Featured Story of the Week: Homophobe

Homophobe is a brilliant original fiction that shines a new light on the homosexual community. In this week's Featured Story, we learn a little bit more about the genius behind the story.

Give us a brief summary of Homophobe.

Homophobe follows the life of Asher Matthews, who is a closeted gay dude that is inappropriately and seriously lusting after his homophobic, majorly confused and slightly lovable best friend Chase. More specifically, what happens when Chase starts getting drunk -a lot - and starts getting a little too close for comfort. A lot. Boy kisses, questioned sexuality and complete and utter confusion ensue.

How long have you been working on Homophobe?

I've actually been working on Homohobe a lot longer than I first thought I was going to be at first, and it's shaping up to almost be a year, with only a pitiful 18 chapters. I am, however, kicking my butt into hyper drive and finishing it hopefully in the span of at most 2 months.

On average, how much time do you spend writing Homophobe each week?

That really varies, because sometimes I pump out 2 chapters a week and I've also gone a month without updating so it's really a result of my free time and whether or not I randomly get super inspired to write. I'd like to be writing a lot more, haha.

How did you choose the title for this story?

It really just was pretty obvious from the beginning and I barely gave it any thought, it more titled itself, since it's a pretty simple and non complicated title. I'm pretty lazy when it comes to these things so it's whatever pops into my mind first.

What is your favorite thing about writing Homophobe?

My absolute favourite thing would probably be whenever Ash and Chase are basically just being themselves around each other. I never really expected it, but the dynamic of their relationship really grew on me and when they're just bring bros it's really easy to write. That, or probably anything to do with Ash's friend (and possible love interest? :o) Mason, because he's hilarious and I love him!

What is the most challenging thing about writing it?

Mostly just thinking where the hell is this story going, and getting through the filler-y parts, because I don't want anything that's boring to read and not relevant to the story, but it'd be pointless to have constant drama drama drama. It's so hard trying to find that balance.

Have you ever experienced writer's block with Homophobe? If so, how did you overcome it?

Oh God. Writer's Block should be my middle name. I'm pretty sure I went two months once without updating, I'm so terribly horrible and this is definitely doing me no good in advertising my writing, haha. I'm working on it, though! To me, I need to just take a moment and sit down and think about where these characters are going. Re-reading what I already have is always fantastic because I forget little things I can add in. Just take a moment and let your characters tell you want they want, with some peace and quiet, always does me some good.

Do you write with an outline, or just wing it?

It's weird, because for all my other stories I have a pretty clear outline, which really helps with writer's block honestly and probably why I get it so much with this story, and this one I am totally just winging it. I basically have no idea what's happening until I sit down and write the actual chapter and it's like oh, so that's how it's going to go. If you think I have control over these characters, you are surely mistaken, haha. I actually need to have a moment of peace because, I'll let you in on a little secret. I sort of still don't know how it's going to end. It's so hard because they're all my babies! And I know that someone's gonna get hurt. Ah, life is cruel!

Do you have any pre/post writing rituals?

Tea, I adore tea and always get a cup with me before I write. Also, comfy clothes are superb for writing it and also getting a little snack is fun too.

Is there anything you would like to say to your readers?

Well, I mean first the fairly obvious: I totally love and adore every single one of you who has taken the time to read my work, and it honestly means so much to me that you would do that, you guys don't even know. All the time I am utterly shocked by how many of you actually enjoy this story and am so grateful for it, especially those who have stuck by me even when I sort of drop off Mibbasphere, you guys are always there when I return and I can't even fully explain how appreciative I am of that. Thank you guys, so much, for making this story all that is has been and I truly hope that you continue to support it until it's end! You guys have honestly made it a complete blast to write and I cannot thank you enough! To be honest, I couldn't have done it without your support. Gah, thank you~! Ash and Chase and Mason and Layla love all of you guys too!

Thanks to Audrey T. and everybody dies; for editing.