly painful, can you expand on the reasoning? I am trying to understand why a fingernail cut would hurt so much other than from fear. I kinda think I’d be all for Edward bloodsucking from me, cuz that’s fuckhawt.”
Savage: LOL
Well, as much as we might like to fantasize about Rob Pattinson nibbling on our necks, we are talking abou t physical trauma here! He’s tearing t hrough the entire epidermal layer and ripping open an artery to drink from each time. Maybe I’m a wuss, but I think that would hurt! Chonga: I guess maybe people assume his cuts are small, since he is counting drops?
Savage: He’s a quick counter. I can see where that would be assumed, though. I was probably thinking more from the first book when he’s sucking out venom from her arm – Bella talks about how initially it hurts more when he starts to drink.
C2R: Twilight being what it is I often forget how HOT the whole vampire blood-lust thing can be. Logically someone sinking their teeth into your body and drinking your blood sounds awful. But when vampires are involved it suddenly becomes very sexual. Why do you think that is?
Savage: Wow – that’s a big question. I think there are probably as many answers as people who think it’s hot. For me, it’s all about control and/or the loss of control, both on the side of the vampire and the victim. There’s such a give and take (physically and emotionally) in the act of drinking blood. The idea that someone could truly, physically NEED you in such an animalistic and violently sensual way can be extremely erotic. Of course, not everyone thinks that way.
Chonga: I think theeroticism part is a huge allure of your story. Not only do we get to see EPOV, but the fact that this is exploring more of the sexual side of these two characters who are star crossed lovers, for all intents and purposes.
This is a member question: Do you plan on doing any Bella POV chapters? This Bella is such a mystery. Not that we need a lot of Bella chapters but maybe just one or two?
Savage: I’m definitely not planning on writing the whole thing over from another POV, no. I have been asked to do a couple of outtakes in BPO
V, which I may do when the rest of the story is finished. I’m really not a huge fan of changing POVs in the middle of a story. I didn’t like that about Breaking Dawn at all. I think if you can’t pick which one you want to do, go with 3rd person! Now there are a lot of stories that switch back and forth, and I still love them, it’s just not my preference as a writer. It means I have to face the challenge as an author of making sure the reader understands the other characters as well, but through Edward’s eyes. The readers will also have to pay attention if they want all the nuances of Bella’s thought processes, because it isn’t always going to be obvious. Ultimately, this is an Edward story. Even Bella has to take the back seat.
Chonga: I’m not complaining! Lol
Savage: Complain away! It won’t change the POV. A lot of people have asked that question, though.
A lot of people have asked that question, though.C2R: Do you have an outline for the story…do you have the complete story mapped out in your head, or are you writing as you go?
Savage: All outlined/mapped out, though a few things have changed in the middle. Sometimes half way through the chapter I think of another way for things to happen, and it gets changed. Originally, Edward was going to steal a plane to “escape” with Bella to get away from his family, but when I thought of him threatening a child, it seemed a better fit, so I ditched the original plan.
Chonga: That was an intense scene!
Member Question: Will this story have a happily ever after? If not I may have to bite my own wrist.
Savage: No comment.
Chonga: LOL ok
C2R: *double facepalm* I will die you know? Just keep that in mind
Savage: Yeah, you’re just going to have to wait for that. I hate spoilers!
Chonga: So do we!
Savage: I never saw the movie Titanic, because I knew how it was going to end. I refuse to watch anything out of order as well. I’m a little OCD…
Chonga: lol! That’s definitely sticking to your guns.
C2R: Do you think Bella was attracted to Edward before he took her or just confused by him?
Savage: I think up to the point where Edward shows up at her house, Bella’s thought processes were exactly as they were in the book. She thought he was beautiful, but didn’t understand his reactions to her at school.
Chonga: So canon up to that point.
Savage: Exactly.
Chonga: Do you think Edward will ever return to being a vegetarian?
Savage: Well, other than Bella he’s been pretty good, most of the time. At the moment, he’s pretty happy as a Bellatarian. Unless you are counting the Dolphins
C2R: hahah
Chonga: Bellatarian. Cute lol
C2R: Some of our members had a hard time with the dolphins.
Savage: I knew some people would. It’s not personal! I just wrote a check to Sea Shepherd, I swear!
C2R: I didn’t personally but yeah, him “hearing” their feelings was pretty intense. Compelling writing.
Chonga: Yes! What a twist.
Savage: It made sense to me. Dolphins are highly intelligent, but still far enough from humans I didn’t think he should be able to really read their minds.
Chonga: I love hearing how much thought you put into writing this. You’re really thinking of all possible scenarios.
Savage: I try. I know I miss some things, and that annoys me. Unfortunately, I’m not quite perfect! Someone pointed out early on with the first chapter that I had people speaking Spanish in Canada instead of French. It hadn’t occurred to me – I was just thinking about the Mexican takeout place in the strip mall. HA!
C2R: Is it only the pull and irresistible nature of Bella’s blood that prompts Edward to abandon his home & family with barely a second thought or on some deeper level do you think he’s aware that this “fragile human girl” is his other half?
Savage: Consciously, no. Unconsciously, though? Maybe. As far as he really knows he just wants to drink her blood, but considering everything he will go through to get it… As things progress, he discovers the physical attraction and then of course, declares his love of her to himself, even though he can’t yet tell her.
Chonga: Yes, this last chapter he whispered “I love you” into her neck. *sigh*
C2R: Le sigh.
Savage: Coward.
C2R: hahahah
Chonga: lol
Have you gotten any outraged reader email, angry about you having changed the story so drastically?
Savage: Not really. Most of what I have received has been really positive. In the beginning (first 2-3 chapters) there were a lot of people who were concerned that any feelings Bella may develop would be the result of Stockholm Syndrome and not anything “real”. There were a few messages from people who didn’t think I knew what Stockholm Syndrome was (I actually used to do seminars about it). That became my motivation for putting the command about Lima Syndrome in one of the chapter end notes. With the most recent update, someone wasn’t happy about the cliffhanger, but sometimes that’s just where the chapter is supposed to end. It’s not done wit
h any malicious intent. I have no problem with people giving their feedback, good and bad. Everything someone says about it is an opportunity for me to improve.
Chonga: That’s generous of you lol. I know I had some strong feelings about Chapter 11’s cliffhanger…
C2R: Yeah, like sexual frustration.
Savage: What about poor Edward? He probably turned blue.
Chonga: Most definitely! It was like “You know that fade to black we always got?? You’re about to find out what happened!”
C2R: I actually live in Manitoba and was surprised when you brought-up: Leaf Rapids, Thompson, Winnipeg, The Forks. Is this just information you Googled or do you have more intimate knowledge?
Savage: Just research. I was looking for someplace very out of the way. Leaf Rapids looked perfect. Previously thriving mining community that had gone pretty much bust financially. I understand they even had a place to go curling until it closed up last year. But yeah, all Google research.
C2R: I live within walking distance of The Forks lol
Savage: I just found it looking for shopping areas.
Chonga: Do you have a favorite of the Twilight Saga books?
Savage: Either Twilight or Eclipse. Definitely looking forward to the next movie.
C2R: Yesssss
Chonga: Yes!
Savage: I love the conflict between Edward and Jacob.
C2R: Jealousward is epic.
I love your chapter titles. Is it getting harder to come up with catchy ones?
Savage: Yes it is!!! I usually title them after the chapter is done, and sometimes they just jump right out at me, but other times I really struggle. The ones with lame titles? Yeah, those are the ones I struggled with.
C2R: I haven’t seen any lame ones yet.
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Chonga: lol Me either.
C2R: Read & Bleed is my fav I think.
Savage: Confront and expose is the worst, I think. For a title, anyway.
Chonga: So I checked your profile and see you are writing one other fic that is from the Star Wars fandom. How difficult is it to straddle both worlds?
Savage: I’m not currently writing any SW fanfic – I wrote a lot of it years ago. It was the first fanfic I wrote. I’ve always loved the character Darth Maul. I think I just like dark & evil. So it’s not difficult to straddle, because I’m really not.
C2R: Are you married/living with people? C
hildren? And do they know you’re writing this super-fuck-hot vamp story?
Savage: I’m married, yes, had our 20th anniversary not too long ago. Two children – son who will be 15 in a couple of weeks and an 8 year old daughter. My husband knows what I write, though he never reads it. The kids know I do write, and the basic premise of the story, but they don’t read it, and that’s probably best. I worry sometimes when my son is reading over my shoulder. He’s got a steady girlfriend, and I don’t want to give them any ideas!!
He’s got a steady girlfriend, and I don’t want to give them any ideas!!C2R: Yes, Snowqueens Icedragon was mortified at the thought of her kids reading MoTU as well. Although her husband beta’s her chapters. Lol
Savage: If they were a little older, it would be okay.
Chonga: Any special writing rituals you wish to divulge?
Savage: I write a lot on an iTouch, since all of our computers are in the same room. It’s easier for me to get some privacy if I go hide somewhere. So I write most of the scenes with one finger, then email them to myself and piece them together. I don’t know if that counts as a ritual. Mostly I just try to get somewhere quiet. It hasn’t been working today.
Chonga: Wow!!
C2R: That sounds like it could be a very tedious way to write, although I’ve never used an iTouch.
Chonga: That is amazing because I have a tough time typing on my iTouch with my fat fingers! LOL And your chapters aren’t short! W
ay to go!
Savage: I have gotten used to it, really. I type faster than I can think on a normal keyboard. The one-finger-method makes me slow down a little. The chapters are as long as they are. I’m not really going for a particular length.
Chonga: They’re great.
C2R: Currently reading any other fics? Have any favorites?
Savage: I have a ton of them I’m reading – how many do you want? I’ve kept up with MotU and UoEM. I have also been reading Clipped Wings and Inked Armor, which is a very interesting story.
I’ve kept up with MotU and UoEM. I have also been reading Clipped Wings and Inked Armor, which is a very interesting story.C2R: We’re reading all of those except UoEM. We’re saving that one…letting the chapters build up a little.
Savage: I may start Wicked Angel this week.
Chonga: Is that AH?
Savage: I have no idea – I just saw it in someone’s signature on the forum. Apparently Edward is a hitman, maybe? I haven’t actually started it yet. Just Wait – that’s another one I have been enjoying.
Chonga: Oooh I’m excited for that one as well!
C2R: You should try High Anxiety. That story is…phenomenal.
Savage: I haven’t checked that one out. Send me a link, since I can’t seem to be able to find anything without one!
C2R: Absolutely.
Chonga: If I can gush for a sec, yours is the only AU fic I read. I stick to AH’s for now, but yours is the exception and I do not regret. It is a fantastic story!! Do you have plans for any other stories banging around your head?
Savage: Yes, the next one I write will be original. It’s in outline form now, but I’ve hinted people who like hide and drink will probably like this as well. We’re a good year off from that, though. I also have a couple of one-shots from Edward & Carlisle’s early days. I may finish those at some point. I have heard a lot of comments that many people don’t like AU and stick to AH.
C2R: Yeah I’ve hated all the vamp fic I’ve read except Hide & Drink.
Chonga: Yeah, you just get territo
rial about Twilight and don’t want anything to ruin the high you got from the books. But that doesn’t happen with your story.
C2R: What advice would you give to people who are thinking about writing fan fiction?
Savage: If you want to write, start writing. It will be better than any other alternative. And be coachable. You won’t learn anything if you close up and don’t listen to people’s (often unsolicited) advice. If you can find someone whose work you enjoy to evaluate you, listen to what they say!
And be coachable. You won’t learn anything if you close up and don’t listen to people’s (often unsolicited) advice. If you can find someone whose work you enjoy to evaluate you, listen to what they say!Chonga: I looked up Wicked Angel. B
ella’s last name is Newton! LOL That is great. It’s going on my list.
Savage: Last name is Newton??? Didn’t I tell you I hate spoilers???
Chonga: It was in the synopsis! I promise! Lol
Savage: LOL
Chonga: Is that still too much spoiler?
Savage: Ummm…actually, I don’t read the synopses or author’s notes because too many people put spoilers in them. Did I mention I’m OCD?
Chonga: Oh wow lol
C2R: I don’t read all the author’s notes either.
Chonga: Awww, I apologize.
C2R: Way to go Chongs. *Snickers*
Chonga: I suck lol
Savage: No apology needed. I was reading one recently and the chapter ended on a tragic note. I was all emotional and loving it, and then the end notes said “Don’t worry! It’ll be an HEA!” I quit reading.
I was reading one recently and the chapter ended on a tragic note. I was all emotional and loving it, and then the end notes said “Don’t worry! It’ll be an HEA!” I quit reading.Chonga: So what are you doing when you’re not writing this freakin’ amazing story?
Savage: Professionally, I’m in the corporate IT world, living the Dilbert dream. Outside of work, I obviously read a lot, play soccer, and I’m a member of the 501st Legion – the Premier Star War
s Costuming organization. We do a lot of charity work.
C2R: We only have one more line of questioning. Jesus that sounds so ominous. Anyway, I’m not sure if you’ve visited our sites but if you have I’m sure you can ascertain that we’re a Rob & Kristen fan site…that caters to a certain facet of the community that gets all gooey over Rob & Kristen being an item.
Savage: I’ve looked at the site and gotten that idea, yes.
C2R: I’m assuming you’re a fan of the movies as well? Are you lovin’ the Rob & Stew or does that whole circus not affect you at all?
Savage: I love the movies, definitely. I think they look cute together, but no, not really into the “circus” as you put it. I am friends with a lot of celebrities, so I don’t tend to go too fan-crazy. I am more likely to feel sorry for them!
C2R: We do our best to keep it sane. Lol
Savage: hehe
C2R: Respect is the key.
Savage: Absolutely.
Chonga: Do you by any chance attend Comic Con? Since you’re a member of the 501st Legion…
Savage: I haven’t been to Comic Con (too far away), but I go to Dragon Con every year. And Star Wars Celebration V is in Orlando this summer.
Chonga: Oooh, you’ll be coming close to me. I live in Florida. I have a co-worker who attends Dragon Con every year, she loves it. Where do you live, if I’m not being too personal?
Savage: Cincinnati, Ohio. Come on up to DC! It’s a blast. I never miss a Dragon Con.
Chonga: Those events are awesome. Such a great environment. I’ve only been to Comic Con.
Savage: Definitely. Lots of fun, and I have gotten to know so many people from all around the world. It’s phenomenal.
C2R: Chonga slept on the sidewalk all night so we could cover Rob & Kristen at the New Moon Panel. We’re hardcore like that.
Savage: LOL
Chonga: Yes lol. It was a great time though.
Savage: I prefer to get the people I want to know after the panel into my room parties.
Chonga: LOL
C2R: In Rob & Stew’s case that would be epic.
Chonga: Thanks so much for doing this with us on a Sunday morning!
C2R: Thanks so much
Savage: Thank you both!
Chonga: Have a great day…we’ll let you get back to Chapter 13
Savage: LOL – Yeah, I need to get cranking on that.
C2R: You really do *smirks*
Savage: Can’t leave that level of cliffie out too long!
C2R: No, because I’ll die.
Savage: LOL
Chonga: Me too!
Savage: See you at Dragon Con!
Thanks so much to Savage for allowing us to interview her! You made our Sunday morning!
Wow, interesting….Great job as usual girls! Bellatarian, lmao
Awesome interview. I love this fanfic. Edwards need for her both in blood and body is so hot. And the way Bella gives herself to him…UNF!!! Cannot wait for an update. Awesome job Ladies!!
Thanks for another terrific interview folks… so far you're 2 for 2 on FF's I'm reading and having feedback from the authors is very satisfying.
Love the site too – please keep up the good works, redsock
I love this story so much. Sometimes I think it's better than SM's Twilight saga, which I love and read like a dozen times. Great interview. Thank you.
Great Great Great! Thoughtful questions & really interesting answers. I love this fic (obvi) & I love hearing about her "process", so to speak. You're becoming pros at this whole interview thing! I mean that! Fantastic! Thx
love it, but one question was missing, WHEN IS THE NEXT CHAPTER COMING? I love this fic and the cliffhangers just kill me!
Brilliant interview
. I'm glad she answered a few of my questions. Yay! Love Savage!
Excellent job ladies! I loved this interview! I love SAVAGE. What an interesting and fascinating lady. I want to know more about her!! I want to be friends with her! I love this story. So great.
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