Fan Fiction of the Week: Calamity

Calamity is an amazing fan fiction featuring Patrick Kane, the hockey player. In this edition of Fan Fiction of the Week, we take a closer look at this wonderful story.

Give us a brief summary of Calamity.

The do-gooder Cassidy Dormer finds herself in a bit of a predicament when that one mistake she made in the past comes back to haunt her. That mistake comes in the form of Patrick Kane. She has been in a committed relationship with high school sweetheart, Nate Stabler, which complicates her situation even more. Cassidy can only depend on her last line of defense to fend Patrick off and that is to remind herself how much better her life is without that distraction he provides her.

What inspired you to write Calamity?

I was very hesitant to write this because everything about this story screams unfamiliar territory. But one day I sat down and watched a Chicago Blackhawks hockey game that happened to be on TV. The camera panned to Patrick Kane, and I thought, man, there is something about him. I am not a Blackhawks fan by any means, so liking him had been a story of resistance for myself. So I thought, what if someone else was put in this situation, but in a real life setting?

How long have you been working on this story?

I’ve spent over a month planning and formulating the idea, nipping at specific details. It took me about three months to write the entire story. So I would say for about four months!

What is your favorite thing about writing Calamity?

I especially love the interactions between Pat and Cassidy as well as Pat and Nate. It is what motivated me to keep writing basically. I always kept in mind that there isn’t an ounce of animosity between them, despite the situations being foisted upon them, because these characters have history and/or friendship together! I also love narrating the longing and the struggles of admitting that longing both Cassidy and Pat have for each other, and it’s a long process, but it’s the most natural process for characters to develop and come to that realization.

What is the most challenging thing about writing it?

The most challenging thing is hands down my understanding of this Patrick Kane character. I had to read other people’s stories to get a grasp of who he is or who other people perceive him to be. Using that as inspiration, I formulated my character based on what I think he is like as a person, although there is no way in hell I’m 100% accurate. I also find it challenging to start posting the story because I’ve never written hockey fiction in my entire life and had no idea how people would respond to it.

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

Believe it or not, I’ve never had writer’s block for this story. I sat through three months of writing and managed to get it all done without a hiatus-like pause. The story line was way too intriguing for me. Also, the fact that I didn’t have pressure to post something lessened that stressful element to keep writing. I didn’t start posting this until I was entirely done with the story. That is why it was hard to have writer’s block. It also helped me execute my ideas exactly how I wanted it without readers’ comments swaying my decision to alter my storyline. I love my readers and their opinions mean the world to me but I don’t let it change the course of the storyline.

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

I write a very intense and concrete outline. It is very specific and has to be done exactly how it’s written. Occasionally, I would alter it but it doesn’t happen all too often. I spent a lot of time constructing the timeline and outline, so I do my best to stick by the script. Kind of OCD, I know!

Do you have any pre/post writing rituals?

Not really. This story was written through the most casual process (minus my crazy tendency to go exactly by the outline). The only pre writing ritual for this story was to stick to the plan and read through the outline. Post writing? Nothing really.

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

Even though your opinions do not impact on the outcome of the story, I want you to know that it means the world to me. Your support boosted my confidence to continue writing hockey fiction, something that I felt very uneasy and unsure about. I appreciate the fact that you guys helped me realize how storyline and character development impacts on a story, since you guys always point them out! Anyways, thanks for the motivation guys!!

Special thanks to nearly witches. and Norman Reedus for editing.

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