April Author Spotlight: TwiStarJunkie

The Notebook is pleased to announce it's April Author Spotlight. This month, we are featuring the amazing author TwiStarJunkie. She has written two stories for the Twilight Fandom: Crash and Burn, and Break Even. Both stories are utterly amazing! If you haven't had a chance to read them, I suggest you take a change and give them a read, you won't be sorry you did, and I guarantee you'll be just like the rest of us, sitting on the edge of our seats waiting to see what she comes up with next.

 Wanna get to know TwiStarJunkie? Here's how you can...

Facebook

FF Profile
Twitter: @TwiStarJunkie

We got the chance to sit down and chat with TwiStarJunkie for a little bit and she was kind enough to answer some questions for us. Here's what she had to say...



The Notebook: What made you decide to start writing fanfic?

TwiStarJunkie: Oh man, when Twilight rolled around, it literally had it's wicked way with me, and I just laid back and let it happen LOL. I was sucked in, and before I knew it, I was a fanfiction h00r. Then plot bunnies began making themselves known and the rest is history ;)


TN: Which of your stories was your favorite to write?

TSJ: Wow, that's a really hard one, and I only have two!! I guess I could call them both faves for different reasons. Break Even flowed out of me because it involved things from my past and it was almost like some weird sort of therapy...WOW I don't sound psycho *insert sarcasm*

 Crash & Burn, which is what talks to me the most now, is so much more challenging as it deals with very complicated and troubling issues and is something I actually live through every day.

 You asked which one, and I picked both so I didn't really answer the question, did I? *bites nails*

 
 TN: Who is your favorite character that you've written? Why?

 TSJ: Definitely Addictward from Crash & Burn. While he annoys the ever loving shit out of me each night by chanting in my ear to write *grumbles*, I can't help but love him. He's so broken and in need of a shoulder, and a hug, that my heart just goes out to him. There's still good in him, and it's going to be my biggest challenge yet to completely bring it out. That and he's not only tattooed, but he's pierced and HOT AS HELL...who wouldn't want to write him LOL


 TN: Who is your least favorite character that you’ve written? Why?

 TSJ: James from Break Even. He's a sick son of a bitch, and I absolutely LOATHE writing him. I literally cannot wait to close that part of the story so I don't have to write from his POV anymore. To narrate from his POV really brings me into a dark frame of mind and it's extremely unsettling. BUT every story, well almost every story, has their villains.

 From Crash & Burn, it would have to be Alice.



TN: Do people in your RL know about your writing fanfic?

TSJ: My mother does as I've mentioned it to her, but she hasn't read any of it. She tends to be very close minded and dare I say...prude? *snickers* DEFINITELY not someone who should be reading my material LOL. My best friend, Clare, also knows and has read it. She actually wrote Lord of the Rings fanfiction with me back in the day, and although she's a Twilight fan, she hates the movies and the fact that Rob & Kristen played Edward & Bella. Believe me, I've had many fights with her over THAT subject *lights up a smoke* And then there's my hubby. He's read Break Even, but not Crash & Burn. He doesn't even know the latter exists. He's very inquisitive after reading my lemons as well...asking why I write it in so much detail, if it comes from past experiences, if it's something I fantasize about....MEN! Do I answer him, no...its much more fun to let him drive himself crazy thinking of the possibilities BWHAHAHAHAHA



TN: What is your greatest achievement so far?

 TSJ: The amount of attention Crash & Burn has received, and the number of readers both Crash & Burn and Break Even have attracted. I never thought when I began posting these stories that it would turn into what it is now. Blows my mind!


TN: Where do you get inspiration for your stories?

TSJ:  I mainly draw from personal experiences. To me, it makes it not only easier, but more relatable when you're pulling from real life experiences deep inside. You've got the emotion that just spills out onto the page, and, for me at least, it's almost like a release that leaves me feeling relieved in the end. Music plays a pretty heavy role too. I could be driving along, hear a song and BAM! I'm ramming the car in front of me because a plot bunny has attacked!



TN: Do you outline your stories before writing them, or do you plot them out as they go?

 TSJ: Seriously? This is hilarious...okay, see, I outline every story, BUT I hardly ever stick to it. What sounds like a great idea when I'm outlining turns into something else as the story progresses. I've also learned that even though I can summarize what I want to happen in each chapter, the characters always get carried away and what was supposed to be one chapter, turns into four or five. ESPECIALLY in Break Even. I completely had to chunk the outline because Edward and Bella just couldn't get their hands off of each other once they had a taste.



TN: What are 5 things you want your fans to know about you?

 TSJ: *clears throat and bites at nails* hmmm...*fixes hair and blushes* I'm a Starbucks addict.

 I pencil sketch people when I'm not writing.

Uhm...I have a major problem with jelly beans. I literally eat a whole bag in one freaking sitting...Jelly Belly has made a fortune off of me, I think it's time they start giving me a percentage of their profits!!

 I can drink most men under a table *face palm*.

 I LOATHE the sound of styrofoam and bubble wrap.



TN: Who are some of your favorite fanfic authors?

 TSJ: Wow, there's a lot but I'll just name a few...theonlykyla, bnjwl, catastrophia, edwardsbloodtype, lvtwilight,



TN: What are some of your favorite fics?

 TSJ: Well if i include the WIP that I'm currently reading, this could go on forever so I'll just list the completed fics:

The Office, The Red Line, Edward Wallbanger, Dear Mr. Masen, Wild, Discovering You Discovering Me, Loner, High Anxiety, Please Rescue Me, The List and I LOVE O/S too!


TN: What was the first fic you ever read?

 TSJ: Something Lord of the Rings, BUT from the Twi fandom, it was The Office and The Red Line...I read them both at the same time



TN: How did you get into fanfic?

TSJ: I can blame Lord of the Rings for that...it got me hooked years ago



 TN: What story owns your ass right now?

 TSJ: Stolen Secrets and Shattered Dreams by FoxxyJ... she has completely sucked me in. Also, Metal Pointe by Bnjwl and theonlykyla... my heart is completely broken for Edward and Bella and all they've had to endure :(



TN:  What color socks are you wearing?

 TSJ:  Umm...*looks around* None



TN:. Why did the chicken cross the road?  

TSJ: I don't freaking know! Why is everyone so worried about the damn chicken anyhow? It's going to give the poor thing a complex, then we'll have a weird, brooding chicken...and I'm going to shut the hell up LOL



TN: How do you find a needle in a haystack?

TSJ: Promise $5  and ice cream to whichever of my two kids finds it first ;D


TN: Where do you get the inspiration for your characters? Like do they just spontaneoulsy come to you or do you see something and it inspires you to write?

TSJ: Most of the time, it starts with a song I've heard to inspire the fic. I then draw from that and usually visuals begin to seep in. It's always Edward and Bella in my mind, but usually their characters are reflections of people that either were or are in my life



TN: If you had to choose, which would be your favorite 'ward that you write?

TSJ: Right now, I'm loving Addictward. There's just something about a rugged, broken, tattooed and pierced Edward.

 I mean, I love Break Even's Edward...he's the epitomy of sweet and loving and exactly what Bella needs, but he's just not BAD enough, ya know?



TN: How do you write; to music, with RL background noise or in silence?

TSJ: With music in the background, cigarette in hand, and a glass of wine on the table ;D



TN: Do you prefer boxers, briefs or free-balling on your men/Edwards?

TSJ: Break Even---definitely boxer briefs

Crash & Burn's Addictward? --Free ballin' all the fucking way!!



TN: What's the biggest misconception that people might have about your Addictward?

TSJ: That he's unredeemable because of his lifestyle combined with the drug addiction. With the right help, anyone can change.



TN: Favorite book of the Twilight Saga series and why?

TSJ: I would have to say Eclipse HANDS DOWN. The Leg Hitch and the whole Edward kidnapping Bella...I mean *fans self*  Really though, in Eclipse, Edward was more comfortable and open about things with Bella and we saw them really begin to take shape as a normal couple....well as normal as they can be



TN: Favorite character from the books besides Edward/Bella and ?why?

TSJ: Charlie. I freaking love Charlie. He reminds me so much of my own father. Emmett isn't far behind tho ;)



TN: Have you read/seen The Hunger Games and if so are you Team Gale or Team Peeta?

TSJ: No, and I am SO ashamed!!!! I want to read it so badly but between writing, beta'ing, and taking care of things at home, I literally have NO TIME



TN: Cupcakes or Doughnuts?

TSJ: Wow...I've been reading WAY too much fanfiction apparently. The first thought I had upon reading this question was a visual of a doughnut on Robward's *coughs* well you get the point! I need a cigarette! And a quick trip to Krispy Kreme...STAT!

Fics of the Month

Voting is now up for the April Fics of the month. The poll is on the left hand side of the blog. You can vote for up to 3 fics of the month. Voting ends at 12pm PST on April 5. If you have fics you wanna see up on the poll in the future, make sure you fill out the Rec a Fic form that can be found on the right hand side of the blog.

Weekly Recs March 26 to April 2

 Here are some rec's for the week of March 26 to April 2.

Good vs Evil by kitkat681


This fic is so many different kinds of awesome I don't know where to start. Jesus is a chick, Edward is the anti-Christ, and God is sporting a fuck-awesome 'stache.... It's totally different from anything else I've read, so if you have an open mind and are looking for something great to read, I highly suggest giving this one a shot.



If Ever You Come Back by BlueSkies81

This is the first fic for this author. It was inspired by The Script's song If Ever You Come Back. It's a wonderful little one shot that absolutely just melted my heart. It's told in EPOV, and BlueSkies81 just added in a second chapter from Bella's POV. Be sure to give this one a look and leave some love for the author!

Weekly Recs: March 19 - March 25

Here are the rec's for this week! Don't forget to fill out the Rec a Fic form if you have stories you want to see rec'd here.


Snowbound by Edward's Eternal

This fic is relatively new, but it's absolutely to die for. Edward comes off a little abrasive at first, but as soon as Bella enters the picture his caring, nurturing side comes out. It is beautifully written and you'll be wanting to steal Bear and bring him home with you. Each chapter offers you some answers, but also will leave you dying for more as more questions are raised. This fic has quickly become one of my favorites and I find myself looking forward to Mondays and Thursdays because of it. Be sure to check it out, you'll be glad you did.


Past Her Prime by XquisiteProdigy

This drabble is absolutely hilarious and will have you pissing your pants as you read about a Very Olderward, lovingly dubbed AARPward and his attempts at gaining the attention of his neighbor across the street. Things aren't all they seem to be though, and a few lingering questions will leave you dying for more. This fic is without a doubt one of the funniest stories I've read in a while, so be sure to check it out. After all...who doesn't need a good laugh every once in a while.

Weekly Recs: 3/12 to 3/18

Here are this weeks rec's. Don't forget to fill out the Rec a Fic form and let us know about all the stories that are completely owning you right now so we can feature them here on the blog!

Please Rescue Me by: theonlykyla

Rec's by: TwiStar_Junkie

This fic currently OWNS me! It's Batteredward at his best! Kyla does an amazing job of sucking you in. The emotions and struggle that come with being in an abusive relationship are beautifully translated and leaves you breathless and in serious need of a tissue.

Edward is in a severly abusive relationship and feels there's no way out for him, so he's simply accepted that's it for him. Thanks to Bella's caring nature, patience and determination, she literally rescues him and shows him a whole new way of life.

This fic is inspirational, and at times, will keep you on the edge of your seat! It updates regularly as well! Please, show this fic the respect and admiration it deserves and go chcek it out! You won't be disappointed!


A Healing Touch by: Lulabelle98

Rec'd by: DreamOfTheEndless

 The characters are true to life and her story is heartfelt and masterfully spun. Happy reading!


The Sire by MySweetWolf

Rec'd by: WhiteWolfLegend

It's completely different, It starts off with Bella telling her past to the pack. We see what happened from the time she was married, her abusive husband, her children and then hopefully from there till her meeting the love of her life again Jasper. It's addictive to read and it makes me think about what would happen next!

I can always picture flashes of the story thats being told or feel the emotion at the time. I'm patiently waiting untill she gets to her time with Jasper and what happens! But for now i would love to read and see the rest of her story!

Fandom Causes

There are a bunch of great fandom causes going on right now that are still taking author sign ups and donations. Please take a moment to check them out and consider signing up to write or donating. They are all wonderful causes that deserve your support. If you know of any other fandom causes going on, email us at twinotebook@gmail.com with their info, or fill out the fandom event form on the blog so we can post about it here. Here are the ones that we here at The Notebook know about and are planning on contributing to...

 Fandom 4 Children

Author Sign Up deadline: none (pieces are due on April 1)

Donation deadline: April 10 

Compilation sent out on April 15

Fandom for Preemies

Author Sign Up deadline: April 15 (pieces are due on April 25)

Donation deadline: April 25

Compilation sent out on May 1

 

Fandoms 4 Autism 

Author Sign Up deadline: n/a (pieces due May 5)

Donation deadline: May 25

Compilations sent out starting May 26th 

 Fandoms 4 Special Olympics

Author Sign Up deadline: May 1 (teasers due May 15, pieces due June 1)

Donation deadline: n/a

Compilation sent out on June 15

March Fics of the Month

Here are the March Fics of the Month. Links to the fics can be found on the Fics of the Month page on the blog. Don't forget...if you have any stories you want to see here on the blog, be sure out to fill out the appropriate rec form from on the right hand side of the blog.

March Author Spotlight: Catastrophia

The Notebook is pleased to announce it's March Author Spotlight. This month, we are featuring the amazing author Catastrophia. She has written several stories for the Twilight Fandom including Breach, 29 Dimensions, When Bunnies Attack, and Welcome to the Cameo Hotel. If asked to choose a favorite story of hers, I'd be hard pressed to make a decision...I love each of them. If you haven't had a chance to read any of her stories, I suggest you take a change and give them a read, you won't be sorry you did, and I guarantee you'll be just like the rest of us, sitting on the edge of our seats waiting to see what she comes up with next.

 Wanna get to know Catastrophia? Here's how you can...

Facebook

Facebook Group

FF Profile
Twitter: @Catastrophia49

We got the chance to sit down and chat with Catastrophia for a little bit and she was kind enough to answer some questions for us. Here's what she had to say...

 

The Notebook:  What made you decide to start writing fanfic?

Catastrophia: Curiosity. I started reading fanfic, and then a few months later decided to give writing a try. At first I was pretty terrible, it had been so long since I’d taken a writing course I had forgotten so much.

TN:  Which of your stories was your favorite to write?

Cat: 29 Dimensions. Hands down. That story leaves a cheesy grin on my face. It’s the only fic I’ve written that I have also read multiple times.

TN Who is your favorite character that you've written? Why?

Cat: Hmm, that’s a tough one. Breachward is definitely at the top, but so is Cameoward and Mase from Conventioneers. Though Mase may be up there because he is just so hot!

Well, it seems it’s always Edward, but I would say Breachward wins out. He is such a complicated, passionate, damaged man.

Oooh, but then there is Izzy from When Bunnies Attack. She is so much fun to write! Direct, quirky, and hyper with a bunny obsession.

Or, non-main characters I would say Mrs. Cope from Hate What You Do To Me. She is a blast!

TN: Who is your least favorite character that you’ve written? Why?

Cat: *goes to look at her ff profile*

I suppose this is not restricted to main characters, so I would have to say… I have no idea. Each character is needed to advance the plot.

Eh, it’s probably James from Hate What You Do To Me. 

TN:  Do people in your RL know about your writing fanfic?

Cat: My sister does, though she can’t get over that they’re not vampires in my stories so she isn’t reading them. My mom does, but thankfully I don’t think she understands. There are some people at work, and one who is a Twilight fan who started reading. My hubs and best friends know, but one of them kinda paved the way for me. She was writing Smallville fanfic for years.

TN: What is your greatest achievement so far?

Cat: Breach and its success. I’m astounded at what it has achieved. Multiple reviews on various blogs, over 2k reviews. It will be my crowning jewel, I think. The plot, the way that everything weaves in together, was very difficult. It is my most in depth story.

TN: Where do you get inspiration for your stories?

Cat: Music. I am an avid music listener and I listen to music constantly when I write. Some songs will speak to me about a certain story, some will spawn plot bunnies. It isn’t always about the lyrics, half the songs it’s about the music. There is one orchestral piece I can’t even listen to anymore because I see the last chapter of Reciprocity, the sequel to Breach, which hasn’t even begun posting yet. 

TN: Do you outline your stories before writing them, or do you plot them out as they go? 

Cat: I’m laughing at this question and the silliness of outlines. I tried a bit with Breach, but early on found out that what I had lined up for one chapter ended up taking 3. So, I have key points instead with vague chapter numbers. It really all depends on the story. Breach, I’ve had things on the list for months before they ever show up in a chapter. With Conventioneers each chapter is a day of the convention and spans three years’ worth of them, with a bridging chapter in between each year. Specific things are outlined to happen in each year. Cameo, each chapter was supposed to be a month, and I have 4 months outlined.

None of my other stories have had outlines, just plot as I go.

TN: What are 5 things you want your fans to know about you?

Cat: Gah!! It’s a talk about me question!! Abandon ship! Abandon Ship!! Lol!

Umm….. My characters can drink most people under the table because I can. Though I know 100lbs girls can’t drink that much, my body just laughs at five shots and says ‘you call that a drink?’. Hollow leg, baby!

I am on FB, tumblr, twitter, and have a blog. Come round, ask me questions, say ‘hi’, I love that stuff.

I’m a homebody.

I am an artist by trade and thought I sucked at writing. I’ve never really been passionate about anything until I started writing.

Umm….. Team Edward!!

TN: Who are some of your favorite fanfic authors?

Cat: I don’t get to read much for the past year, so this seemingly easy question is really tough!!

My girls always give me a good read though: theonlykyla, lvtwilight09, reyes139, and Xquisite Prodigy.

TN: What are some of your favorite fics?

Cat: Pride and Professionalism, Coming to Terms, Dear Mr. Masen, Just One of The Boys, Renfield and Chicklets, The Ties That Bind... I know there are more.

 I’m also a one shot h00r.

TN: What was the first fic you ever read?

Cat: No clue. I think it was a Harry Potter fic years ago.

TN: How did you get into fanfic?

Cat: I think it was Harry Potter fanfic, but it’s been so long I don’t remember. I know I went away for quite a few years, but when I fell in love with Twilight I knew just where to go when I needed more!!

TN:  What story owns your ass right now?

Cat:  I don’t really have time to read between work and writing, so I’d have to say the drabble Learning to Let Go by Lvtwilight09. There have been some twists in this little drabble!

TN:  What color socks are you wearing?

Cat: White

TN:  Why did the chicken cross the road?

Cat: You know, I ask them that almost every day. There’s a bunch that live around the corner and I often see them on the other side. They never answer me, rude they are, pecking away at the ground. I have a compulsion now as I pass to cluck out chicken.

TN: . How do you find a needle in a haystack?

Cat: A really big magnet.

TN: Other than Edward, who is your favorite Cullen? Why?

Cat: Jasper. Cause he’s emo and hot, and I’d like to explore the Major part of his personality. ;)

TN: If you were Bella, how would you handle Edward’s leaving in New Moon?

Cat: About the same, just with more tears. Emotionally, I am a lot like Bella… only more selfish.

‎TN: How does Mr. Cat deal with your writing? Has he read any of your stuff? 

Cat: Mr. Cat works a lot lately and has developed a hatred of my laptop. But I’d say his absence caused it. No, he hasn’t read any of my stuff. He’s cool with my writing and wants me to get something published. He said he wouldn’t have a problem being a kept man. It would be awesome if I could get published one day.

TN: If you could be any animal in the world, what would be and why? 

Cat: For some reason all I can come up with is an owl. They have great sight, they can fly, and… they can be quite creepy.

TN: When you are writing do you visualize what you are working on as you write it or just write what comes to you?

Cat: Usually what comes to me, and it comes to me in bits. Then I need to visualize in order to glue all the bits together. It’s a very strange process and rarely can I just visualize it and write a scene or chapter in one cohesive vision. Bits, pieces, and glue!

TN: Are you a size of the boat kind of girl or the motion in the ocean?

Cat: Size of the boat, but I have more of the motion of the ocean. A girl can dream.

TN:  Of all your Edward’s which one are you most attracted to and which Bella best represents you?

Cat: Which Edward??? Well, to quote one of my favorite movies: “I could no sooner chose a favorite star in the Heavens!”

Each one of them is different, and I am attracted to aspects of each of them. If I really had to choose though, I would lean more toward Hate What You Do To Me’s Edward. Because just as much as there are things that attract me to them, they all also have things that detract me. I do not write my perfect man. They are all flawed, but his flaws are less.

Then again, if you are asking for just pure sexual attraction…. I think Breachward might win that competition. :D

Breach’s Bella best represents me. She and I are a lot alike personality wise. Many of the other Bella’s I write have personality traits I wish that I had. Even Bella from The Blackened Flame.

TN: Thongs, bikinis or boyshorts?

Cat: Bikinis.

TN: Favorite video game?

Cat: Fatal Frame, hands down.

TN:. How much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?

Cat: As much as he can before his arm gets tired.

TN:  If there was one thing you would change in either the Twilight books or movies, other than Edward leaving in New Moon, what would it be and why?

Cat: The book: make Jacob less pushy and annoying.

The movie: fix their conversation at the end when she gets to Volterra and beyond. They just butchered it from the book. The book ending was much better. Oh, and I love how the movies forget that Edward can read minds, he knows what attack is coming.