From the Bard's Quill Interview with Filippa
| Interviews by Fans | |
|---|---|
| Title: | From the Bard's Quill Interview with Filippa |
| Interviewer: | Tom |
| Interviewee: | Filippa |
| Date(s): | January 13, 1999 |
| Medium: | online |
| Fandom(s): | Xena: Warrior Princess |
| External Links: | From the Bard's Quill Interview with Filippa |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
Filippa was interviewed in 1999 by for the Xena: Warrior Princess site From the Bard's Quill.
Other interviews in the series: From the Bard's Quill Interview Series.
Some Excerpts
Q: XWP fan fic has created a mythology all of its own - separate from the TV show. Do you find in your own writing that you try to stay true to the series or have you also added to the fan fic mythology?
That's hard to say. I've made a point to include characters of different cultures in my work (especially Kosima the Romany) and thus different mythologies. I really try to stay true to the characterizations we see every week; however, since my work is mostly about Joxer, we get a lot more character development on his behalf. The Black Horse trilogy is about Joxer's transformation into a true gentleman and hero, without any spells or outside influences. In a lot of ways, people would say it's far-fetched, but I think it's totally credible. As for the actual mythology, there's quite an element of fantasy in my stories inspired by numerous fantasy and romance classics.
Q: Many readers feel that the fan fic often surpasses the TV series in its appeal. What are your thoughts on this? Do you find yourself attracted to themes which are not normally explored on the TV show?
Yes, definitely. I've read some stories that have literally brought tears to my eyes. I've read gems that make you wonder why trash like "King Con" ever made it to the big screen. Fan fiction is more fun than the actual show since the sky's the limit. One can write whatever he or she chooses, from the sublime to the ridiculous. I've written the gamut from silly parody (Aphrodite's Secret) to heavy war drama (You and No Other.) I also enjoy writing since I really get to flesh out Joxer as a character; we see more of his true nature as in "A Family Affair" or "A Comedy of Eros." I also include a developing relationship between Gabrielle and Joxer, which has caused some to cheer and some to jeer. I leave it up to the individual reader.
Q: Do you read fan fic written by others. If so, do you have any favorite authors? Have you been influenced by any?
Yes, but I've read so many BAD stories that I find it harder and harder to search for the good ones. One in ten stories is a very good story. There aren't enough pro-Joxer bards out there, but our numbers are growing. My personal favorite authors include Natasha Lake, Nancy Lorenz, Phil Hernandez, and M'Lu, among others. I was definitely inspired by Natasha's work, and many have remarked how similar Phil's and my own style are. Truly, though, I think I've developed a unique style based on a good solid tale with subtle humor and witty wordplay. Think Piers Anthony with a good dose of Twain.