
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.
This is a great introductory interview.
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.
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.
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"
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)
Nice job, Rob!
Figured you were probably sorely tempted, so I did it for you.