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JOAN STEPHENS
Writer
Links to Joan’s stories online:
Who are you?
Tell us a little bit more about yourself and your interests in general. You’ve mentioned your age online a few times, and we think you might be our most senior writer, as well as one of the most prolific.
Well, I'm a child of
the depression; recently widowed. I was married to my husband, Chuck for 46
years and have 3 children, 1 girl & 2 boys, and a gaggle of
grandchildren. I was born in
Interests: reading (constantly), writing
B&B fanfiction, knitting, crocheting, cross stitch, walking.
What drew you to
the Beauty and the Beast TV series?
I loved the romance of the series, and
the fact that they weren't averse to treating the viewers as if they had a bit
of intelligence by using classical music, poetry, and classical literature.
Another big factor was the fact that V&C were in their 30's, not a couple
of teenagers. It was very refreshing; I could relate to them. B&B is an
adult fairy tale.
Why did you/do
you feel the need to write about B&B?
See answer below, and I enjoy it.
Was writing something you had done before being involved with Beauty and the Beast or something that developed out of it?
I had never written a thing before I
watched the third season and then was impelled to right what I felt was a
terrible wrong. B&B inspired me to write. And I still seem to be righting
that wrong . . . a lot.
How long have you been writing? If you started when you were a child/teenager, do you still have some of your work from that time? Did you share it with your friends then?
I've been writing since I watched
B&B on
Who most
influenced and/or encouraged your talent?
Alisa West was my guiding light when I first started to write. Still is, for that matter. She constantly encouraged me, corrected my bad grammar and punctuation, found the flaws in my stories, and encouraged me to send my first story to CABB. By posting said story, 'But Turned Aside to Sleep,' to CABB, Terri Milliman gave me a great deal of support. I believe it was the first SND story posted on CABB, and I was very hesitant about sending it to her because at that time CABB was strictly classic. But she liked it and put it up in the story section.
Joann Baca has continued to support me and to edit some of my 3S stories. Also, the many B&B fans who have written to say that they appreciated my work.
What training have you had for writing/literary techniques, and where, if it was formal training - or are you self-taught, working from instinct and lots of reading?
I'm strictly self-taught with a lot of
input from Alisa West. The various punctuation and grammar sites on the
internet were particularly helpful.
When you write:
Describe the space in which you do most of your writing.
In the living room I have a desk and
bookcases filled with writing manuals, punctuation and grammar guides, and
B&B trivia that I use. I work there in the evening before I go to bed. In
the afternoon I work on my computer that's in my bedroom.
How do you work when you write - outline the story, start from an image, a word, an individual section... have an idea that tugs at your mind and practically writes itself...?
I am unable to work from an outline.
Sometimes the start of a story is a 'what if' thought, other times a phrase
from a song, a poem, or another story will start me thinking. Most of the time
I never know where a story is going after I start it. Many stories write
themselves.
Where do you start on a story... beginning, end or middle? Or does it just depend on the story?
Usually I start at the beginning and
write the whole story. Then I work on it until I am satisfied with it, put it
aside, and return to it sometime later when I find glaring mistakes and inconsistencies
in it.
What induces you to write a “moment” …
Some ideas just lend themselves to
moment stories, and I like writing little snapshots of V&C's life together.
…or a more plot-oriented story?
I don't know. I don't seem to have too
much control over whether it's a 'moment' or a plot-oriented story. They just
seem to work out that way. And I find it very difficult to expand a 'moment'
story into a longer tale.
Do you have endings in mind for works in progress when you start them or do you just let the stories go where they take you?
It varies. Sometimes I know the ending,
but mostly, they seem to write themselves. If I try to force the story into a
certain direction, it doesn't come as easily as usual.
Do you always know what you want to achieve at the end?
Sometimes. But all I really want is a
story that someone would like to read, and I'm not ashamed to have posted to
the Internet.
How often do the characters take off on their own once you've started writing?
Most of the time.
Do you ever end up with a story entirely different from the one you started, or maybe two or three spin-offs?
That's happened quite often. And I've
had a few spin-offs.
Do your stories ever include some of your own life experiences? Have any of the characters you have created in a story been a reflection of yourself or someone you know? If so, to what extent?
Oh yeah. 'Things That Go Bump' was based on a happening from the first year
of my marriage and happened exactly that way: I ended up on the floor. 'Six' is based on my parents’ courtship.
Do you adhere to any self-imposed set rules or boundaries?
Just to write as enjoyable a story as
possible. Also in my 3S stories Vincent is and always will be in love with
Catherine, regardless of what happens in his life.
If you introduced especially painful developments, were they a priority in order to make the story eventful, hook the reader...?
A necessary part of the story.
How did you feel about making the characters suffer - it would make them or their determination stronger, eventually solve their problems...?
I guess I never really thought about it;
it was necessary for the growth of their love.
What research, if any, do you do for your stories?
I try to be as accurate as possible. The
search engines on my computer are used frequently. I have an unpublished story
set in the days of the mountain men. I immersed myself in that time, and I
sincerely hope that I haven't got any of it wrong.
What is the hardest part of writing a multi-chapter story?
Keeping the time line accurate, not
repeating myself, and consistency.
Do you prefer to post a completed story or a work in progress?
A completed story. I know how I feel
when a story is partially posted, and I have to wait weeks or months for the rest
of it.
You say you're basically a classic fan, yet you’ve explored a lot of “What If’s” that make a classic heart cringe. As a matter of fact, you've admitted to an odd relationship with Classic/Third season. Care to explain yourself?
Hope I can be clear about this. Somehow I am able to separate my writing from my personal feelings about the resolution of the series. What I write – to me the stories are only ‘what ifs’– is in no way how I feel about the third season. I hated it; even though, it had some of the best writing and acting. I had trouble watching it and I still do. I thought Ron Perlman was excellent in his portrayal of a man who had lost the center of his life. My stomach would knot up every time there was even a hint of something going on between V&D. I would sit there and holler at the TV, "No way! He wouldn't do that." Naturally they didn't hear me, and I suffered through the whole thing but now only watch those parts that I needed refreshing on as part of my research. But after writing 'But Turned Aside to Sleep,' I realized that there were all kinds of permutations to the ending that the show's writers had written. In my third season universe and my own private V&C universe, Vincent is always in love with Catherine. Diana may love him, but it will be an unrequited love. In the few stories where Vincent and Diana are together, she loses him when Catherine comes back. After all, a man that pledges that he will love you forever and carry you with him in his heart always isn't much of a man if he immediately falls for another woman. I hope I've explained it so you understand where I'm coming from. Someone once told me that basically I had it in for Diana; she may be right.
You are probably
the most prolific online writer; and the online fandom owes you a lot, as you
continually supply quality stories to the never quenched thirst of fanfic
addicted fans. How can you so easily find so many ideas in you?
Heck, I don't know. I think I explained
that in a previous answer. I carry a little notebook with me and jot down all
the ideas that come to me. Some I use, others I don't.
Do you ever have a case of writer's block? If so, do you have a technique to get past it?
Every time I think I've come up with the
last idea, the ideas start coming again; so, I guess I've never really had one.
I'm not particularly looking forward to my first one. The closest I ever came
was when I went a whole week without writing anything new. Then I just
proofread the stories I had written, that can get you going.
Is there any particular part of a story or poem that you had an unusual amount of trouble getting the way you wanted it and how did you resolve that problem?
Chapter 13 of 'The Long Night' and I'm still working on it.
If you could change one thing about your writing, writing habits, style, etc, what would it be?
To be able to write about emotions and
feelings better than I do.
Tell us about the story/stories you are working on at present, if any.
Oh gosh, I've got so many unfinished
tales. There's one about Catherine marrying Elliot, one about Devin trying to
make it home for his baby's birth, one about Joe's desire for vengeance against
the man behind Gabriel who is responsible for Cathy's death, one based on the
Cupid and Psyche legend (I'm terrible about borrowing from other disciplines),
one called 'Susan's Floor' that's
hard to explain, one about Diana saving Catherine's life, and a lot more.
After you’ve
written
Do you have your stories edited and proofread?
Oh yeah, I wouldn't send them in if they
weren't.
Do you consider this important?
Extremely! I have gone over a manuscript
innumerable times and thought it was perfect, sent it to Alisa, only to have it
come back with red correction marks all over it.
Do you have favorite editors/proofreaders?
Alisa West and Joann Baca (for some of
my stories set in the 3S universe).
You, as well as the other guest authors we are interviewing, have allowed your work to be posted online for the enjoyment of all B&B fans. Why did you decide to do it?
I knew I'd never make a fanzine; so,
this seemed the best way to make my stories available to B&B fans. Besides,
other writers had done it and given me a great deal of pleasure. So, I thought
I'd return the favor.
How did you/do you choose the sites to have your stories posted?
Annik's site gets only
classic stories, CABB gets
classic and SND, Marina gets SND and 3S
stories and BBRC gets 3S
stories.
What do you like to hear from someone reading your story?
That they enjoyed it, their reactions to
the story and any mistakes that they might have found. It gives you a special
glow to realize that others – especially other authors – appreciate your
efforts.
What do you find most helpful or rewarding when reading reviews of your writing?
Good, honest criticism. If I've made a
mistake or wasn't consistent, I appreciate being told about it, so I can
correct it if possible.
What was the most interesting response you've had to your work?
My story 'Jitters' was dedicated to all mothers: past, present, and future.
One fan wrote in saying that it reminded her of all her mother had done for
her. That really touched my heart.
What do you consider the greatest compliment you've received?
An author that I greatly admire told me
that she respected me as a writer. I think I could have walked on water that
day.
Which of your B&B writings do you like best, and why?
‘Carnival’ I really can't
say why; I just thought it was one of my best. 'Comparisons and Remberances,' I like the three different points of
view, and I especially liked Father in this one. I have a tendency to tromp on
him sometimes but not this time. 'Endgame'
because it's different. 'Green Eyes,'
I think it's one of my best. 'He' because
I love the novel 'She.' 'Variations on a
Theme,' another three-way look at the same incident. And my all-time
favorite: 'The Visitation.' This was
my first excursion into my personal third season universe. As you can see, I
have a lot of favorites.
If you were forced to pick one passage, scene or line from one of your stories as a favorite, what would it be?
There are so many, but I guess this one
will do. The scene in 'The Visitation' where
Vincent is kneeling on the bed with the spirit of Catherine kneeling before
him.
What are your favorites of other things you've written?
From 'Things
That Go Bump:' Catherine has just
told Vincent that she had a dream that a strange man was in her bed. «“There is
a strange man in your bed, my dear,” he replied as he rolled onto his back to
be able to see her clearly. Grinning smugly at her, he laced his fingers
together behind his head. “And just what are you going to do about it?” he
charged.» Catherine proceeds to answer his question in a most satisfactory
manner.
Who are some other B&B authors who might inspire you or whose work you particularly enjoy?
Cathy Cox, Teri, Terri Milliman, Edith
Crowe, Lynn Wright, Becky Bain and a whole raft of others that I can't remember
right now. My Worlds' Worst Memory when it comes to names…
Is there another writer whose work you especially like – any particular story?
Joann Baca is my very favorite writer
and a big inspiration. 'Between Two
Eternities.' I just had to read it
again and it's still wonderful.
Any advice you would give to beginners?
Write, write, and write some more. Find someone willing to
proofread and edit your writing. Don't believe that you know it all and don't
need an editor. Even Stephen King has one. Don't let your feelings get hurt if
they find mistakes. It's not personal. And, please, learn to punctuate
properly. There is nothing harder that trying to read a story with little or no
punctuation. There are plenty of internet sites that will teach you proper
punctuation. Use them.
Being a B&B
fan
In RL are you a closet "beastie" or do all your friends and family members know you're a fan? How do they feel about your Beauty and the Beast involvement?
My family knows of my obsession with
B&B. To them it's just another one of Mom's crazy ideas.
Do they worry about your sanity?
No, they know I'm already crazy.
How did B&B affect your life?
I've found some wonderful friends via
the e-fandom. It helps to keep me young and my brain exercised.
Are you or have you been involved with any other fandoms in the same way?
No. I dabbled in the Star Trek fandom by
going to a few conventions in
Do you write in any other fandoms besides B&B?
No.
Do you want to say anything else to the readers of this interview about yourself, B&B, the writing art, or the fandom?
I think I've just about said everything,
but I want to thank the fans for reading this interview. I hope you enjoyed it.
Joan’s first
story:
FIRST STAR
By Joan Stephens
Strolling hand-in-hand through the dark, empty park, Vincent and
Catherine were enjoying the sounds and smells of a hot, late summer night. It
was new moon, and when the lights of
"Oh hurry, Vincent, make a wish on the first star you see,"
Catherine said excitedly.
"A wish . . . ?"
"Don’t you know?
‘Star light, star bright
First star I see tonight,
I wish I may, I wish I might
Have the wish I wish tonight.’"
She turned her face to the stars and Vincent could feel her
concentration. Strangely, she hid her wish from him.
He raised his face to the heavens, glorying in the myriad of stars
spread across the heavens.
When the lights finally came back on, they were seated under a large
oak tree, having spent the past two hours admiring the stars and talking. She
sighed sadly to see the stars lost in the bright wash of the brilliance of the
city. He stood and pulled her to her feet then led her back to the tunnel
threshold.
"What did you wish for, Catherine?" he asked softly.
"Oh, I can’t tell you that. If I do, it won’t come true." But, she thought, I will do my darndest to see that it does.
"What did you wish for?" she asked, teasing him.
Smiling, he looked lovingly into her eyes, and gathering her closely in
his arms, he replied, "Nothing. I have all I could ever wish for . . .
right here . . . right now."
Winterfest Online, January 2005