LJ212

 

So, I was sent a list of questions to consider when writing my acceptance speech, which is a good thing, because all I had in me to write was thanks and see you on the boards, all the while, scratching my head that anyone really reads my ditties that are simply a way of escaping the monotony of my life. Please know that I'm not being flip, just truly amazed that folks enjoyed my stories enough to nominate them, let alone get a final nod by the judges.

When I first sat down to write a Dawson's Creek story, it was simply a way to fill in the missing years between the season six finale and series finale, because that was truly head-scratching. I discovered that I enjoyed the process so much, I thought I'd try my hand at another story, one which hit very close to home. Don't Leave Home is the story of my mother's final year with Joey cast in the lead role, since her character has a lot in common with my mother's upbringing. The great thing about writing (as commented on several times in the finale) is that you can change a true story to fit your whimsy. In my version of my mother's life, she actually has the will to live, so in essence it was my fantasy ending. Writing that story was very therapeutic for me, and without realizing it, I posted the chapter where Joey takes a positive turn on the tenth anniversary of my mother's passing. The opening line ('I am fifty this year') is one my mother actually wrote in her journal during her last family vacation. DLH was a dedication to her life and her beautiful influence on my heart, so this is the award I am most proud of.

With Cutting Right In/Cutting Back In, it was simply a way to right a lot of the unpopular story arcs and have a bit of fun with the characters and Powers That Be. CRI and its continuation, CBI, was my first attempt at an Alternate Universe (or more accurately Twisted History) plot, and I found it easier than deconstructing the show (and a lot more fun using alter egos). I am truly grateful for these awards, because I am having a ball writing that storyline.

When I sit down to write a story, it begins with a basic theme, then mushrooms into a chaotic mess of snippets which is then cut and paste into some kind of order. I usually have the beginning and ending clearly in mind, but the middle takes on a life of its own, which can be fun and frustrating in equal measure. I basically wait for the next installment's theme to hit me, then build from there. My endings are written months before they're posted, and the bulk of the story simply leads to that final installment.

I get my ideas from movies, dreams, television, books, life, stories I've heard, brainstorming with pals, and of course, Dawson 's Creek itself, and when the ideas run dry, I'll stick around to help others with their stories in any way I can, because I enjoy all levels of the process.

Finally, I would like to thank the readers, writers, my beloved Q's and all the wonderful pals I've made in the two years I've been playing on the boards. The interaction has truly been what's kept me around, and the entire community has my utmost respect and gratitude. I've been having a blast and enjoying a hobby I never would have discovered otherwise.

 

Thank you!

Jen