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Denise   Teacher Peril 1 By Miss Claire Dawkins-d9 by Rob66

1. Let’s start with some background information about you, the creator of Denise, Wonder Curia and Blue Blaze? Is the real you a teacher, Amazon Princess or a superheroine? And how did you decide to write stories that feature such a wide variety of characters?

The real me is a teacher.  I am Denise :)  So when I started writing stories, they were about me, about what I knew.  But I have so many different and varied interests, fantasies, and ideas that go into the supernatural, the fantastic, the otherworldly...and I've always been a fan of heroines.  I've been a huge fan of Wonder Woman since I was a little girl, so the Curia character came from that love.  And Blue Blaze, Red Rain, Letitia, my newest characters, they are my attempt to be original, to do characters that I haven't done before, and character types that I haven't really seen done in the way that I'm doing them.  I think I'm always evolving and growing and that's reflected in the characters I write for and create.

2. What drew you into the world of story writing? Did you write before joining DeviantArt?

I actually joined DeviantArt originally right around the time it started, but I wasn't active on dA until maybe six years ago.  I started writing about eight or nine years ago; I had some friends on a different site that encouraged me, and I was doing some roleplaying with them, and then one morning I woke up after a particularly vivid dream and wrote my first story, 'Cookies'. It was then that I realized I could do this and I haven't stopped since!

3. Describe the creative process that goes into each of your characters’ stories.

I don't have a set creative process.  Some of my stories, like the one I described in the last question, are based on a particularly vivid dream or fantasy and basically 'write themselves'.  Then there are the longer chapter stories, which are much more work and involve continuously updated outlines and in a lot of cases, feedback from others (especially if their characters are part of the story!)

4. What writers have inspired you?

Great question.  I think every author, every book I read inspires me in some way.  Every story I read, on dA as well as other sites.  I was active on a couple of great story sites in the past - MCStories and LTBSA - and a lot of those authors inspired me in the stories I've created.

5. What are you currently reading and what book(s) would you recommend to others?

Right now I'm not reading anything.   The last books I read were 'historical fiction', Steve Berry in particular has been a favorite author of mine this year.  But I like all kinds of books.  I have the Wonder Woman New 52 graphic novels and plan to read them soon!

6. Why did you decide to write about Wonder Curia as opposed to just writing fanfic about Princess Diana, the original Wonder Woman?

I started out writing about Diana; my first Wonder Woman stories are Diana ones.  Then a few years ago, a couple of my friends on dA, Tania and Athena, started giving me the idea that maybe I should try creating my own character, and so I started thinking about that, and eventually the ideas came together for Curia.  I think she's been around for three years now, maybe a bit longer. :)

7. What is the fascination with Amazonian women that has led you and other creators on DeviantArt to create characters based around the Amazon legend?

I think it has to do with how strong and powerful they are, how they don't ever back down from anyone or anything.  We all want to be more Amazon-like, I think!  I have always been fascinated with mythology too.  And the Amazon backstory is such a compelling one.  It's just so different than any other major characters' story, and why the major movie studios can't figure out how to write a proper screenplay for it baffles me.

8. How much of your non-heroine OC Denise is really you?

Pretty much everything.  The one thing is, it's not always 'present me', it depends on the story I'm writing and how I feel at that moment, but in some way it's always me, just at some point in my life.

9. What do you enjoy and dislike most about the writing process?

When I have a clear idea of what I want to write, when it's basically 'written in my head' already, then the process tends to be very enjoyable. When I get to a place where it's not clear how to proceed, then the process gets a bit torturous really. And a lot of times the endings can be a struggle.  

10. Do/did you read comic books? If so, which ones?

I didn't discover comic books until I was grown up, really for the most part about ten years ago.  I read Wonder Woman, and the Justice League ones, and Secret Six - that was a favorite of mine and I couldn't really tell you why, maybe it was kinda cool to have main characters that were 'morally ambiguous'.

11. Did you have fantasies about or pretend to be a superheroine when you were growing up? And, if so, who did you pretend to be?

I watched the Super Friends cartoons on Saturday mornings when I was a little girl, and I wanted to be Wonder Woman! And a big part of me still does :)

12. What is it about the transformation theme that appeals to you?

It's tough to put it into words exactly, but ever since I can remember, I've had fantasies about being the victim of a transformation.  It might go back to those same Super Friends cartoons - Wonder Woman was getting transformed all the time.  Some of the shows I grew up with - Twilight Zone, Tales from the Darkside, Friday the 13th, etc. probably contributed as well. I guess it's a variation of the 'peril' genre that really excites me! I have dreams about being turned into a doll, or mannequin, or statue, and being on display, added to a collection, being turned into something different than what I am...and being helpless to do anything about it!

13. What do you think are the best and worst aspects of DeviantArt?

Well the best part is how much of a community it's become. 99% of the Deviants are supportive and understanding and great to interact with. And they seem to be interested in our feedback, on ways to improve the site.


The worst part continues to be, the 1% that feels as though it's ok to bully and harass others, hiding behind their username, and how easily it seems to be to get reported/ suspended/etc for one complaint.  But this is not unique to dA, it's everywhere in our society, and we all need to work diligently to call those people out for their behavior.  If you see a deviation that bothers you, do what I do, ignore it and move on.  Just because I don't like something or approve of it doesn't give me, or anyone, the right to judge, bully, or harass the person that posted it.

14. As a teacher, have you encouraged any of your students to express themselves on DeviantArt?

No, I haven't.  As far as I know, none of my students are aware of my dA presence, and that's probably a good thing. ;)

15. There are many OC heroines with continuing storylines on DeviantArt created by both male and female writers/artists. What are your thoughts on whether a male or female creator has a greater advantage in creating and telling stories about a heroine, particularly a heroine who will ultimately be imperiled/menaced by villains or villainesses?

This is a great question, and I don't think there's a clear cut answer, because I know many writers and artists, and it's probably 50/50 male/female.  I think as a female we have an advantage if we're describing something that we've experienced, but I know many men who are in touch with their feminine side and that's a good thing, and I have never had a problem helping one of them in describing something they can't quite relate to.  When it comes to peril, I think we generally come at it from different perspectives, and so there's no real advantage, it just depends on the point of view the story or art is being told from.

  
16. What do you think is behind the thrill for fans and also for writers/creators when it comes to seeing superheroines (or teachers) dominated? 

I think in both cases, it's someone who is thought of as being in a 'position of power'.  So seeing the tables turned on them, and all their power taken away, and the power now being held by those who were beneath them, at least for me that's a huge part of the thrill. I know that as Denise, or as Curia, I have that power, but deep down I really don't want the responsibility that comes with having it...

17. What advice do you have for other writers?

Above all - just write! Don't overthink things too much.  Take an idea you have, set up a scene, write out how you visualize that scene developing, and then go from there. There's no right or wrong way to write, so just do it! And don't be afraid to share what you've written. I'm always available as a sounding board for ideas or as an editor for stories.

18.  In your favourites gallery, there are, among other things, 19 pages of Denise by other artists; 19 pages of Wonder Woman Curia by other artists; 2 pages of Blue Blaze by other artists; and 4 pages of entries by other Deviants in your recent teacher perils challenge. What do you think makes others here on DA so interested in writing for or drawing your characters?

Wow. I don't know the reason, I remember the first few times it happened, I was just incredibly shocked and flattered. I am still very flattered every time I see someone post something with one of my characters! It never gets old.

I guess that's the way that you know you have friends, when they are motivated to take their own time to create something for you. And I have enjoyed the chance to return the favor when I can!

 
19. If you could choose just one of your many stories to recommend to a new potential fan, which would it be and why?

That might be the toughest question of all.  I don't have a clear cut answer, because it would depend on what they're a fan of - is it damsel in distress/peril? Is it heroines? Is it transformations? Is it 'darker' content? Having said that, I would probably choose 'Mannequins' as I've probably gotten the most positive feedback on that story, so I feel like it's maybe my best effort to this point.

20. What else do you want people to know about your work here on DeviantArt?

That I get inspiration every day, from many different places and things. That I'm a writer, first and foremost, and an appreciator of fantastic art, writings, and ideas. :)

With more than 300 deviations spanning a variety of genres, nearly 900 Watchers, and almost 178,000 page views, it's clear that :iconwondercuria-dd: (Denise) is a very talented and prolific contributor on DeviantArt. It's also clear that she's an artist worth getting to know, so I hope this interview, which Denise graciously agreed to do, will help you get to know her AND encourage you to check out her wonderful gallery.

The artwork accompanying this interview was selected by :iconwondercuria-dd: and was created by (and is used with the permission of) :iconmiss-claire-dawkins:
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:iconmirrorkhaos:
MirrorKhaos Featured By Owner Sep 5, 2017  Hobbyist General Artist
Glad I, came back to read this original Interview, :iconcuria-dd:, remains one of most entertaining and creative souls on DA.
This is a great introductory interview.
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:iconrob66:
Rob66 Featured By Owner Sep 5, 2017
I barely knew her when I did that one but I've really enjoyed getting to know here in the months since. Really is one of the gems of DA!  I'm glad you went back and read this one (as well as the interview I posted today)!
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:iconmirrorkhaos:
MirrorKhaos Featured By Owner Sep 5, 2017  Hobbyist General Artist
:)
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:iconfairyprincessjess:
FairyPrincessJess Featured By Owner Jan 17, 2017
Great job with this one! I've not read many interviews but this could possibly be my favourite. But maybe that's because I've talked to :iconcuria-dd: before so it's not a complete stranger being interviewed. Great answers!
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:iconcuria-dd:
Curia-DD Featured By Owner Jan 17, 2017  Hobbyist Writer
Yay!!!
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:iconrob66:
Rob66 Featured By Owner Jan 17, 2017
That interview was a long time coming because it took me forever to send Denise the questions, but, I agree, that it was really great. (It also made RP jealous after I posted this one, which led to him being the third DA artist I interviewed  lol)
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:iconfairyprincessjess:
FairyPrincessJess Featured By Owner Jan 17, 2017
Funny you mention him! I'm about to read his one :)
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:iconrob66:
Rob66 Featured By Owner Jan 17, 2017
His was an actual 2 day conversation we had through notes in real time so it is more like an actual sit down interview! 
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:iconfairyprincessjess:
FairyPrincessJess Featured By Owner Jan 17, 2017
Darn it! You just had to give me the answer before I could post my question :P
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:iconrob66:
Rob66 Featured By Owner Jan 17, 2017
lol  what was the question?  I'll pretend I didn't!  :)
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:iconfairyprincessjess:
FairyPrincessJess Featured By Owner Jan 17, 2017
I'll post it as a comment :)
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:iconrob66:
Rob66 Featured By Owner Jan 17, 2017
lol  okay!
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:icontazlooking:
TazLooking Featured By Owner Aug 28, 2016
Another great interview of a genuinely nice person who also writes terrific stories!!!! She also seems to have a decent sense of humor!!!:)
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:iconrob66:
Rob66 Featured By Owner Aug 28, 2016
You described:iconcuria-dd: very nicely! Glad you liked the interview too!
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:iconclarksavage:
ClarkSavage Featured By Owner May 17, 2016
I'm a fan of Denise and surprised I missed this until now. A good and informative interview. Thanks for conducting and posting it.
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:iconrob66:
Rob66 Featured By Owner May 17, 2016
She gave really good and candid answers. I'm glad you found it, read it and enjoyed it:)
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:iconberseh:
berseh Featured By Owner Jan 29, 2016
I am very impressed with :iconcuria-dd: 's answer to your question#13.
Open mindedness and tolerance seem to be totally a part of her, and these are very needed qualities, the more so today. I haven't been in DA for a long time (three weeks already!) but I could not fail to notice the warmth and friendliness of which she is the subject. That speaks of itself.
Also how much her Denise character is appreciated (I've enjoyed a lot of reading of her hot misadventures) coming to her from various artists, shows generosity is valued here, and rewarded.
She seems so confortable with other people's fantasies about her, and always (from what I've seen) positive. That is really impressive.
It is funny how, in spite of the hot, often SM nature of images or stories that are posted on DA there is a great sense of civility and warmth. I must say I wasn't expecting this, and it puts me at ease, even though I know I must be cautious, since I'm not very experienced in that sort of world.
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:iconrob66:
Rob66 Featured By Owner Jan 29, 2016
I had to go back to read Question 13 but it really is like that and her response pretty much echoes what I wrote in my comment back to you about the RP interview. Unfortunately, for some reason, DA listens to that 1% and, as a result, good people pay the price.

Three weeks, huh?  Well, welcome then to DeviantArt :)

The world of BDSM is actually like DA -- 99% of it is made up of nice, normal, interesting people.  The 1% though gets all the press and publicity, usually after doing something particularly heinous. It does pay though to move carefully and slowly till you figure things out. If you have any questions, shoot me a Note and, if I can answer them, I will.

I'm glad you enjoyed this interview too.  Denise gave some really insightful and very open answers to the questions, some of which do get personal.
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:iconberseh:
berseh Featured By Owner Jan 29, 2016
I come to understand that: people can post sometimes some pretty heavy stuff, and yet they show such kindness.. I liked the work of an artist, :icontrystl: but I am very confused, saddened and maybe terrified when women (because most of the times they are female) characters are killed or mutilated, as I said before, so I put that in a comment, my first or second, that I felt really bad.
And the author (I don't know if its a she or he) took the pain to send me an unexpected note telling me what posts to avoid because that would hurt me, the ones I could safely read, the ones I might prefer..
This was so kind, I was really touched!
I think your "mission" :) (Smile) to interview some figures here is really positive for all, so thank you!
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:iconrob66:
Rob66 Featured By Owner Jan 29, 2016
Lots of people so lots of fantasies and it's not unusual to like some but not all.  It definitely was nice that the artist steered you away from art that you wouldn't like. But that's the kind of place this is -- people DO take the time (for the most part) to be helpful.

I have so many industry interviews in progress right now but I've also got one with a former DA artist too (as soon as I send her the questions)  :)
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:iconcuria-dd:
Curia-DD Featured By Owner Edited Jan 29, 2016  Hobbyist Writer
Thank you!! That is exactly how I am and it's great to see it comes through so well :)
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:iconbaddud:
baddud Featured By Owner Nov 25, 2015
this also is a great version of denise. i like that she looks sexy but eloquent as apposed to trashy and a complete bimbo. these version are much more in tuned with your portrayal of her 
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:iconrob66:
Rob66 Featured By Owner Nov 25, 2015
:iconcuria-dd: is a woman of many facets apparently  :)
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:iconcuria-dd:
Curia-DD Featured By Owner Nov 25, 2015  Hobbyist Writer
Thank you I think I am!!!!
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:iconshadow-spryte:
Shadow-Spryte Featured By Owner Oct 19, 2015  Hobbyist Writer
Those are great answers ; ) It would be way cool to see more interviews with some of the other DA greats ; ) Great questions and answers. I love it!!
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:iconrob66:
Rob66 Featured By Owner Oct 19, 2015
I'm glad you liked it!  And I'm glad to see you're here (and that you faved a bunch of other posts too!).  That's a good idea about further interviews.  And the best part is that anyone can do it. It doesn't have to be by me  :) 
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:iconbound2thetrax:
Bound2theTrax Featured By Owner Oct 13, 2015  Hobbyist Writer
Interesting response to Question 16, on the appeal of stories in which a superheroine (or teacher) experiences a dramatic role reversal and finds herself suddenly powerless.  In all honesty that's why my OC heroines are all law enforcement.  There is undeniably a degree of Schadenfreude in seeing an authority figure stripped of her weapons and authority (along with most of her clothing of course)  Thank you for providing insight into your  background, influences, and your personal creative process.      
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:iconcuria-dd:
Curia-DD Featured By Owner Oct 18, 2015  Hobbyist Writer
You are very welcome! !!
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:iconrob66:
Rob66 Featured By Owner Oct 14, 2015
Thanks for the comment!  I think that's a very archetypal image for heroines. You do a great job of it too in your stories which, if people have not yet checked out, they really should!  Glad you liked the interview!
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:iconmorpheus-cf:
morpheus-cf Featured By Owner Oct 13, 2015  Hobbyist Writer
As one of the many who have been inspired by (and written about) Denise, I thoroughly enjoyed reading her interview. Thanks to both Rob and Denise for the great conversation! :thumbsup:
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:iconcuria-dd:
Curia-DD Featured By Owner Oct 18, 2015  Hobbyist Writer
You're welcome!
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:iconrob66:
Rob66 Featured By Owner Oct 13, 2015
As always, Morpheus, I'm glad you read and enjoyed it! She gave great answers!
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:iconlthr-nck:
lthr-nck Featured By Owner Oct 13, 2015
Awesome interview. (Although I do have to wonder what Denise's students would think if they read her interview!)
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:iconrob66:
Rob66 Featured By Owner Oct 13, 2015
I'm glad you enjoyed it. Some questions are perhaps best left unanswered lol  I think though that attendance in class might improve and others might be trying to transfer in :)
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:icondiabloart316:
DiabloArt316 Featured By Owner Oct 13, 2015  Hobbyist Writer
That was grrat really feel like I know her a bit better now.
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:iconcuria-dd:
Curia-DD Featured By Owner Oct 18, 2015  Hobbyist Writer
Yay!!
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:iconrob66:
Rob66 Featured By Owner Oct 13, 2015
Mission accomplished then!  Glad you enjoyed it!
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:icondiabloart316:
DiabloArt316 Featured By Owner Oct 13, 2015  Hobbyist Writer
Let me know if you want to risk picking through my brains lol :P
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:iconamazonarrow:
amazonarrow Featured By Owner Oct 13, 2015  Professional Digital Artist
Magnificent! This was fun to read!
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:iconrob66:
Rob66 Featured By Owner Oct 13, 2015
Glad you liked it and thanks for faving it.  Thanks for suggesting that I interview Denise too!
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:iconcuria-dd:
Curia-DD Featured By Owner Oct 13, 2015  Hobbyist Writer
Thanks for asking such insightful questions! !
Reply
:iconforcemasterr:
ForceMasterR Featured By Owner Oct 13, 2015  Hobbyist Digital Artist
"Wonder"ful interview, Denise! Thanks for being such a great inspiration to the rest of us here on DA.

Nice job, Rob!
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:iconrob66:
Rob66 Featured By Owner Oct 13, 2015
Oh! You used the pun I tried so hard to avoid lol  Glad you liked it. Denise gave great responses!
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:iconforcemasterr:
ForceMasterR Featured By Owner Oct 13, 2015  Hobbyist Digital Artist
I couldn't resist. LOL

Figured you were probably sorely tempted, so I did it for you.
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