Ponine Enjolras, 20, also known as Jenelin, is the webmistress of the Barricade of Revolution, and author of many fanfics, including Les Omens, 24601, and Now When The Rain Falls. She hails from Washington state and is currently at college in Iowa, majoring in theatre. She usually listens to David Bowie while she writes fanfic.

Q: How long have you been writing fanfic?
A: Ages and ages it seems! But I've really only been writing fanfic for about 2 1/2 years.

Q: Why do you write?
A: Writing for me is very therapeutic. It's something I do when I'm stressed out or feeling depressed. Besides that, I just enjoy writing because it gives me the chance to create a new world (or change a world which can be the case with fanfic).

Q: What got you interested in Les Miz?
A: I got interested in Les Miz when I was 16. I had heard of the musical, of course, but didn't know anything about it. That all changed when my cousin said to me, "Hey, Jen, you've got to hear this great CD." After about two songs, I was hooked and set out to find out everything about Les Miz!

Q: Do you tend to base your stories on the novel, or the musical?
A: I tend to base them on the novel just because there is so much more material and depth in it than in the musical.

Q: What condition is your copy of the novel in?
A: I like to think that it looks well-loved! And if your definition of "well-loved" involves tons of duct tape keeping the book from falling into about five pieces, you know exactly how it looks!

Q: What kind of fic do you tend to write the most (humor, romance, vignettes, crossovers...) and why?
A: I can't really say! What I write really depends on my mood. When I'm depressed, I write a lot of silly stuff. When I'm feeling silly myself, I tend to write slightly depressing stuff. I love writing both kinds equally. The silly fic is certainly the most fun to write, but I tend to feel more satisfaction in finishing a serious piece.

Q: Do you usually start with a plot idea or with a character?
A: I generally start with a character. On occasion I do start with a plot idea, but I find that I write better if I just let my imagination run free and see where it goes. For instance, when I sat down and wrote, "The day started normally. Enjolras rose, quickly dressed, pulled back his blonde hair and headed out into Paris," I had no idea it was going to turn into "Orestes and Pylades Shocked." I just felt like writing about Enjolras!

Q: Do you research your fics? What are some sources you consult?
A: I rarely research my fics (at least my Les Miz fics) in a historical context just because I'm not terribly concerned with writing about historical events. But I always check with the book to make sure I have dates and places right. I keep a baby name book around for when I just can't think of a name for a character -- or for when I want a character to have a meaningful name.

Q: Who's your favorite character and why?
A: Enjolras is my favorite character, and he has been for almost the entire time I've loved Les Miz. I love him because he is so passionate, dedicated and in control. I would love to be like that myself. Also, Hugo really tells us very little about Enjolras; that fact alone makes him so intriguing because it makes me want to know more about him.

Q: Do you like to write about original characters, or do you prefer to stick to the ones from the story?
A: I generally prefer to write about established characters. Original characters are great if they serve to bring out aspects of an established character, but I don't think they should be used to play out the fantasies of the author, which is so tempting to do if you write about an original character. I also just find it easier to write about an established character because I don't have to spend much time thinking about character traits and can get right into the story!

Q: What one character would you like to read more about?
A: Bahorel! Poor, forgotten Bahorel!

Q: What's your favorite moment from the novel/musical?
A: Enjolras' death for both. I prefer the book's version, although the musical leaves us with such a beautiful image of him.

Q: What's your favorite story of yours, and why?
A: Either "24601" or "Jehan." They are the first two stories I wrote that I think really captured what I was going for, and even after all this time (I must have written them almost 2 years ago) I'm still proud of them.

Q: What story have you gotten the most feedback about?
A: "Les Omens" actually, which is another story I'm terribly proud of! I was surprised to get so much feedback just because it is a Les Miz/Good Omens crossover, and I didn't think there was a terribly big audience for that! Actually, most of the people I've heard from about it are people who are unfamiliar with Good Omens but were inspired to read it after reading my story.

Q: What's your favorite story of someone else's?
A: Hard question! I've been reading Les Miz fanfic for almost 3 1/2 years now, and I've read a lot of great stuff during that time. At the moment my favorite is Ursula's wonderful Sandman crossover, "Enchantments and Desolations".

Q: What other fanfic writers do you enjoy reading?
A: Elsb has some wonderful writing; it's so well thought out! Salatrel is also fabulous; I don't think anyone else has updated the story so well!

Q: Do you read or write fanfic in other fandoms?
A: Oh, yes! I write a fair amount of Scarlet Pimpernel fanfic. I have written less of, but highly enjoy writing, Sandman, Labyrinth and Ranma 1/2 fanfic as well. I read a lot of Labyrinth and Ranma stories. There's also fanfic based on Jane Austen's works -- I love to read it, but have yet to try my hand at it myself!

Q: Do you think Victor Hugo would approve of what you write, and do you care? :)
A: I don't greatly care -- I write for myself, not for Hugo! But I think he would approve of some of my work, but I've also probably had him rolling in his grave a few times!

Q: What's your advice to beginning fanfic writers?
A: Just keep at it -- your first attempts are never as bad as you think they are! Most importantly, develop your own style. Don't try to write like Victor Hugo, it will be far better to just write like yourself!

Q: What's a book you'd recommend to everyone?
A: Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett. I've recommended it to countless people, and they've all loved it. It's just a brilliant piece of writing -- hilarious, but with a profound impact as well. It's great!

[Main Index] [Interviews]
URL:
Provider: MV Communications