Cascade Library Interview with Tate
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| Interviews by Fans | |
|---|---|
| Title: | Cascade Library Interview with Tate |
| Interviewer: | Cascade Library |
| Interviewee: | Tate |
| Date(s): | May 24, 1999 |
| Medium: | online |
| Fandom(s): | The Sentinel |
| External Links: | interview is here, Archived version |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
In 1999, Tate was interviewed for Cascade Library.
Some Excerpts
I obsess over a few television shows (X-Files, The Sentinel, Stargate SG1 mainly) and a particular rock band, Queensryche. From them, I borrowed my pen-name--"Tate" is the last name of the band's lead singer.
My first series was an effort to take the Sentinel/Guide bond to a different level. I've always enjoyed sci-fi/fantasy television and books, so I just inserted my own mystical element into the show. I developed a psychic bond between them that only manifests in time of dire need. I was hoping it would compliment the other growing mystical aspects of cannon TS that had been introduced in Flight.
It's a challenge for me to write and post a story in a serial, especially since I don't work from an outline, and I write a section the week before posting it. In college, I did my best work under pressure. I never wrote a paper earlier than the night before it was due. I wanted to try writing under that same kind of stress and see what would happen. Fortunately, Watermark didn't suffer much from not having a direction from the get-go and, so far, Wellspring hasn't either. The pressure of knowing that people are waiting for the next part can sometimes work miracles, even when RL is breathing down my neck. I must say that feedback is definitely motivational and sometimes sparks new directions. I think the benefit of writing like this is letting go and allowing things to "happen" almost on their own. I like sitting down and not really having any boundaries; the "anything goes" feeling is great. The flip side of that is coming up with a believable progression. I mean, starting Wellspring I had no idea what kind of trouble Johnny was mixed up in until the scene where he spilled the information to Jim. It's also really tough to make things gel and not get confused. I sometimes go back and read over previous parts to make sure I'm not contradicting anything. I really can't say if the next story I write will be a serial. I may go back to writing full stories before posting, but who knows?
If there is another season of The Sentinel, I'd like to see more mystical elements--spirit animals, shamanism, dreams. I'd also like to see an emphasis on Jim and Blair's past--like seeing Jim's family again or learning more about Blair's upbringing. I'd also like to see more of some of the secondary characters like Brown, Rafe, and Taggart. I also wish they'd keep Megan around for more episodes. Generally, I'd like to see the series focus more on the personal lives of the main characters and a little less on blowing things up. Don't get me wrong, I like action, but it should be couched in some interesting stories.