Interview with Laney, CLIFF-HANGER Award of 2002

Tell us about yourself and your literal interests.
Unfortunately RL has taken me away of late and I have very little time
for any pursuits other than occasionally getting to read some TYR stories,
the pleasure of my life. And there are so many wonderful writers out there
to read! Writing TYR stories has gotten me into reading about the West
and I have enjoyed reading the works of N. Scott Momaday who writes about
his Kiowa history and culture, excellent sources of information and inspiration.

What made you become a TYR-writer?
I never saw the show until just a few years ago in reruns and was amazed
at the wonderful characters and possibilities -what a fertile setting for
anyone's imagination. I followed up by reading stories written by other authors and was so impressed with their incite and creativity. The idea of writing stories for the show was just so enticing - anything I had wanted to happen on the show that didn't, I could make happen. For example, I had always been upset at Teaspoon's seeming lack of attention to Buck after Ike's death. Well, Mary Ayers story, the Pact and Kim Roberts story Demons filled in any holes I thought might have been
there, fantastic stories, both of them. What power! And I've been writing ever since.

What do you look for in fanfic?
Rich and full characterizations and descriptions that make you feel you are there. I like a good plot, especially something maybe a little mysterious or adventurous, but if the characters and descriptions are well-written, plot is certainly secondary - there are writers out there that can make a cup of coffee shared around the table at the bunkhouse intriguing.

What do you feel is your strength/weakness in writing?
I need to work on my descriptions, making everything more real. I tend to be more plot driven, which isn't necessarily bad but there is so much more to writing.

Who or what is your source of inspiration?
I usually get my ideas when I'm out running, I don't know if it is the physical exertion or being out in nature that inspires me. The hardest part is trying to keep the ideas in my head until I get someplace where
I can write them down - I should start carrying a tape recorder and then I could talk into it while I jog but everyone might think I'm crazy, running down the beach talking to myself like that!

Have you written other fanfic than The Young Riders?
Nope - this answer was already typed in! And yep, that's right!!

What are your writing goals?
I am trying hard to improve my writing, asking for advice, reading other people's work and seeing what it is I like about what they write then constantly rewriting and retooling my own. I'm never happy with what I've written but I tell myself that as long as I am improving then that is a good thing, that is what I am striving for, to be a better writer.

Where will you be in 10 years time if you get your way?
Australia

Any current writing projects?
Always, I have a story I've started writing and one in my head. When I get tired of writing the one, I can think about the other and it keeps me going. I don't know what I would do if I didn't have something to work on.
This is definitely the way I'm keeping my hold on my sanity.

What advice do you have to give to other writers?
I think it helps if it is a part of your daily life, if every day you write something, maybe not much of something, but just putting even a single thought down on paper. It's like learning to play an instrument or a sport, it just gets better with practice. I think reading other writers helps tremendously too, as a source of inspiration, information and just
plain pleasure.

A thank you speech, please
You would think someone who won an award for writing something could write a thank you speech! But as in everything I write, I find it difficult to express what I really want to without being afraid of not doing the subject
matter justice. I'll say a simple thank you but know that I mean so much more than that and add that I appreciate all of the words of advice, encouragement and support I have gotten from my readers, you all make this worthwhile. I might still write without you but I wouldn't enjoy it any where near as much!

Thank you Laney!