With Julia H.
Hmm. Let's see... it was a Friday afternoon, in the brisk month of October in the year 1993. I was a sophomore in high school, and I was home sick with pink-eye (it's not painful, but VERY contagious). I was flipping through channels, and I caught a glimpse of the ending of Part Four of Green With Evil, where Trini says "Kim... look," and then Tommy appears on the Viewing Globe. I was completely stunned, just by this small bit. Kim really looked troubled. I had seen MMPR earlier, and I wasn't impressed enough to ever watch it. Of course, the fact that it came on at 2:30pm made it impossible to tune in regularly. But, I was interested enough by this small morsel to catch Saturday morning's conclusion. I immediately jumped on the MMPR bandwagon, and I never fell off.
2.) What or who first interested you in writing PR stories? Where do you think your inspiration comes from?
My very first fanfic was written after Tommy first left the team. I was shocked and enraged that one of my favorite Rangers would no longer be on the series, and in my frustration I thought it best to write a story with him in it. Frankly, the addition of the Green Ranger was the only reason why I started liking MMPR, and I couldn't stand seeing him go. Once I started writing, I realized that an author has unlimited power over a fictional universe. If I wanted the Green Ranger to be in a story, it didn't have to take place before he left. I could write a fic bringing him back. I could write a fic in which Tommy was never forced into retirement. I could write a fic that didn't focus on cheesy battle scenes. Sheesh... I could even write a fic in which Kimberly is the descendant of an ageless race of alien Amazons! Hmm... I think I did that, too. Such power is addictive :)
As for inspiration... it strikes like bolts of lightning from out of the blue. I honestly get my best story ideas in the middle of class sometimes. Lots of times a book or poem I read really intrigues me, and I decide to manipulate that idea in a PR fanfic. Don't ask me why everything manages to tie into MMPR, but anyone who reads my stuff can see the elements of mythology, Shakespeare, and poetry. Basically, I like to explore infinite possibilities, which is why many of my stories are Elseworld tales, that take off from a point in the show and branch off in a direction the show didn't go.
3.) If you could be a Ranger, which one would you be. Why?
As in color? Hmm. I think I'd be the Pink Ranger, because she always gets the cute guy! Okay, the cute guy thing is a bonus, but I really think the Pink Ranger fits my personality the best (at least of the existing Rangers). If I broke the team up like the original team, with Red being the leader, Blue being the brains, Yellow being strong, Black being second in command, and Pink being the emotional pillar of the team, I think that's where I'd fit in best. Maybe it's the psychologist in me :) Also, I have absolutely no martial arts training, and I'm occasionally accused of being somewhat perky. Well, my friends say "animated", but it means the same thing. As a matter of fact, my nickname is Bubbles (hence my e-mail address). What can I say... I'm bubbly sometimes. But, if I could be any character on PR, I'd like to be the villain. Astronema and Trakeena were so cool... I'd like to take the throne of being the most chilling vinyl-wearing baddie in the universe!
4.) Who would be on your "dream team"?
My Terran Rangers are basically my dream team, but that was before the introduction of lots of new characters that I've come to love (and as time passed, I've come to appreciate older characters more). So, my revised dream team is:
Tommy = White (leader)
T.J. = Red (second in command)
Kimberly = Pink
Aisha = Green
Zack = Blue
Zhane = Black
Cassie = Yellow
5.)Who's your favorite Ranger? Why?
Tommy and Kimberly are tied. I love them both because we watched them grow. Tommy was initially a lonely, insecure, mysterious teen, while Kimberly was a air-headed Valley Girl. Frankly, they both represented typical phases of high-school teenagers. But as time passed, and they pledged themselves to the incredible responsibility of protecting Earth, they really matured. Kimberly went from being unable to balance shopping-bags ("No Clowning Around") to being a world-class gymnast, accomplished warrior, and emotional pillar of the team. Tommy went from being shy and insecure to being confident enough to lead the Power Rangers. Still, even though he became the leader, he never quite left that darkness behind. It was more pronounced during his Green Ranger days, it was blanketed in his White Ranger days, but it came back to haunt him as the Red Ranger. He's a complex character... much deeper than most of the characters who weren't around as long.
6.) The MMPR:TM Rangers have totem animals. What do you think your totem animal is and why?
I honestly have a lot in common with my cat Sonic. We're lazy, relatively recluse, mostly friendly, and we like to lay out in the sun and enjoy warm hugs. But then again, Sonic may not be very representative of cats in general. Now isn't that an odd answer? :)
7.) Do you write in any other genres?
I basically write tons of Power Rangers, a little Mystic Knights of Tir Na Nog, and an ongoing series The Spectrum Force (my own superhero team). My present goal is to write for a television series, so maybe you guys'll see my name in the credits for a Spectrum Force cartoon! Well, I can dream... can't I?
8.) What advice can you give to someone thinking of writing a story and submitting it? Any words of encouragement?
There's a quote from the poet Alexander Pope that I've shared before, and I'll repeat it here:
"True ease in writing comes from art, not chance
As those move easiest who have
learned to dance."
It's rare that the first fic an author writes is a masterpiece.
Actually, my first fic is absolutely horrible in my opinion. Basically, the more you
write, the better you get. So, there's really no secret to good writing. You just get better
at it with practice.
9.) What, in your opinion, makes for a great story vs. an okay one?
Psychology. Of course, you'd expect a Psych major to say that :) Seriously, though, I love fics that take me inside the character's mind. I've recently become a huge fan of vigs, because they are often wonderful glimpses into the motivations of characters. The only way to make characters real to an audience is to get into their heads. What are they thinking? What are the feeling? Why are they thinking/feeling that? There are plenty of things I find lacking in the show, but definitely the most annoying thing is how shallow most characters are. Let them deepen in fanfiction.
10.) What would you say is your greatest weakness in writing? Greatest strength?
Eck, I hate self-assessment. I guess my greatest strength is coming up with ideas, and starting fanfics. My weakness? Finishing them. Honestly, I have probably 30 fanfics half-done on my hard drive, and I'd bet that at least 10 of them will never be posted. I don't know why I can't complete stories!! ARRGGHH!
11.) How long have you been writing fiction?
When Tommy left the show, so... 1994. But I didn't post anything until April of 1997, when I was introduced to the wonderful World Wide Web.
12.) What inspired you to open a fic archive? How do you stay sane doing that, writing and going to college?! *grin*
I opened a fic archive because I wanted to represent my work in my own fashion. When "Rachel's Imagination" had first come online, I had my Purple Ranger stories already posted on "The Fanfic Shoppe." But, then I realized that I wanted to show the world what Alexis (my Purple Ranger) looked like, and I could only do that with an image. Also, I had introduced the world to the Spectrum Force in my second fanfic ("Collision," to those who are keeping track), and I wanted to post the adventures of my original team. There weren't Power Rangers pages who would accept those fics back then, and since that team was really inspired by PR, I felt PR fans would get the most out of it. So, I just went ahead and made a site of my own.
I'll admit, when I first made my site, I had no idea it'd get so big! It's not really that difficult to maintain, since I update irregularly, and I have no social life :) Writing my fics is extremely time-consuming, but what can I say... my priorities are all screwed up. I've written some of my best stuff during final exam period. It's my favorite method of procrastination.
13.) Out of all the stories you've written, which is your favorite and why?
Eck, I hate self-assessment! :) I... well... it's really hard for me to say. I'm very fond of my Terra fic "Contagion." It's a little obscure, because it includes lots of characters that aren't from Power Rangers, but I just like the way I developed the plot. I was finally happy with my fighting scenes (which are always a pain to me), and there was plenty of room for romance and drama. It had everything, and I think that fic was the first one to really get all the ingredients of really good work.
I'm also proud of my Elseworlds stories, like "Hart of Darkness" and "Dawn of the Huntress". It's fun to play around with the Kim/Tommy break-up! They do get a tad sappy at times... but what can you do?
14.) Do you have a favorite character from your stories (either made up or canon)?
I like writing Kimberly fics. I just think she has so much potential for being a powerful character in a leadership position, and I keep empowering her. People who are familiar with my work know what I mean :) I think she gets a lot of criticism for her "Tommy, help me!" stuff, but I honestly find her the strongest female character the show has ever had. She had to deal with a lot in her personal life (like her parents' divorce), and she manages to always put everyone else's needs before her own. She did win class president, so she isn't one to shy away from responsibility... she's just willing to let others take the lead. It takes a strong, humble person to both accept responsibility, and hand it over when the time is right. Plus, she's very self-sacrificing... she was willing to give up her lifelong dream of being a Pan-Global gymnast to remain the Pink Ranger. And finally, I respect her in that, will all the trauma she faced as the Pink Ranger, she never lost her bright, almost naive innocence. That's very admirable, in my humble opinion.
That's my character assessment. I know it's rather unconventional, but that's how Kimberly strikes me.
15.) What hobbies besides PR do you have?
Well, when I'm not doing PR stuff, I occasionally do work :) Other than that, I waste my time web-surfing, playing video games (Final Fantasy VII and VIII RULE!!), and watching television. I also like photography and ping-pong.
16.) What's your favorite color?
I'm really into purple and dark green. I shift back and forth between these two. I don't think there's a particular reason behind my taste.
17.) Who's your favorite author (not PR or fanfic -- published stuff)?
I love Alexandre Dumas and Michael Crichton. My favorite books ever were Dumas' "The Count of Monte Cristo," and Crichton's "Sphere." I also adore Shakespeare, particularly "Othello," "A Midsummer Night's Dream," and "Two Noble Kinsmen." They are all so highly entertaining and thought-provoking.
19.) What's your favorite movie?
I love "The Matrix." I never liked Keanu until this movie... it's like Extreme Star Wars. Other adored movies are: "Austin Powers," "Monty Python's Holy Grail," "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves," and Disney's "The Little Mermaid" and "Aladdin." These films have something I call "Re-watch Value," meaning I can watch them hundreds of times and still enjoy them to the fullest. Gosh... did you notice that I make a list for every question you ask me? Add Decision-Making to my list of weaknesses. :)
20.) Favorite cartoon character?
Darkwing Duck has always gotten a good laugh out of me. Runners up include Zorak (from Space Ghost: Coast to Coast), Eric Cartman from South Park, and Sailor Mars (Rei Hino from Sailor Moon).
21.) If a movie were made about your life, what would the theme song be?
Gosh, a movie about my life would be about as boring as watching cement dry. Hmm... well, since I just finished a gruelling education at the University of Pennsylvania, I guess a fitting song would be "The Distance" from the Hercules soundtrack. It's time for me to prove myself in that great big world out there.
21.) What other television shows do you watch, other than PR?
The Simpsons, Family Guy, Futurama, SNL, South Park, Space Ghost, Sailor Moon, Batman/Superman, The Daily Show (on Comedy Central), Star Trek: DS9, and Mystic Knights of Tir Na Nog.
22.) What kind of music do you listen to?
A touch of rap, some R&B, and lots of pop. Basically, the songs you'd hear on Z100 (for all you New Yorkers out there!)
23.) Song that couldn't be improved on?
Bette Midler's "The Rose" and Brian Adam's "Everything I Do." A close runner-up is Mariah Carey's "I Don't Wanna Cry."
24.) Who is your favorite comedien?
Chris Rock, Darrel Hammond (SNL), and the late, but always great, Phil Hartman.
25.) Favorite joke?
Well, I have a favorite skit... it's a Monty Python bit, in which this guy buys a dead parrot from a pet shop. The owner won't give the guy a refund, and tries to convince the customer that the parrot is just sleeping. Then the guy gets upset, and screams "This parrot is no more. It has ceased to be. It's expired and gone to meet its maker. This is a late parrot. It's a stiff. Bereft of life, it rests in peace. If you hadn't nailed it to the perch, it would be pushing up the daisies. It's rung down the curtain and joined the choir invisible. This is an ex-parrot!" It's great!
26.) What's the coolest experience of your life?
I love to travel, so I had the time of my life in Cancun Mexico about four years ago. I had never gone snorkling before then.
I also had a great experience touring the Louvre in Paris this March. I took a class studying Near-Eastern mythology recently, and so when I actually saw a tablet of the Code of Hammurabi, I practically shrieked. It's just amazing when you study about something... and then you actually see it close up, and touch it.
27.) Person you respect most?
My mother. She's really been an inspiration, especially after my parents' divorce. I really hope that I'll end up as strong and self-sufficient as she is, and no mother could possibly love her children more than she does.
28.) Scariest thing you've ever done?
Didn't we already go over the boringness of my life? :) It was probably the Loch-Ness Monster roller-coaster in Busch Gardens VA. There's this ENORMOUS vertical drop, right next to a river! I'm telling you... when I saw that water speeding at me, I was screaming. Loops I can handle, but drops make my stomach turn.
29.) If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be, and why?
Everyone hates New Jersey, but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. I don't know why, but there's a charm to the Garden State.
But, if I could live anywhere, I'd love to own my own tropical island, where it'd just be me, the smooth hum of the Caribbean sea, my laptop, and Sonic (my cat). Can you imagine how much writing I could get done in a setting like that?!
30.) What do you look for in a friend?
A sense of humor, honesty, sincerity, sensitivity, and an open mind. Also someone who appreciates reading and writing as art forms.
31.) How would you describe yourself?
A die-hard procrastinator with a very tenuous grasp on reality. But I'm a nice person :)
32.) If you won the lottery today, what would you do with it?
Uh... replace my 1992 Volvo with a 2000 Benz. That'll probably dry up most of it :) Then I'd pay off my family's mortgage, and take some time off of work to try and get my writing published.
33.) Do you have a motto you live your life by?
I have two, actually, and both are from the Bible:
"So, never be anxious about the next day, for the next day will have its own anxieties. Sufficient for each day is its own badness." --Matthew 6:34
This scripture helps me focus on how fleeting my problems are. So what if I have a term paper due Monday? It's no reason to get bent out of shape. In the grand scheme of things, it's nothing.
And also...
"Clothe yourselves with love, for it is a perfect bond of union." -- Colossians 3:14
This scripture is good to keep in mind because Love is the quality that makes doing good easy. If we love our neighbors, we won't do anything to purposely hurt them, and it's so much easier to forgive transgressions and forget them.
34.) If you were granted any "supernatural" power, what would it be, and why that one?
Storm on the X-Men has the ability to control the weather. I think that's an awesome ability to have!
I'm also a big fan of Spiderman's powers. Unmatched agility, sixth sense warning danger, and heightened speed and strength. They're beyond normal human abilities, but with the exception of the Spider Sense they're just intensified. So they're inconspicuous. I'd be a shoe-in for a role on Power Rangers if I were the world's greatest gymnast... and maybe I'd get a script or two in. :)
35.) This is where you can say anything you want -- as long as I don't have to edit it. *wink* Feel free to rant about what irks you, or praise the skies about something you really like.
Well, I guess I would like to say thanks to you, Julia, and whoever else was responsible for me getting chosen for this interview. I really appreciate the interest in my life, and I'm really grateful to all those who read my fanfics. Hopefully, my work will sometimes bring a smile to your lips, and sometimes a tear to your eye. If so... I accomplished my goal. Thanks!
