I'm leaving my original interview attached to the end of this one so anyone who is interested, myself included, can see how I and my views have changed since June of 2000.
* * *June 2008 Interview* * *
1. What is your name or nick?
FlameStrike
2. What is your E-mail address/addresses?
fslists@sbcglobal.net I have others, but will only use this one on here.
3. How old are you?
31
4. Are you female or male?
Male
5. What is the name of your home page name and what is its URL?
I no longer have one.
6. List the Transformers fanfics have you written.
Based on the G1 Cartoon and BW universe:
War's End
The Greater Threat: Parts 1-4 (series remains unfinished)
1: Invasion
2: Reactions and Preparations
3: Return to Cybertron
4: New Allies
Dragon's Dawn
Rescued
A World Transformed (New universe, unconnected to anything official)
Unbalanced Consequences: Parts 1-3
Misguided Desperation
A Matter of Survival
Adrift in a Disastrous Void
7. Which, of the Transformers fanfics you've written, is your favorite and why?
Unbalanced Consequences
The new world I've created allows me a lot more freedom to explore the Transformers as I have long wanted to see them done. It's based off the Tech Specs on the packaging from the 80's, yet it has no connection to anything that has come before in terms of the story. None of the origin story elements we've come to associate with Transformers over the last 20-25 years is included. Virtually everything was thrown out, which left me with a blank slate and I've found that freedom allowed me to write some of the best stories I've done yet. Unbalanced Consequences is a reflection of that freedom, and it is the one thing that has enabled me to really keep enjoying Transformers in recent years.
8. Of those characters whom you've written about in your fanfics, who are your personal favorites and why?
Starscream, hands down. This new take on the classic character seems more believable to me that any other incarnation of the character over the last 25 years. He's got nearly all of the original's character traits. He's openly ambitious, he wants to replace Megatron and he doesn't try to hide it. He's vain, he's sarcastic, and he's willing to stand up to Megatron. However, unlike the classic take on him, he's not incompetent, and he's well respected by the Decepticons. He's also not the kind to shoot Megatron in the back and declare victory prematurely. He doesn't put himself above the good of the Decepticons, and, as a result, is viewed by Megatron as his most dangerous rival.
This results in some of the best character interaction I believe I've ever written.
9. Which is your favorite Transformers fanfic written by someone else and why?
That's tough. I don't read much fanfic written by other people. If I had to choose, though, I'd say it's Endangered Enterprise by twincast2. While I'll admit bias based on the fact that it takes place in the "A World Transformed" universe I created, with twincast2's help, it takes things in a new direction and introduces new and old characters in a new and interesting way. It follows the events shown in Unbalanced Consequences and Misguided Desperation, yet takes things in a different direction than I'd originally envisioned. This new direction adds a lot to this world, and I'm pleased to see it happening.
10. What influences you to write Transformers fanfic the way you do?
I just write Transformers the way I'd like to see it done. I'm trying to write it as a serious piece of science fiction. I like character driven stories, stories where the characters are multi-layered, and grow based on the events happening around them and the decisions they and others make. They have reasons for what they do, they have their own reactions to the events, and they each have their own view of the world around them. This view influences their actions, and consequently the events around them and the actions of others. I believe Transformers can be more than just an action story, more than just a war story, and I'm trying to make it more than that.
11. What other Transformers fanfics writers write in a similar way to you?
I'd have to say twincast2. He and I have discussed Transformers, in general and "A World Transformed" specifically, on many occasions, and we each seem to have the same basic take on what it is and what it can be.
12. How much time do you usually spend writing Transformers fanfic?
That depends on what else I have going on, and how much time I'm devoting to other projects.
13. What inspired you to write Transformers fanfic?
Initially, I believe I just wanted to see some new stories and do something fun.
More recently, it's been my opinion that Transformers has been on a downhll slide. Aside from IDW's comic line, I believe Transformers has been handled poorly the last few years. It's become stale, boring, and I've begun losing interest in what has been done with them the last few years. Despite that, though, the basic premise still fascinates me, and I didn't want to see its potential wasted like it was in the Unicron Trilogy and Michael Bay's movie. My fanfic writing is the one thing that's enabled me to remain interested in Transformers, and has enabled me to keep hoping for something better for the Transformers.
14. What drew you to Transformers in particular?
The possibilities. The idea that these are living machines, virtually immortal, and engaged in an eons old war is fascinating. It has so much potential to explore why we fight each other, what life is and what it can be, and how we react to the unknown, unexpected, and unwanted. That potential is what has drawn me to Transformers, and kept me here despite the repeated failure to live up to that potential.
15. Who is your favorite Generation 1 or Generation 2 Transformers character (fan-created or official) and why?
That's tough, and it can easily change depending on my mood or what I'm working on at the time. My recent work with "A World Transformed" has also given me new perceptions on the characters that's made it even harder. I just can't make a real choice, though if I were choosing at the time I write this, I'd probably pick Rodimus Prime simply because of what I've been working on recently. That can easily change with my next project, though.
16. What do you like most about the official Generation 1 and Generation 2 canon?
That depends on what you are referring to as official canon. Are you simply referring to the comics and cartoon, or do you include the tech specs from the packaging? There's just so much to choose from here, and that may be the what I like most. If you don't like one version of things, there are many others to choose from. Two different origins for the race, diffrent origins for various characters, and different roles for each character in any given version of G1. The fact is, there's something for everyone, and that's probably why Transformers has held on for so long.
17. Who is your favorite Beast Wars character (fan-created or official) and why?
Dinobot. He is, flat-out, my all time favorite Transformers character. He lived by a code of honor that his comrades couldn't truly understand, a code of honor that dictated his actions and ended up trapping him once he knew the truth about the world he found himself in. Instead of running, and trying to save himself, he ended up sacrificing himself. He never tried to deny responsilibity for his actions, and he tried to make up for the mistakes he made along the way. In the end, he became, perhaps, the most real character Transformers has ever had.
18. What do you like about the Beast Wars canon the most?
The cohesiveness of it. Very few continuity conflicts occurred, and that allowed the series to build on itself, and develop the story of the Beast Wars from one episode to the next. It also allowed the characters to grow and change. It was a seriously written series, one that didn't talk down to the intended audience and maintained a high standard throughout its run. Bob Forward and Larry DiTillio created what is easily the best official Transformers story to date, and it doesn't look like it will be surpassed anytime in the forseeable future.
19. What do you like most about the Beast Machines canon?
I'd have to day the quality of the writing on individual episodes. While the series as a whole wasn't cohesive, and the characters had very little connection to their Beast Wars counterparts, and the ending nearly ruined the series for me, the writing on the individual episodes was very well done.
20. Who is your favorite Beast Machines character (fan-created or official) and why?
Thrust. He took the best elements from Waspinator, and added a competence that Waspinator was sorely lacking.
21. What do you like most about the Robots in Disguise canon?
The fact that it didn't take itself too seriously. The underlying story was disjointed, the original Japanese show appeared to be absurd at its core, and RiD didn't try to make itself into something it wasn't.
22. Who is your favorite Robots in Disguise character (fan-created or official) and why?
Sideburn. He was a perfect example of what RiD was: absurd but fun.
23. What do you like most about the Armada canon?
I'd have to say the fact that it was so bad it was good. It provided so much material for my reviews that they were easy to write, and those reviews are the only reason I enjoyed Armada.
24. Who is your favorite Armada character (fan-created or official) and why?
Starscream. He was, perhaps, the most complex character in the show. His brief defection to the Autobots showed a depth of character not shown before in Armada, and not seen much since Armada.
25. Who is your favorite Energon character (fan-created or official) and why?
Don't have one.
26. What do you like most about the Energon canon?
I don't remember enough about it to be able to say.
27. Who is your favorite Universe character (fan-created or official) and why?
These guys got character development?
28. What do you like most about the Universe canon?
There's a Universe canon? Where?
29. Who is your favorite Cybertron character (fan-created or official) and why?
Can't say I have one
30. What do you like most about the Cybertron canon?
I never saw enough of the series to say.
31. What parts of your Transformers fanfics are based on events in real life?
With the exception of one story I'm working on, based on the night I was mugged a few months back, nothing.
32. What would you like to change about the Transformers fanfics you've written?
Nothing. They've all been a learning experience for me, and I'm glad I wrote them. The only thing I'd change is not finishing "The Greater Threat" series, something I may actually go back and revisit one day.
33. What do you consider to be a trite or overused theme in fanfics and why?
I don't read enough of them to say.
34. Have you had any interesting feedback as a result of your Transformers fanfics?
No, not really. Very little feedback at all, truth be told.
35. How much time do you spend online? What percentage of that time is devoted to Transformers?
Far, far too much. And not much of it is Transformers related anymore. Maybe an average of a few minutes a day.
36. Which Transformers newsgroups do you use? What is your nick on each?
I don't follow Usenet much anymore. As for web-based message boards, I'm only active on Transfan Talk. I've quit hanging around any other TF boards since my writing is the only thing holding my interest in Transformers anymore. As for my nick, I'm known as FlameStrike on all of the TF boards/groups I've ever been on.
37. Have you any other comments to make about Transformers fanfic?
No.
* * *June 2000 Interview* * *
What is your name or nick?
FlameStrike
What is your E-mail address/addresses?
flamestrike@mail.ev1.net
How old are you?
23
Are you female or male?
Male
What is the name of your home page name and what is its URL?
FlameStrike's Lair
http://users.ev1.net/~flamestrike/thelair.htm
List the Transformers fanfics have you written. Where can they be found?
Dragon's Dawn
Rescued
War's End
The Greater Threat: Chapter 1 - Invasion
The Greater Threat: Chapter 2 - Reactions and Preparations
The Greater Threat: Chapter 3 - Return to Cybertron
They can be found in the fanfic section of my web-site for those who are interested.
Which, of the Transformers fanfics you've written, is your favorite and why?
It's a toss-up between "Dragon's Dawn" and TGT1. "Dragon's Dawn" was my first effort and introduced my personal favorite creation, FlameStrike. TGT1 sets up my most ambitious story-line, and starts to get the Quintessons up to be as dangerous as I believe they were supposed to be in the series.
Which is your favorite Transformers fanfic written by someone else and why?
While I don't read much in the way of fanfic, generally so I can keep my ideas untainted by what I've seen others do, I do like the TF/ST:TNG crossover "Assimilation" by Lizard.
What influences you to write Transformers fanfic the way you do?
My views of the Transformers universe. I have interpreted the universe based on my recollections of the G1 cartoon and the events shown and alluded to in Beast Wars. These views, of course leave gaps, and my own mind tends to come up with the rest of the details. The rest is just based on my style of writing, and an attempt to keep in practice when my "professional" attempts are stalled.
What other Transformers fanfics writers write in a similar way to you?
Unknown. As I said, I don't read much fanfic.
How much time do you usually spend writing Transformers fanfic?
That varies depending on how well my other projects are going. While I haven't written any fanfic for a couple of months at the moment, that could change should I start having problems with the stories I'm currently working on.
What inspired you to write Transformers fanfic?
Myself. I have my interpretation on how the TF universe is, and I need to keep in practice with my writing when I'm unable to work on my more "professional" projects.
What drew you to Transformers in particular?
The depth of the universe, combined with the flexibility of it. Most SF universes aren't quite as developed and don't have as much history to draw on. Those that do, they generally don't leave much room for flexibility in the stories without having them seem absurd.
Who is your favorite Generation 1 or Generation 2 Transformers character (fan-created or official) and why?
Well, that depends on a number of factors, so I'll give several options.
If I can choose from my own creations, I'd have to choose Heatseeker. He's so obsessed with the past and trying to put things back as he believes he should be, that he's lost sight of who he is and what he really wants. He has a very hard time accepting the changes of the present, even when they may lead him to the situation he most wants and needs.
If my own characters aren't acceptable, the only one that comes to mind at the moment is Hot Rod/Rodimus Prime. He's another one who has to adapt to change, and doesn't seem to do so easily. He has to adapt not only to the death of his hero, and possible mentor, Optimus Prime, a death for which he is partially responsible and for which he probably blames himself, but also the fact that he's now been thrust into Optimus Prime's position. He's being forced into a role he's not sure he's ready for, and yet he handles it admirably.
What do you like most about the official Generation 1 and Generation 2 canon?
This is a hard one. I don't really consider Generation 2 to have any canon of its own, seeing as I never read the comics, and the G2 cartoon was the G1 cartoon redressed. So, going with the cartoon, I'd have to say I liked the back story for the series. The show itself may not have been the best-written show, and the series may have contradicted itself at times, but even with those problems it holds together quite well. I find it believable, and I find that it leaves enough gaps to be filled by the viewer that the viewer has a good way to involve himself in the story, while still presenting everything that the viewer needs to know to follow the story.
Who is your favorite Beast Wars character (fan-created or official) and why?
As above, there are two options.
From my own creations, assuming them to be acceptable, I'll have to go with FlameStrike. He's my first creation, and, I feel, my best. He is a mixture of both Predacon and Maximal programming, so he understands both sides of the conflict quite well, though he finds very little conflict in himself. He is all warrior, and he values his honor above all else, and follows a very strict code of honor, which is the biggest source for internal conflict since the code can easily conflict with itself.
If my own creations aren't acceptable, I'll have to go with Dinobot. He went from being an untrusted Predacon ally of the Maximals to a full fledged Maximal who earned the respect of his comrades. He followed his own honor, switched back and forth between loyalties while trying to figure out who he was, and he ended up dying as soon as he figured out the answers to all of his questions. All in all, he's the best official character I've seen in Transformers.
What do you like about the Beast Wars canon the most?
I think the best part of it was the continuity, especially in the second season. Everything linked into everything else so neatly, that the story flowed smoothly. Combined with the characters, this made for an extremely enjoyable show, which added some hints as to how things turned out between the end of the original series and the beginning of the Beast Wars.
What do you like most about the Beast Machines canon?
The lack of guns on the Maximal side. While I do give most of my characters guns of some sort, that's more a function of the continuity than a personal preference since I hate guns. In addition to the typical weapons, I also try to give them either non-lethal weapons or close ranged weapons. In many cases, I give them both, and I have created numerous characters without any guns or any other built in equivalent. I think it was a bold move on the part of the series creators, and one I approve of. It made the Maximals actions and their fight much harder, and thus more honorable and heroic.
Who is your favorite Beast Machines character (fan-created or official) and why?
I'll have to go with Cheetor on this one. While I always liked him from the beginning of Beast Wars, he's really got no competition anymore, and the way his character has developed has been all improvement.
He's started standing up to Primal, makes a worthy second in command, and is willing to take some bold and risky actions to protect his friends without the ulterior motive of going for the glory to make himself look better. All in all, I think he's grown and matured into a worthy leader.
What parts of your Transformers fanfics are based on events in real life?
None of the events that I can think of.
What would you like to change about the Transformers fanfics you've written?
I can't really think of anything that I'd like to change about what I've written.
What do you consider to be a trite or overused theme in fanfics and why?
Not having read many of them, I can't really say.
Have you had any interesting feedback as a result of your Transformers fanfics?
Nope, unfortunately. Which means that I've got no way of judging what people think about my writing, or any way to know what needs improvement.
How much time do you spend online? What percentage of that time is devoted to Transformers?
Several hours a day, and maybe, at most, 10% is devoted to TFs.
Most of that comes from reading the newsgroups.
Which Transformers newsgroups do you use? Select any that apply.
alt.toys.transformers.classic.moderated
rec.toys.transformers.moderated
Have you any other comments to make about Transformers fanfic?
Not really, no.
The End