Latest Site Notices

Rovie · #1 (**permalink**) 07-01-2005, 04:58 AM

Hello and welcome to the very first Showcase Writer Interview. We’ve interviewed a few brilliant artists in the past, this month I bring you the equally talented writer/artist/musician…..

Dean_Thomas

Dean_Thomas (Alex) is very active around the fanworks forum, and has contributed to both the fanart and fanfic sections of the site. He is behind the fanfic ‘ Patrick Thatcher and the Colonist's Compass’ and his art can be seen in his sketchbooks: sketchbook 1, sketchbook 2. I had the chance to chat with him about his art and writing a while ago, Alex will be posting in Navy and I’ll be posting in Sea Green

--- ~ ---

Rovie: Hi =)
Dean_Thomas: Hi!

Ok shall we get started?

Yeah...sure

So, tell us a bit about yourself

Well my name is Alex. I'm 17 and I just graduated from HS along with my twin brother.

Oh, and I live in Arizona

Congrats on your graduation =) What careers are you considering? Anything related to writing/illustrating.

I'm actually planning on majoring in Music; I've played the saxophone for 6 years. My writing ability is a bit of a secret to those who know me, but I'd love to write or draw for a living.

That's cool, do you have any favorite musicians?

I'm a big fan of Mindi Abair, Dave Koz, and Boney James (I'm sure you've never heard of them.) I also like R&B artists like Alicia Keys and Usher.

((nope I haven't

)) Now let’s talk about your fanart (even though this is a writer showcase XD) How did you learn to draw?

Well I was a big fan of the Manga Love Hina. I saw the pictures for that and I knew right away I wanted to draw like that. So I've been working on it until gradually it grew to what it is today.

Approx. how long have you been drawing in this style?

For about 4 years...That's how long it took me to tune it up so I could draw something worth while *Points to avatar*

Hehe your art is great. It's so cute

Do you like drawing anything in particular?

HP of course!! But, I've given a stab at a few of my comic book favs,
Spider-Man and Fantastic Four namely.

Ooh another comic book fan eh? This is totally unrelated, but I have to ask, what's your opinion on the movie adaptations?

Well..I always treat them as if they are separate. I figure they are a special treat for the readers. I really liked Spider-Man 2. If all comic book movies could be like that, then I'd love them all

Ok onto your fanfic, what inspired you to write Patrick Thatcher and the Colonist's Compass?

I think it was perhaps the inclusion of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang in GoF (It was the first book I read) and the US Quidditch team in the Quidditch World Cup game. Everyone has been clambering to go to Hogwarts, then I thought, "Well don't we have our own school?" and I began brainstorming.

It's a great idea! Your fanfic is quite detailed; do you do a lot of planning and research for it?

I had to do quite a bit of research to set up things. What would it (Wentwater) look like? What would American wizards be like? Names of characters and the like. So yes, it does take some time to gather ideas and put them to page.

Are any characters based on someone you know?

I've taken some characteristics from people's personalities (their confidence, or Paul's behavior toward his brother) but no I haven't taken anyone I know and translated them into any characters. That's not to say I won't ever.

What was/is the most challenging part of writing your fanfic?

This definitely has to be making something unique to the US, and not having it be too close to Hogwarts and HP. We are all familiar with that world and the last thing people want is to read a rehash of the books we've already read.

You're doing a good job so far, I often find that fanfics without any characters from HP are hard to get into, but yours was very engaging. Anyway, Can you give us a little hint about what we can expect in future chapters?

Thank you. Well let's see...Patrick will find out what's in that box and you'll all find out why Emeritus Thatcher (His Grandfather) is so famous.

and of course what the hubbub about his letter is all about.

Oooh I can't wait

Well, that brings us to the end of this interview. Thank you sooo much for telling us about your art and fanfic! They're a great addition to our fanworks section.

Thank you very much! I'll keep writing and drawing for SS as long as I can!

--- ~ ---

Be sure to check out Alex's fanfic:

07-01-2005, 05:12 AM

That is so cool Alex. I'm really loving the story and i can't wait for the next installments! Congrats on your interview, you're famous now!

OtterySt.Catchpole · 07-01-2005, 08:25 AM

This is one of the best fics ever! I know I read it frequently...

And it goes without saying your art is marvelous *giggles, but Ottery's hardcore Dc fanboy* but we need more!

Oh and I like saxophones (piano's the best though *shrugs apologetically* sorry) and OMG I didn't know you were a musician...LOL

padfoot_88 · 07-01-2005, 08:37 AM

I haven't yet read Dean's fic, but I plan on doing so soon. Along with finishing Ottery's, and a few others that I've sort of let slip...bad Shan!
Sounds good. Alex, you sound like a dedicated writer/musician. I play the cello myself. Good luck with your future music. I'm 17 too and have only 5 months left till I graduate...

Leeness · 07-01-2005, 01:27 PM

Well done!! great interview!

LittleMissChriss · 07-01-2005, 01:34 PM

Nice interview! Now I think I might start reading your fanfic! (just please make sure you finish it. =) )

07-01-2005, 09:15 PM

You think thats cool. I know Alex in real life, in fact, we both play Sax as well, but I should wont admit that he should have been section leader for 2 years. President is better anyway.

lol, its a good story though, and im proud of his efforts!

hoh4twins · 07-06-2005, 11:40 AM

It was a great interview! I wish I could major in music!

JTLOVER · 07-19-2005, 08:54 PM

It was an awesome interview. I should be reading the fic any day now >.>

Dean_Thomas · 07-20-2005, 07:37 AM

^Excellent. I can't wait to hear your opinion! I welcome any and all new readers.

X-Girl · 07-26-2005, 06:04 PM

HIS FIC IS AWESOME!!!!! THAT'S ALL there is to say! And... BTW, NICE INTERVIEW!!!
*Smiles and says* We're alot alike ALEX!!
Can't wait for another update! (have I said his fic is awesome?)
Tina

Lissydove · 07-27-2005, 06:27 PM

I read this interview awhile ago and I could've sworn that I replied... I guess not! Anyway, great job! Very nice getting to know you Alex! I love your fic and your artwork! You are very talented!