Our Red Passion Room is getting a much needed renovation – so I thought I’d take it down a notch, and partake in a relaxing day at the spa with one of my favorite authors, Mazza666. We’ll get a fab mani/pedi and then finish off with a massage. Ahh! I can feel the stress leaving me already. Join us…
Mazza: *looks at spa* Oh, this place does look relaxing! *hug and kiss* Hi, Julie!
SL23: *hug and kiss* Hiya, Mazza666! Is it okay to call you that, or is there another name you like to go by?
Mazza: Mazza is just fine. *opens door and walks into the spa*
SL23: So, Mazza, we are here to chit-chat about your SVM story, “The Dark Side of the Light.” Is it completed?
Mazza: Yes, I just finished it January of this year *taps fingers on the counter* Umm…hello! Is anyone here?
SL23: *looks around* Oh, there you are. Hi! Wow…umm…that’s a nice carpet…
RY: Hello, ladies. *stands up* I’m Ry. We’ve been waiting for you. Welcome to The H.E. & A. Spa. We’ll be taking extra special care of you two ladies. Right this way.
Mazza: *whispers* Well, he had me at, ‘ladies’. How about you, Julie? *looks at Julie and shakes head* Close your mouth, Julie. *chuckles*
SL23: *closes mouth & giggles* Sorry, never seen him here before, but he’s a very welcome addition.
RY: The old spa got bought out. I’m part of the new management. *signals an assistant to attend to SL23*
SL23: Oh, I see. *regains composure* Now, where were we, Mazza? Oh, yes! “The Dark Side of the Light” – love that title. Tell me, what inspired you to write your fic? *sits down*
Mazza: *sits & looks at Ry appreciatively as he takes her hand and starts the manicure* Well, I had an idea for a while about writing a story that centered on the war between the vampires and the fae. I wanted Sookie to be a kind of vampire hunter trained up by Niall, and then being captured by Eric as the story progressed.
SL23: Sounds awesome!
Mazza: *smiles* Then, when I read the first Night Huntress book by Jeaniene Frost, the idea of Sookie seducing vampires to their death, in a quest for vengeance, really took off. A few of the scenes in the earlier chapters are even inspired by Jeaniene’s characters - Cat and Bones – my second favourite supernatural couple.
SL23: Oh, really? I haven’t read the Night Huntress Series yet, but I will shortly. I’m sure to like it then, especially since I loved the premise of your fic. Now, about your title, how did you decide on it?
Mazza: Thanks, I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Well, “The Dark Side of the Light,” in my mind at least, refers to Sookie’s discovery that not everything is as black and white as she had originally believed. She learns that not all vampires are intrinsically evil, and there’s darkness to the fae. There’s also lots of secrets amongst her fae family that had previously been kept from her.
SL23: That sounds amazing! Speaking of which, one of the many things I love about your fic is that though the story has dramatic moments, you also seamlessly integrate a lot of humor and sexual playfulness between Eric and Sookie via their flirty banter. Do you have a preference on writing one over the other – drama or humor?
RY: *stands next to an attendant* Before you answer that, could you ladies humor us by following us to the pedicure seats?
Mazza: How can I say, ‘no’ to that face? *nods and follows as she looks at her hands* Wow, that was fast, and it looks great.
RY: *smiles* The pleasure was all mine.
Mazza: *clears throat after she takes her shoes off, takes a seat, and submerges feet in the water* Well, in answer to your question, Julie, I’d have to definitely go with the flirty banter! The main reason I fell in love with Sookie and Eric as a couple in the books – well, other than the hotness of Eric Northman, of course, was the playfulness of their relationship. It’s why, in my mind, she should never end up with Bill, Alcide, or even Sam.
Screw the babies and a normal life – playful pillow talk with the Viking is all she needs! *laughs* All my favourite fan fics, whether they be vamp-centric or all human, tend to have that kind of relationship between Eric and Sookie. I just think it’s the essence of who they are as characters.
SL23: *laughs* I love it! Well, besides the hot lemons in your fic *fans self* I have a tie as to what is my favorite part of your story – the part when Bill dies, and the part when Sookie beats Lochlan senseless. *giggles* What was your favorite part to write?
Mazza: It’s so funny that you like the part when Bill dies as that chapter has always been my least favourite! It feels a little bit rushed to me, but even as the writer, I couldn’t bear to torture him for too long; I just wanted him dead already! Yuk! *laughs*
Well, let’s see I have so many favourite scenes! I, too, love the scene when Sookie beats the shit out of Lochlan. One of my favourite things about writing DSOTL is the fact that Sookie gets to kick ass – Eric doesn’t just rescue her, he helps her rescue herself. But overall, I think my favourite parts to write were the little moments. I liked the ‘morning after’ scene between Sookie and Amelia – I love writing Amelia, she’s just so hilarious and inappropriate – though not necessarily my fave person after Dead Reckoning!
I also enjoyed writing the scene when Sookie gets drunk in the hotel room, and Eric tells her she’s beautiful. *swoons* And some of the Sookie/Eric banter scenes, particularly in the epilogue were fun to write, too.
SL23: Yes, I loved those parts as well! So, now that “The Dark Side of the Light” is completed, do you have any plans to write another fanged fic soon? Any other future plans or upcoming things you’d like to share?
Mazza: Well, I’m currently in the midst of writing an All Human Eric/Sookie story. it’s called Gerrybag, and it’s set during World War II. After that, if I write anything more, it’ll definitely be another canon/AU fic. I miss writing the supernatural!
SL23: That sounds great! *water starts draining out from the pedicure bowl*
RY: *approaches with attendant* Ladies, we’ll be taking you to start your massages now.
SL23: Hey, we didn’t get the full pedicure yet. *looks up at Ry, and mouth opens in shock as he is only wearing a towel*
RY: I thought you both would like to move along, but if you want to stay, I-
Mazza: No, Ry. A massage sounds great! *hurriedly dries feet with nearby towel*
RY: Give us a second ladies, and we’ll escort you to your private rooms.
SL23: Oh, my God! *spa’s initial’s finally dawns on her as cell phone rings* Who could that be? *looks at cell phone message* Shoot! I totally forgot I have an important appointment I can’t reschedule. *puts cell away* I’m sorry, Mazza, seems I have to go. *sad panda*
Mazza: Oh, no. Really?
SL23: Yes, but you go on right ahead; enjoy your H.E.& A. massage. *smiles and dries feet with nearby towel* Well, before I head out, let me ask you the obligatory question: What was the first SVM fan fic you read, and what are you reading now?
Mazza: Well, the first fan fic I read was Death Eatin’ a Cracker by Misscyn. I think I’ve read it about two or three times now- it’s still one of my absolute favourites.
As to what I’m reading now – God, I think I’ve got about a dozen fics on alert at the moment! I get really excited when I get an alert for, “Immortal Beloved” by All About Eric – the whole world she’s created has totally drawn me in. I’m also really enjoying, “Golden Gothic” by RoseMac – it’s All Human and set in 30’s Hollywood, but somehow manages to stay totally true to the themes and characters we love from the books.
RY: *ahem* Excuse me, ladies. I’m sorry to see you go, Julie. Perhaps you can reschedule with us. *smiles at Mazza*
Mazza: *returns the smile at Ry* I’m sorry to see you go, too, Julie, but thank you so much for inviting me to the spa. It’s been something else.
SL23: I won’t argue with you there. Thanks for joining me, and for such a great interview. *waves good-bye*
Mazza: *waves good-bye and follows Ry into private room*
RY: So, are you ready for your H.E. & A. massage, Mazza? *closes door and drops his towel to the floor*
Mazza: Good Lord *gulps* I…am…ready…
Hope y’all enjoyed that interview just as much as Mazza666 and I did! *giggles* Make sure and check out her story - The Dark Side of the Light – now completed. It’s a definite must read! ;)
