interview: dilek

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Dilek, @mibba
May 08/10, interviewed by Taylor

Taylor: Why don't you begin by explaining your writing style and how you view the way you write?
Dilek: Well, when I write I always tend to combine my personal style with the style that a reader expects to find when reading original fiction. I have always had a wild imagination and although I think that my thoughts sound better in my head, I always try to convert them into meaningful sentences. Yet, I never get preoccupied with rules (whether I'm writing a story with formal or informal sentences), but I try to move within the rules of grammar (although sometimes when it comes to grammatical structures I fail miserably, haha). Writing for me has always been a way to express my inner thoughts, my dreams and my views of life. Same as most children, my wish to express myself started with long diary entries in which I wrote about every single detail of my daily life. Later on I started writing short stories and my teachers always seamed to like my written works. Their compliments throughout the years encouraged me to start writing longer stories with more meaning and a bigger plot.

The way I write is actually the way I see or wish to see life. I like creating a well-detailed background so when someone reads my work can really understand what went through my head when writing it. I always fear that people may not understand the point that I am trying to get across. I also love searching for new words (mostly adverbs or adjectives) that hopefully will help people to visually embody my written work.

Originally, I'm an artist. I always drew and painted pictures more than I wrote, but lately that has changed (but I'd like to return to those again). Now, the way I write and the things I write about, I see them as an opportunity to turn the lines of my drawings into words. I am well aware that my writing style still needs a lot of work, but I am willing to learn.

T: Is there a specific genre that you prefer writing within that allows your imagination to work to it’s fullest? Or do you like to dabble in multiple?
D: I definitely like to dabble in multiple genres. To be more specific, I like mixing romance with fantasy and a little bit of teen drama. I love it when I have freedom of choice, and I can mix your everyday normal world with a parallel non-existing one. But, if I had to choose a favorite genre it would probably be fantasy, though that is not my definite answer. When I write or read a story for that matter, I like to create (or be taken in) another world where despite all the challenges and all the hostility that may exist between the main characters there is still that small chance of true love to erupt among them.
When it comes to fiction, I am a hopeless romantic and I think that happy endings are not overrated. The thought of a happy ending and a fantasy world is what pushes me to do researches and to write for that matter.
T: So you prefer to write ‘happy endings’? Or is there another way you go about writing ‘the end’?
D: Well mainly yes. I like to think that happy endings make the ride worth while (or another cliché saying like that, haha). There are times when I write sad endings too, though they are really rare in my works. But I try to discard the ending from my mind and pay more attention to the plot and the characters because it's well known that if you rush to get to the ending you may miss the middle which I consider to be of great essence.

T: What, in your mind, makes a good ending?
D: Well, it depends (from the writer, the plot, and the characters). It is different for every story. But in general, I think that a good ending is an unexpected one, but enjoyable none the less. I dislike reading stories which end I can foretell. I guess you can say I like a story that can keep me in constant suspense.

I also think that the end should not contradict the whole story. Take for example this Turkish show I used to watch. The genre was romantic comedy and it was written from a Turkish writer and film director. It was about a rich boy who's father paid this poor girl to separate his son from his current, gold-digging girlfriend. As the story developed you'd see the way the two main characters fell in love with each other and being a comedy, there were a lot of funny moments. In the end their love triumphed and they were supposed to get married, but in the last minute a car hit the girl and she died. That end was unexpected, yes, but it was so out of place and in my opinion it butchered the story. I think the point was that higher social classes are never supposed to mix with lower ones, that even destiny is against it. At least that was how I understood it.

What am I trying to say is that a good ending is not just a happy one, but a well planned one that is in harmony with everything that goes on in the story it belongs to.

T: This question may be a bit stupid, but why romance? What draws you to writing about romance?
D: Haha, well, it's not a stupid question at all, although you may find my answer stupid. I actually have no clue why, but I guess it has something to do with me not believing in love in the real world and trying to create it in the written world. It is quite confusing actually, because I am a pessimist when it comes to love and I can't imagine loving someone to bits. I mean, yeah I believe in love between friends or relatives, but couple love?

But if I dig deeper, (soul searching if you will), I see that I want to be proven wrong. I want someone to show me that all those mushy words, sacrifices, cuddles and kisses make sense in the real world as much as they do when I write about them. I guess that, when I write, I am able to create a world with my rules, a world where any reader that is a hopeless romantic can indeed find hope. I guess the freedom of choice is what draws me to write about romance. I choose what will happen - a thing I cannot do in reality. Freedom is probably the reason to why I love fantasy also.

T: Do you believe that fantasy has reality-like qualities? Or is fantasy just an escape to a completely different world?
D: That is the best question ever. Well, both. I think that fantasy can have reality-like qualities, but it depends from the reader and the writer. The reader has to be open minded to new things and has to accept completely this new world the writer creates so he or she can enjoy those reality - like qualities. If as a reader, I tell myself from the start that this is fiction and it is non-existent, I wouldn't enjoy the story at all, (or maybe that is just me). But in the end, it doesn't matter how open minded the reader is, if the writer doesn't create this different, imaginative world successfully.

Personally, I like when I can find a good amount of reality in fantasy. It helps me accept and understand the story a whole lot better. Because no matter how much I enjoy escaping the claws of reality, I still like an ounce of it to be present in the stories I read. And a writer than can trick you into believing that his world may just exist in some another parallel dimension, even if it is for a second - is a great writer.

T: Do you have any favourite writers you'd like to share? Online or published?
D: Well, yeas actually I would. There are a lot of online writers I respect and I am sure that you know most of them. I will start with my ultimate favorite online writers. First I have to mention Maggie or also known as eMKay1 on Quizilla and her story "Summer skies and ocean eyes". I love her writing because it has a calming edge and I love the way she structures words into sentences. I also have a great deal of respect in my heart for Emily or also known as towers on Mibba. Her field of interests is almost on the same borders as mine which means that I'll probably like whatever she decides to write. Her stories are extraordinary and I can't get over her creativity. It's like she knows what people would like to read and she has a way of luring you into her magical worlds and keeping you trapped inside until the story comes to an end. Then there are: break.my.bones, Neutiquam Erro, rains.in.spain, alexandra., pieces; and xlaura17x. I am sure there are a lot more I cannot recall right now.

When it comes to published writers, I am not one of those people who follow writers and their works. I am more interested in the story rather it's writer. I do not care who is writing it as long as they can keep my attention, I am fine with it. So I'll probably mention Penelope Lively first with her novel "The Photograph". She knows how to create characters from whom readers are reluctant to part. I've always respected and completely enjoyed the works of John Ronald Reuel Tolkien (so sad that he is not among us, because I would like to ask him like a thousand questions or so haha). Especially his "Lord of the rings" trilogy. I have seen the movies and I've come to realize that director Peter Jackson decided to cut big parts of the books. Then there is "Little Fadete" by George Sand. It's a little book that made such a big impression on me. Also there is the Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes and his novel "Don Quixote". This novel is a mix of genres and although many of my friends at school found it a bit on the boring and stupid side last year, I really enjoyed it. Also Edgar Alan Po. Ah, Edgar Alan Po was one of the best writers that has ever lived. Whenever I read his works, I feel this creepy feeling crawling under my skin, making the adrenaline rush through my veins. He is my inspiration for this new story I am planning on writing. It is called "Sentinels". Would it be cliche if I mentioned Jonathan Swift and his novel "Gulliver's Travels"? And then there is Elizabeth Scott. I still haven't read her novels but I have read their summaries and when school ends I look forward to buying her books. And sorry but, I can't leave out William Shakespeare. As you may have noticed, I enjoy the works of classic writers. While answering this, I've realized that when reading I go from one extremity to the other. I guess I love anything from everything.

P.S. I still have a lot of writers in my head, but I think this answer is long enough, haha.

T: I will definitely be checking out some of those authors. When reading a story, or choosing a story to read what qualities are you looking for? Or what qualities to you think are important to having a good story?
D: Well, there is no way in knowing which story is a good story if you don't try and read it first. I really enjoy the works of authors that know how to set a scene and to connect it with the characters. Honoré de Balzac succeeded in creating characters through plentiful descriptions of decor, clothing, and possessions in his novel "Le Père Goriot". And I think that writers should use whatever literary device they can get their hands on that is capable of giving the greatest intensity of life to their characters. In the end it doesn't matter how good the plot is, if the characters don't live up to it.

So I'd say I am looking for basic qualities: detailed descriptions, a good vocabulary, no Mary Sue characters and a story line that is full of plot and that can keep it going.

T: Is there a certain way you go about creating your characters in order to avoid this Mary Sue epidemic?
D: Haha, Mary Sue epidemic. That made me laugh. Actually I can just hope that my characters are not victims of the Mary Sue epidemic. I always try to make them as real as possible (and I always ask myself "Could this character really exist?"). I try to point out their flaws as much as their strengths. I hate when my characters turn out to be poorly developed and lacking in realism to be interesting. I end up deleting that story. Take for example Nathanial Balfour from my story "Her Flux". He is attractive, but not to a perfect extent. He is stubborn, curious and afraid of commitment. He is also rebels against society rules and he is a bit of a hypocrite. Those are traits a real human could have. What I am trying to explain is that when writing we should first ask ourselves: "Could my character exist?" Nobody likes reading about perfection because perfection does not exist. Take another example: We have all read the story about the nerdy girl with the large glasses that no one takes notice of. And then suddenly the super-hot football player notices her beauty and falls in love with her. It's like a Taylor Swift video (don't get me wrong, it is not that I don't like Taylor Swift, I actually love her songs) where everything is perfect with a happy ending. As I mentioned above, I love happy endings that can surprise me.

As I said, I still have to learn a lot of things about writing and I am willing to. That is why I love when people tell me the truth about my writing. It helps me grow.

T: What is your view on feedback? And what do you think readers should include when they are leaving you a comment on your story? Or should I say what would you like to hear?
D: Well although I like to think that I write for myself, I still consider feedback crucial. Personally, I love when I see that people have taken the time of day to read my stories and to add a comment. I can't lie and say that I like constructive criticism. No one does. It is a fact. You can have hundreds of good comments telling you how awesome everything is, but one bad comment it's all that takes to ruin the way you view your story. But I really respect people who'd like to help me with my writing and I really like knowing my flaws. Although I always end up doing it my way. I am stubborn that way (which doesn't mean that I don't take advice in mind. I do). But I believe that it doesn't matter how good of a writer you are, you can always be better!

Regarding to what I'd like to hear. Hmm... well I'd like to know what part keeps their attention. What drew them to my story? Do my descriptions help when creating a scene in their mind? Can they identify themselves within my characters? Do they like my style? All the basic questions really. Ahh and I just have to say: I dislike silent readers! What is up with those people? Would it hurt to drop a line telling the writers that they enjoy their works? I always comment on stories I like. Sometimes I even over comment from excitement.

T: I actually used to be a silent reader, but I’ve recently converted to leaving comments, but usually only on stories I really like. Do you read a lot of stories (online, let’s say) on top of updating your stories?
D: Yeah, well actually I am about the same. Because I am generally a nice person, it pains me to think that my words could be the reason for someones bad mood. I always leave comments and, as you said, I usually do it on stories I really like. But, I never forget to comment. Ever. And yes, I do read a lot of stories. I believe that It helps me improve. Currently, I'm subscribed to more than 40 stories and my Literature teacher has a new book under her sleeve every week. I also like reading stories on my own terms (because as you know the ones they give us at school are kind of forced on us) so I usually go out and buy the first book that grabs my attention. When it come to online stories, I prefer completed ones. I am not a really patient person (hope my readers are haha).

T: Do you ever feel pressured by readers to update? Or do you update at your own pace?
D: Well, I've only started submitting my stories online from recently, so I can say that I update at my own pace. Except for the story comments, I don't receive any other messages about updating (thankfully). I have a rule in life: I don't enjoy waiting and I don't enjoy making people wait. But when writing a story that little rule has to change, because if I rush my updates I increase the possibility of ruining the story I'm updating. Beside being a writer, I am also a reader and I can say that I understand the feeling of anticipation that especially cliff-hangers produce. That is why I try to update as quickly as I can. But I don't let myself get pressured, though my circle of readers are usually nice, supporting people. I believe that waiting pays off, because it's better to read no chapter than a bad one.

T: Do you have any tips or tricks for overcoming writer’s block? Or for those times where you’re stuck on an idea, but can’t get past it?
D: I believe that when a person gets a writer's block, there is not much he or she can do at the time. When I am stuck on an idea I always try to think laterally. I mean an idea is only a moment and sadly a moment it's not enough to fill a story. I always try to dilate that idea and create more than just one event. Usually, when I get a writer's block I try to work through it and write what's ever on my mind. Sometimes my attempts are in vain. I end up hating what I wrote. But then I try again and again and eventually I end up liking the chapter.

So I would say, when you get writer’s block you either try hard and get over it (that is if you are a stubborn person like me) or just take a break. Don't feel pressured by time or readers. Don't be pressured by the will to write what's on your mind and by the wish to get more comments. Just take a break, relax, take a walk, think of something else, do something else and when you feel ready, return to your story. Don't worry, it will always wait for you. That is what I usually do when my stubbornness fails me, haha.

T: What is the best piece of advice you were ever given? Do you have any advice you would give fellow writers?
D: Best advice that I was ever given was back in the sixth grade. My class teacher happened to be also my Literature teacher and she always gave us tons of books to read. One day, when we were complaining about how we couldn't find time to read everything she had given us, she said: "The more you read the more doors will open to you. Reading helps develop many skills and you can learn many things by doing so. I know that you'd prefer to play games on your computers rather than reading books. But trust me, reading one book is more satisfying than wasting a day doing something pointless." She is a passionate reader and she reads everything. Every single book that was ever published is probably resting on her shelves. She was always amazed by my essays. She used to tell me that if I wanted to I could become a writer. If she knew now that I have overtaken writing and her advice about reading, she would be ecstatic.

I don't know if I am the best person to be giving advice. I rarely get criticised for my work, though I still consider myself a writer in the making. But there are few things I would like to say. First, practice. You cannot imagine the difference between my stories from past years and today. Writing is a craft. You can be the most gifted writer in the world, but if you don't practice, your writing is nothing. Second, read more. Discover the way other people see the world. You may learn something. Third, care. Don't rush your story just because of one event or because you want to put an end to it. Love your stories, because if you don't, then you can't expect other people to do so. And finally think laterally. Answers to your stories don't always lie in front of you. You have to search for them. You have to think out of the box.

T: Could you see yourself potentially being a writer in the future, professionally? Or do you think it’ll jinx it?
D: Hahahah well I am not that superstitious, but honestly... I don't know. My future right now is so... misty? Can I put it that way? Anyway, I am good at lots of things. I draw and I write. I sew and I am in love with fashion. I still have a year to decide so I am taking my time. But if my writing starts to appeal to a bigger audience, I might as well take on writing professionally. My heart and mind are torn right now between my creative side and my rational side. I would love to spend my time writing and sewing, but these occupations take risk. In these worlds you either get crowned or stepped on. So my final answer would be "maybe". I know that maybe does not define anything, but that is how I feel right now. My future is one big maybe.

T: This happens to be our last question of this very informative and interesting interview. On our final note, can you give us some insight on how you come up with your stories? Are there special steps you take to plan it out before you write it? Any routines?
D: Oh, I am so sad this is the last question. I really enjoyed this! Regarding your question I'd say that they come naturally (listen to the song "Naturally" from Selena Gomez & The Scene and you will understand everything I will write below haha). I never plan my stories, though I think hard before writing them down. Sitting in front of my PC, fingers running helplessly over the keyboard, writing nothing but mere dialogue is probably the most infuriating thing to me. That is why I always think everything through before I sit down. I am an observer. I observe people everywhere and I often imagine things that could be going on in their lives. Then I choose to write about the things that made the biggest impression on me. After that I lose myself in the labyrinth that is my imagination. That is how my characters are born.

Yet, my best written stories are probably the ones I keep imagining while laying on my bed, eyes closed. Those are the times when I imagine myself in some situations that I'm more than sure will never come to pass. People say "write what you know". I say "write what you feel or want to feel". Wishes and dreams are the easiest things to write about because as I write I can feel the emotions flowing through me. I can write about heart clenching, breath taking, knees shaking moments only and only if I can imagine or dream them first. But sometimes dreams and feelings are not the only things that inspire me, thus pictures do an equally good job. Sometimes a picture can plant a story seed inside my head and every single time I see that picture I feel an urge to write. So I guess I don't have a routine. I just do whatever seams right. I think you can get inspired by everything I mentioned above: dreams, feelings, pictures, real life... That is why I always say: think laterally. You can never know what can help you write, because inspiration can hide in the smallest things in life.