//------------------------------// // Interviewing A. K. Yearling - 10,000 Sub Special // Story: My Little Pony: Train in Equestria // by Tisalie //------------------------------// (10th April 2017) "Alright, Dashie. Starting in 3, 2, 1..... Action! Benvenuti, everycreature! I'm your host, Tisalie...." "And I'm best pony, Rainbow Dash!" Train was sitting infront of a camera in his living room. They were filming a HoofTube video. Rainbow Dash was standing behind the camera. "Today is a day of a few special occasions. "Daring Do vs. the Changeling Queen" turned 9 years old recently and my channel surpassed 10,000 subscribers! Guys, you truly are crazy! I'm so incredibly thankful for all the support I've gotten over all these years. I've met so many amazing ponies and had so many possibilities that wouldn't have been possible otherwise. So, I thought I'd give back to you guys. Yes, I didn't lie to you guys. With me.... In my room..." Train stuttered a little. "Pardon, I still can't believe this is true.... Buy with me today, is the myth, the legend, the mare.... Give it up for A. K. Yearling!" An applause sound effect was added, while the camera panned to A. K. Yearling. She smiled at the camera and waved. "Evening, Tissie. It's an honor." She greeted. "Oh, I am the one who's honoured here. Yes, you're seeing that right. The Tisalie HoofTube Channel will be one of the first channels to interview A. K. Yearling herself." Train said excitedly. "Let's not waste any time, shall we? So, I'll ask the first question. Ms. Yearling, after 10 years of writing, have you ever gotten tired of it?" "Heavens, no! I've never ever gotten sick of writing Daring Do. It hasn't entered seasonal rot, as I got a constant flood of ideas and stories that are left to tell. I've pulled alot of all-nighters. I ensure you, this series isn't going anywhere." "We're all really relieved to hear that. Overcoming writer's block and burnout isn't easy, but you've always prevailed." Ms. Yearling smiled. "Well, this is my passion afterall. You can't give up hope so easily. I'll keep going as long as I possibly can, I promise that." "Having passion for your work is very important, I know. So, when you are writing, do you try to use your ideas only or do you try to keep fans in mind?" "I always try to keep my fans in mind and I love to put in little nods, but I have a duty to the story and myself to stay true to my artistic vision and only use what I believe is necessary. If I simply fill it with fanservice, it will lose substance and the plot and characters will suffer." "That is a very good approach and I respect it alot. I've done a plethora of videos, listing the fandom references and while making these, I realised how much care you put into making fans smile, which is really sweet to think about." "Well, what would I have without the fans? You always have to remember that the fans gave brought you where you are. So, why not give back to them every once in a while?" "While on the topic of care, how important is keeping continuity for you?" "Oh, very! Keeping continuity is critical for any good saga. You don't want to contradict what you wrote previously or forget important details, or you'll mess up the whole story. It can also make it more fun for the reader if you keep little details consistent across the books, instead of changing things on a whim." "You know, maybe it's my OCD, but I get really annoyed at redcons I always have to make up a logical explanation in my mind to satisfy me. That's one of the reasons why I love Daring Do so much. It's continuity is consistent and very well done. Now, with books as well done as these, it's no wonder they make so much money and it's no secret either. So, what's the most money you've ever spent on your writing career?" "Let's see... there's all the tickets and lodging, I did have to bribe a few guards to let me explore some sites, and at one point I got conned by a swindler into buying a supposedly ancient but worthless gemstone. If all that adds up, it must have been at least a couple thousand bits." "So, what did you do with your first advantage then?" "It was the most amazing feeling. I ran out to the nearest bakery and bought like 10 pies. I wanted to savor the moment by stuffing myself with my favorite food. Then I bought some new clothes. I was so tired of wearing nothing but the same old jacket and boots. Finally, I put my money in a bank account and started saving for future expeditions." "The reason why the books are so loved, are without a doubt the action and characters. Do you base your characters on real ponies often?" "Well, I definitely get some inspiration from friends and acquaintances. Rainbow Dash is an obvious example, but I've got a little bit of myself in Daring Do as well." She winked at Rainbow Dash and chuckled. "Do you have many unfinished or scrapped books and is there any possibility of these ideas being released?" "Oh, all the time. I usually discard the bad ones and they end up in the trash, along with the discarded pages from drafts and revisions. Not to mention the abandoned notes and outlines. It's hard to keep all my ideas straight sometimes. Maybe I should just have an idea book so they don't get lost." "That is a great idea. Maybe we could sit down again sometime and go through them. I'd be very interested." "Well, sure, why not? I really love your enthusiasm." "Well, that happens when you are as big a nerd as me. And with all these idea, comes great research. How long does the research for a book take you?" "I do a lot of research on the places and cultures I'll be representing so I can capture the essence of it and paint a vivid picture. It can be days, even a week sometimes. It's worth it to get the setting right though. It's what takes a story and turns it into an adventure! And it paid out very well in the grand scheme of things." "These next few questions will be more about the writing process. Do you view writing as a spiritual practice?" "Of course. It's an escape to distant places and imaginary worlds. It's a way of sharing your imagination and insights with others. And it's a way of expressing yourself that transcends language. I believe that's why people who love reading are such creative souls and love writing as well." "How many hours a day do you even spend on writing?" "I'd say on average, when I have a deadline coming up, I dedicate about four to five hours a day to writing. On weekends, I give myself permission to take a break, but I also will push myself to write a little longer if the story's really flowing and I'm feeling the pressure of meeting those deadlines. A true artist needs a strict schedule to get their work finished." "How do you come up with character names?" "I like to pick names that are fitting with their personalities, or give them significance to their species. This is especially important since I often have to come up with a lot of names very quickly. For side characters, I even use name generators sometimes. It's amazing how many times that's saved me in a jam and given me inspiration to flesh out the rest of their character." "Most of the time, my character's names are references to something or somepony. Now, a question I can relate to, do you Google yourself?" "All the time! I love to see what people are saying about me online, especially since my fans seem to be really creative and talented. The pictures and art of me, the fanfics they write, the videos, and even the cosplays they make. I just think it's incredible what they come up with, and it always inspires me to try even harder for them." "Ah, yeah. This fandom is just so talented and I'm so proud to be apart of it. I'm planning on cosplaying as Caballeron at the next DoerCon." "I'm actually really looking forward to that. I'll be sure to show up." "Caballeron is a really enjoyable character. Do you plan on fleshing him out more and telling his backstory?" "Oh, most definitely. He's a fascinating character with a lot of layers to him. I can promise you'll see more of Caballeron in the future, as well as more of his backstory. I think readers will find it pretty interesting and insightful into why he is who he is." "That's fantastic news. Your family must be really proud of all you accomplished. Do they support your writing career?" "Of course! My parents are very proud of the success that I've achieved, and it's all because of the work I've put into my passion for writing. They know that I love making stories, and they're happy for me that I have the opportunity to make a living doing what I love." "I'm really happy for you and your family. And I hope your career will continue to thrive for many years to come. Now, last question for today, something that many people are interested in. You are very good at keeping your personal details private and don't give out much. So, is A. K. Yearling a pen name or is Yearling your actual surname?" "That's a good question, but no, A. K. Yearling is my actual birth name. I won't reveal my first names, but they are legit." "That's something I was always interested in. Thanks for telling us. And thank you a whole lot for taking this interview. This has been interesting, inspiring and a very cool experience. You are a real good example to all those aspiring writers out there." "Aww, thank you. I'm so hyped to have actually met you and talked to you. I ca see you're a rea fan and friend. My door's always open for you." They rise up from their chairs and hug each other. The hug lasts for 20 seconds, before Train turns to the camera again. "So, that's it. Thank you for all your supports, I'm serious. This has been a wonderful ride and it's sure to continue. I'll continue this channel as long as Daring Do continues. Arrivederci, I love you guys. T out!!!"