6 December 2012
Another day, another victim... And today I interviewed Kim, who you may also know as IrrationalKimmi...
Q: What's the hardest Opuss you've ever had to write, and why was it difficult?
A: I think the first Opuss I ever posted called 'Perfect Imperfection' was probably one of the hardest to write - I wasn't in a very good place at the time (unrequited love, complicated relationships etc) and the need to get it all out started me writing again. I hadn't written anything for years, so it was kind of a comeback piece. It was painful, personally, but it was worth it.
Q: I think it was worth it too, otherwise you wouldn't be with us on Opuss! If you had to choose one television show to watch for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
A: Definitely 'Friends' - I've always loved that show so much, even though I've seen it all so many times I know exactly what joke is coming next, I still watch it all the time. I honestly think I'll never get tired of it.
Q: IS IT POSSIBLE TO GROW TIRED OF FRIENDS? No. How did you come across Opuss?
A: Exactly. They are like my extended family. Ok that makes me sound like a loser. I was just mooching around the App Store, not looking for anything in particular, and it was in the 'New and Noteworthy' section. I joined to read other people's work, but I soon started writing my own too. And I've not looked back since!
Q: Awesome! What was your favourite childhood fairy tale, and why do you think it was that?
A: I was a little obsessed with 'The Magic Porridge Pot' - yes, weird, I know. I guess it's more of a fable than a fairy tale but I loved that story. It's about a poor family who come into possession of a magic porridge pot that never runs out, but they get greedy and ungrateful so the porridge pot overflows and fills the whole town with porridge. I suppose the idea of streets filled hot porridge! And I liked the moral too - I still do.
Q: Interesting... I've genuinely never heard of that before! Do you ever think writing is too personal to share?
A: Well I've shared some pretty personal things on Opuss, things that no one else knows about. I suppose that's part of the reason I love it so much; the freedom to really be myself and know I'm not going to be judged. Thus far I've not written anything I haven't felt able to share on Opuss.
Q: Ah, so there are advantages to the anonymity? Spider-Man or Superman? Defend your argument!
A: Yes, it's nice to have a place that's separate from 'real life' to be able to escape to. Like a literary bolt-hole.
Obviously Spider-Man. Firstly, Superman is boring, beige and wears his underwear over his tights. Secondly, I'm a comic-book nerd and I only read Marvel comics - Superman is DC. Yeah, I'm that much of a geek. Thirdly, Spidey is witty, charming and looks good in a onesie. He wins, hands down.
Q: Oh, that onesie... What is one embarrassing memory you're willing to share with us that you just cannot seem to live down?
A: Oh wow, I have a lot. I could write the book on social faux-pas. Which one to pick...? Ok, here's a really lame one. I was about sixteen and I went to a house party, as you do. Being sixteen and poor, my drink of choice was two litre bottles of 'White Lightning.' Classy, I know. I proceeded to down them both, like a boss, and was a legend for about half an hour. Until I threw up everywhere then passed out on a bed. My friends couldn't wake me up so they had to call my Grandad to come and pick me up. Everyone at college knew about it, my family knew about it. It never went away. That's why alcohol is bad kids. Although on the up-side, people used to buy me random drinks and try to get me to 'down' them as a dare. Got a lot of free booze that way.
Q:I think most of us have been there... YES, KIDS. NO ALCOHOL. Any tips for aspiring Opussians?
A: Write how and what you want - don't stick to the 'rules'! Don't be afraid to try different styles and formats. Really, just keep at it. And read. Read other Opussians work, read books, just read as much as you can. That's how I picked up techniques and ideas, and how I broaden my vocabulary and knowledge. I've heard it be said that we should 'write what we know,' so I try to know as much as possible.
Q: What is the most important thing, do you think, to consider when writing?
A: I'm somewhat obsessed with spelling and grammar. I know it's easy to make mistakes on an iPhone or iPod etc. but a quick proof read is crucial. I know I'm put off reading a post if there are several spelling mistakes in the first few lines. It's not the be-all and end-all, but it's important if you ever want your work to be taken seriously. Otherwise, I'd say trying to go deeper than just recording an event or thought - I want to read the little details, the nuances and emotions. That's what makes a piece come to life, in my humble opinion.
Q: Interesting... Finally, if you had to choose to go out on a date with either a troll (Harry Potter) or a zombie (The Walking Dead), which would it be, and what would be the downside to it?
A: I'd totally take the zombie out. I mean, trolls are a bit smashy and you know they would cause a scene wherever you took them. At least you could keep the zombie on a lead or something. And I know when I go on a date I'm up for a bit of 'making out' - zombies can't wait to give you a love bite. Although I'm not sure which would smell worse - stinky old troll or rotting corpse...
Q: Nice logic! Thanks Kim!
The Opuss Files: Kim. • Opuss № I