This is Ashley Flynn.
Thank you so much for reading my any one of my works. I am deeply honored. (I do hope you realize that “Ashley Flynn” is only a penname. You may also know me from GaiaOnilne as "Nishin" and/or "Sgt Nishin.")
--Status as of September 2, 2008--
Everything is totally on hiatus.
-What and/or who got you interested in writing?
When I was in the third grade, everyone complimented my wiring skills. I started with rather juvenile short stories. I continued writing nothing but short stories until the end of fifth grade. Then, I decided to graduate myself up to novel-length plots. A few authors I’ve read and enjoyed have shaped my interest in writing.
-Why do you write?
When I was little, I always wanted to emulate my older brother, Devin. However, I found that I failed where he succeeded and vice-versa. At some point, I realized it was pointless to try to have a one-sided competition with him and refine the skills I enjoy best. To me, it began to make no sense to enjoy a victory where Devin naturally failed. Besides, he never competed with me. Writing is also a therapy to suppress my anger, so I suppose that is quite helpful to myself and others.
Growing up, I’ve always changed my career aspirations, but I always wanted to write on the side. It was so hard for me to pick a career goal because I was so versatile in most subjects. Because writing can be about and incorporate anything, I found it the easiest thing for me to do for the rest of my life. However, writing will always be my secondary career since it’s so very much rooted in chance. I’m just as interested in law.
-Where and who do you draw inspiration from?
I get all of my inspiration from living and all the people in my life. I also get inspiration from television, books, RPG videogames, and other forms of entertainment. Talking with others about non-writing things always helps me. Arthur Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie, Tom Clancy, and James Patterson have become major influences on my writings. My high school AFJROTC unit also inspires me. I would like to especially thank Mr. Geyer (fourth grade teacher), Mr. Coyle (seventh grade social studies teacher), Mrs. Carlisle (eighth grade English teacher), Mrs. Stojka (eighth grade science teacher), Mr. Pagel (ninth grade English teacher), and Dr. Godbold (tenth grade English honors teacher).
-What genre do you write?
When I started actual novels, my plots were very similar to Final Fantasy games and other anime/manga that held my interest. Eventually, I found my calling in the crime mystery genre. That doesn’t mean that I only write crime novels, though. Every now and then, I’ll write a romance or a piece of realistic fiction (mostly involving lawyers). I also draw and write comics and graphic novels, but I would rather write a novel. I’m not good with fantasy and sci-fi; the world-building always gets me. Sometimes, I write lawyer parody plays.
-What do you write on and with? Pen, pencil? Paper, computer?
I write my plans on paper with pen. (However, if I can’t have a pen at the time, I will use pencil. I use pencils only for drawing.) I type the draft on the computer for many convenient reasons. Editing is a lot easier, and I can save my novel onto a scan disk and plug it into a laptop for portability. Computers are much more conveninent, but I’m afraid I can only spell certain words on the computer that I can’t spell on paper. I still use a Webster’s dictionary even when typing. (I don’t quite trust the grammar check.)
-How long does it take for you to finish a novel?
It takes me one week to plan a novel. It takes me one month to two months to actually write a novel. It takes me two months to three months to edit a novel. I get novels done fast because I always have at least two going at once.
-Every novel, you have this warning before the actual story. Why?
I was kind of emulating South Park and their little pre-show warning. At first, I found the warning humorous. Thus, I started writing “court-appointed” warnings to credit allusions, point out inaccuracies, and to serve as a dedication page--all in one page.
-What is your favorite plot you’ve ever created?
My favorite plot is The Pieces of Logic and Hope. This is my very first, non-parody teen novel. I put so much effort into it that I’m obligated to make this novel my number one plot. It’s so intricate in a few ways and not just because it’s part mystery. Many can relate to the themes of hope and death--and even maturity.
-Who is your favorite character you’ve ever created?
Allen Ethan Peterson from In Life, In Law, In Love is my favorite character. After reading a few chapters, many said Allen is like Gregory House from House M.D. He is very immature for his age, and that isn’t just because of his actions. His philosophies are what really make him immature. Allen has a natural charm that makes people attracted to him, but his natural charm also repels people. His personality is very contradictory. You can only describe him with this: “Allen Peterson is Allen Peterson.” Even though he’s a superb attorney, Allen has a low opinion of himself. I know some people are like that.
-What if you were published would be the best award you could ever think of?
I have dreamt of a few things happening to at least one of my hypothetically published novels. The best thing would be for one of my novels to get on any high school’s English curriculum. The second best thing would be Stephen Colbert giving it the Colbert Bump--on his show, especially. The third would be a Pulitzer Prize and the fourth would be the Nobel Prize for Literature. (I set my sights low on the prestigious awards because I’m not that great.) Fifth would be recognition from Oprah Winfrey.
-What hobbies do you have?
I love to read (mostly crime mystery, but I read other genres). I can’t choose between Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie, but my favorite modern writer is James Patterson. I do love to pursue FanFiction.net now and again because, quite frankly, some works posted there do amuse me. I watch a lot of TV, too--perhaps a little too much. I watch mostly crime shows, but I watch other genres. I can’t really say I have a favorite TV show because I watch so many. Most movies I watch are comedy or superhero movies. I love Adam Sandler and Jim Carrey, though there are some of their movies that are just ew.
I’m not a huge comic book fan, so the most movies I watch are superheroes such as Batman or Spider-man. Spider-man is my favorite superhero. Anime and manga occupy enough of my time. From time to time, I doodle and cartoon; I’m not too serious about it, though. I play RPG videogames, mostly Final Fantasy and anything else Square has produced. If I get to it and can find a friend or two, I bowl and play tennis and volleyball. Occasionally, I tap a tune on the piano. I’m very rusty, though, so I wouldn’t say I’m a spectacular pianist. (I’m self-taught.)
-What music do you listen to? Does any of it inspire you?
I really do need music to write. However, I get so into writing that I don’t realize seven songs have played and ended until I take a short break. I have some weird musical tastes, though. I listen mostly to Japanese-pop (or J-pop), classical/instrumental music (mostly piano), Disney songs, and American music that is 1989 or earlier. Billy Joel is my favorite. My favorite Disney song is a tie between “A Whole New World” (from Aladdin), “Part of Your World” (from The Little Mermaid), and “Reflection” (from Mulan).
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