Introduction (01-03)
CN's Head (04-173)
CN's Stories
Acknowledgments
Articles
Biography

Introduction

^[01] One thing I can tell you about CN Winter is that she is blunt. If you ever want a straight answer, CN Winters is the woman to go to. She is one of the few bards (writers) who have never ceased to inspire me. After I had read one of her works, I had to read them all.

^[02] I have been emailing with CN on and off for a couple years. Corresponding with her, I had formed an idea about her as a person. She was strong, blunt, and had a cool sense of humor. Whenever I needed a kick in the *ss for being foolish, she was first in line with the biggest pair of sh*t kickers on. I admire that and I admire her. I am very grateful to know her.

^[03] After years of correspondence, I finally met her at the recent Pasadena Convention (May 2001). She was nothing like I had pictured. With all the wisdom she had shown, I was expecting a little grandma. Instead, I met this tiny young woman. Her inner wisdom is not reflected by her age.

CN's email address is cnwinters@hotmail.com

CN also has her own list
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/friendsofcn
(friendsofcn-subscribe@yahoogroups.com)

CN's Web Page
http://cnwinters.tripod.com/images/wr1.gif

CN's Subtext Reports
http://cnwinters.tripod.com/subreports/submain.htm

CN's Head

Gabrielle stumbles across an ancient scroll filing system.

AMY MURPHY:
^[04] When did you start writing?

CN WINTERS:
^[05] Third grade

MURPHY:
^[06] If you had to do it all over, would you be a bard? Would you write?

WINTERS:
^[07] I'll always write. I always have.

MURPHY:
^[08] Give us a brief day in the life of CN.

WINTERS:
^[09] I get up, eat. Go to my day job. Leave my day job. Eat dinner. Play with my family. Put them to bed. Write some stories or such. Go to bed.

MURPHY:
^[10] How do you handle stress?

WINTERS:
^[11] It depends on the stress. Writing helps sometimes.

MURPHY:
^[12] Years from now, how would you want to be remembered?

WINTERS:
^[13] A pain in the *ss to narrow-minded people.

MURPHY:
^[14] What is your pet peeve?

WINTERS:
^[15] People who think they are better than others. We're all human.

MURPHY:
^[16] What was Tonya Muir like? [CN Winters collaborated with Tonya Muir to write 1971 (http://ausxip.com/fanfiction/n/1971.html)]

WINTERS:
^[17] Very creative. Flowery with language. Very determined to see things through.

MURPHY:
^[18] How has her loss effected you? [Ms. Muir passed away in 2000]

WINTERS:
^[19] I value my time in the Xenaverse and the world in general much more.

MURPHY:
^[20] What is it like to work with T. Novan?

WINTERS:
^[21] A soulmate of sorts. We play well off each other and out styles are very similar. [CN Winters and T. Novan wrote Something To Talk About (http://ausxip.com/fanfiction/s/somethingtotalk.html) and Henbane, Horsenapping, And Other Obstacles (http://ausxip.com/fanfic13/henbane.htm)]

MURPHY:
^[22] Who is CN Winters?

WINTERS:
^[23] A pen name, my alter ego.

MURPHY:
^[24] Tell us something about you that we might not know.

WINTERS:
^[25] I hate heights.

MURPHY:
^[26] What do you see yourself doing in the future?

WINTERS:
^[27] Leaving my day job to be a full-time writer. Future projects? Perhaps a novel and most certainly a screenplay. Perhaps two actually.

MURPHY:
^[28] How do you handle depression?

WINTERS:
^[29] Let it work its way out and talk to those I'm close to.

Gabrielle has fans of her scrolls, not the least of which is Aphrodite.

MURPHY:
^[30] What advice can you give to future writers?

WINTERS:
^[31] Get use to rejection. If you don't have a thick skin, you'll never make it.

MURPHY:
^[32] What has the show Xena meant to you?

WINTERS:
^[33] I've met so many friends and I have had the chance to build my own creative career at the moment.

MURPHY:
^[34] How do you feel about its end?

WINTERS:
^[35] I haven't thought of it too much actually.

MURPHY:
^[36] What are your dreams? Hopes? Wishes?

WINTERS:
^[37] Writing an award-winning screenplay.

MURPHY:
^[38] Who do you trust?

WINTERS:
^[39] No one -- I couldn't resist. Seriously, my family, which also includes my close friends.

MURPHY:
^[40] What is a necessity for every writer in your opinion?

WINTERS:
^[41] Besides the thick skin, being able to hold your reader's interest and creating convincing conflict.

MURPHY:
^[42] Do you believe in prayer?

WINTERS:
^[43] I believe in your own abilities to take care of yourself.

MURPHY:
^[44] What's your favorite quote? Why and how does it affect you?

WINTERS:
^[45] "I'm not an author. I don't know what an author does. I'm a writer. I write." John Steinbeck. It speaks for itself, but for those who might not understand. Steinbeck wasn't interested in titles or labels. He found something he loved and ran with it. That's the most important part of being successful.

MURPHY:
^[46] What makes your best friend your best friend?

WINTERS:
^[47] Besides the twenty-five years and counting? She's dependable, open-minded, funny, beautiful inside and out.

MURPHY:
^[48] Could you or have you ever experienced, you or someone else reading one of your stories aloud in the public?

Alexandra Tydings and Claire Stansfield doing penguin impersonations?
(Photo by Heather Perkins)

WINTERS:
^[49] Yes, Claire Stansfield (Alti) and Alexandra Tydings (Aphrodite) read one of my stories. [Down Home By CN Winters (http://members.tripod.com/~cnwinters/bonding_s.htm) for the XXX Cabaret at the Pasadena Convention, May 5th 2001. A description of this moment can be found in Judi Walton's "Pasadena Con Report: May 3-6, 2001" (http://whoosh.org/issue57/walton57b.html#tydings2)]

MURPHY:
^[50] What did you feel?

WINTERS:
^[51] The story reading didn't surprise me as much as the applause at my name. Guess folks really do like my work.

MURPHY:
^[52] What's the most romantic thing anyone has done for you?

WINTERS:
^[53] I can't say that anyone has ever done anything really 'romantic' in the sense that you're asking. Romance comes from showing affection, by making someone feel wanted by giving them your time and energy. I'd say my husband is a very romantic man in that fashion. He's not afraid to tell me how he feels about me.

MURPHY:
^[54] When, if ever, is censorship valid?

WINTERS:
^[55] When it endangers someone like yelling fire in a crowded movie theater.

MURPHY:
^[56] What theme would you like to tackle in your next work?

WINTERS:
^[57] Can't say, it's a secret.

MURPHY:
^[58] What is your favorite character or play by Shakespeare and why?

WINTERS:
^[59] Hamlet, too many reasons to even get into. Macbeth was good too, if you like irony.

MURPHY:
^[60] What was the last thing that made you smile recently?

WINTERS:
^[61] My daughter at her birthday party today (June 3rd).

MURPHY:
^[62] As a mother, what do you wish for your child?

WINTERS:
^[63] That she finds happiness on whatever path she chooses.

MURPHY:
^[64] You now have absolute authority over the world. Omnipotent in all areas. (Congratulations) What's your first move?

WINTERS:
^[65] Legalize gay marriages and equal rights protection for ALL people.

MURPHY:
^[66] Do you have stalkers? If so, how have you handled them?

WINTERS:
^[67] You mean that person out on my lawn right now? I make them rake the leaves. No, I can't say I've been stalked.

MURPHY:
^[68] Tell us one writing tip that you've learned to be true, at least for you.

WINTERS:
^[69] Don't stop writing until you have an idea for the next chapter then make sure you include ideas/notes of where you want to go so you'll be more inclined to go back to the piece.

MURPHY:
^[70] How would you categorize your best writing, and give the URL's for them if posted.

WINTERS:
^[71] There isn't anything I haven't put out that I don't like, so take your pick. http://cnwinters.tripod.com. But I do have to say that I liked The Play.

MURPHY:
^[72] What stupid thing did you do as a teen?

WINTERS:
^[73] Drove to Chicago for the weekend and didn't tell a soul.

MURPHY:
^[74] What, if anything, can stop you writing, if only for a while?

A final(e) kiss.

WINTERS:
^[75] Watching Xena, which is usually to do the subtext report.

MURPHY:
^[76] In your opinion, do you fit your astrological sign?

WINTERS:
^[77] I think everyone fits every sign. It's how you look at yourself that day.

MURPHY:
^[78] What to you is the worst feeling in the world?

WINTERS:
^[79] The thought of losing my daughter.

MURPHY:
^[80] The best feeling in the world?

WINTERS:
^[81] Being a Mom.

MURPHY:
^[82] Favorite song of the moment?

WINTERS:
^[83] I don't have one right now, but my all time favorite is 'No One Is The Blame' By Howard Jones.

MURPHY:
^[84] What is the first thing you think of in the morning?

WINTERS:
^[85] I'm gonna be late again.

MURPHY:
^[86] Is there one part of the writing process where you usually get stuck?

WINTERS:
^[87] Nope, once I have an idea. I'm off and running. Finding time is what's difficult.

MURPHY:
^[88] Does the best writing flow for you, or does it come from rewrites?

WINTERS:
^[89] It depends - some things should be rewritten. Some don't need to be. You have to decide what fits and what doesn't.

MURPHY:
^[90] Which part of writing do you enjoy most?

WINTERS:
^[91] Creating or bending characters to fit to a story.

MURPHY:
^[92] How often do you think about a piece when you are working on it, and when do you think about it?

WINTERS:
^[93] I think about it when I'm in front of the monitor.

MURPHY:
^[94] When someone walks into your bedroom, what are the first three things that they're likely to notice?

WINTERS:
^[95] My Xena shrine, my Star Wars shrine, and the size of my bed.

MURPHY:
^[96] Do you feel in control of your writing, or do you get carried away by your inspiration or characters?

WINTERS:
^[97] I control the characters, but I try to make them believable based on the information I give the readers.

MURPHY:
^[98] If you consider yourself to have a muse, what exactly do you mean?

WINTERS:
^[99] An inspiration, an intestinal need to write.

MURPHY:
^[100] Tell the truth--are you your favorite writer, or in your own top five? Why or why not?

WINTERS:
^[101] Yes I like my work, if I didn't like what I wrote, I wouldn't still be writing.

MURPHY:
^[102] Would the world be a better place if women ran it or would it be basically the same?

WINTERS:
^[103] Women will never run the world - they have too many morals and to get power means to sacrifice that. I truly believe that. I don't think ALL men are immoral, but I know most men are more likely to have an affair on a spouse before a woman is so. What does that tell you?

MURPHY:
^[104] What is your favorite spot where you live now?

WINTERS:
^[105] The beach.

MURPHY:
^[106] What books are you reading now?

WINTERS:
^[107] I don't have time to read.

MURPHY:
^[108] What about it/them is holding your attention?

WINTERS:
^[109] A good book, movie, etc., has to have engaging characters. If I feel I'm watching wallpaper dry, I skip it.

MURPHY:
^[110] What would your friends say is your worst trait?

WINTERS:
^[111] My impatience.

MURPHY:
^[112] Do you type with your fingers on the right keys?

WINTERS:
^[113] Yes, but you'd never believe it, I know.

MURPHY:
^[114] What is the longest any plant in your home has been with you?

WINTERS:
^[115] Three days tops.

MURPHY:
^[116] Do you have any particular bedtime rituals (glass of warm milk, etc.) that you follow every night?

WINTERS:
^[117] Nope, just working until I'm blurry eyed.

MURPHY:
^[118] If you find a spider in the bathtub, do you help it out or squish it?

WINTERS:
^[119] I help it down the drain again.

MURPHY:
^[120] What in your opinion is most dangerous about mankind?

WINTERS:
^[121] The decay of morals. That people aren't taught the consequence of their actions, the way they once were.

MURPHY:
^[122] What is most positive about it?

WINTERS:
^[123] The need for survival.

MURPHY:
^[124] What was the last thing you bought that you really didn't need?

WINTERS:
^[125] A box of chocolate chip cookies. Didn't need them. I just wanted them.

MURPHY:
^[126] Who is your favorite Greek God?

WINTERS:
^[127] 'Dite of course.

MURPHY:
^[128] Why do fools fall in love?

WINTERS:
^[129] Because everyone has the right to fall in love.

MURPHY:
^[130] How has online writing affected your life and how you see yourself, your goals?

WINTERS:
^[131] I see myself working two job but getting paid for only one.

MURPHY:
^[132] What skill would you like to have that you don't have now?

WINTERS:
^[133] Cooking. I can boil water, but that's about it.

MURPHY:
^[134] Who is your real life hero and why?

WINTERS:
^[135] My late grandmother. The best bard I ever knew.

MURPHY:
^[136] What fan fic story touched you so much that you still remember it vividly?

WINTERS:
^[137] "Back and Forth" By T. Novan. http://ausxip.com/fanfiction/b/backandforth.html

MURPHY:
^[138] If you could only choose a single climate with no variation would you prefer it to be sweltering hot or freezing cold?

WINTERS:
^[139] I like it hot.

MURPHY:
^[140] What is the first thing you notice about someone when you meet them?

WINTERS:
^[141] How they hold themselves - confident, timid, etc.

MURPHY:
^[142] What is the most idiotic and annoying common prejudice?

WINTERS:
^[143] Can't think of any. Most prejudices are more then annoying to me.

MURPHY:
^[144] How is $25 well spent?

WINTERS:
^[145] For me, eating something I didn't have to cook.

MURPHY:
^[146] Would you rather live in a sociable suburb, or alone in the deep woods?

WINTERS:
^[147] I'm a 'burb gal.

MURPHY:
^[148] What is the source of your inspiration?

WINTERS:
^[149] My husband

MURPHY:
^[150] Where do your ideas come from?

WINTERS:
^[151] My interests and my abilities.

MURPHY:
^[152] What were your favorite book, TV show, and movie when you were a teenager and what do you think of them now?

WINTERS:
^[153] Cagney and Lacey -- still love it.

MURPHY:
^[154] What's your idea of a perfect world?

WINTERS:
^[155] A world run by cats.

MURPHY:
^[156] What Disney character do you most identify with and why?

WINTERS:
^[157] I don't like Disney so I can't relate. Maybe Belle -- 'I want much more then this providential life'.

MURPHY:
^[158] What's your favorite website?

WINTERS:
^[159] Mary D's. AUX page. http://ausxip.com/index2.html and the UFFD of course. http://www.xenafanfiction.com/index.htm

MURPHY:
^[160] If you could interview your favorite author, what questions would you ask? And, Why?

WINTERS:
^[161] I doubt I'd have the time to do that. I guess I'd ask what makes you write.

MURPHY:
^[162] What makes a great kisser?

WINTERS:
^[163] Soft lips, not sloppy..ekkk.

MURPHY:
^[164] What have you learned from your animals?

WINTERS:
^[165] It's good to be a cat. You eat, sleep, and that's about it.

MURPHY:
^[166] Does our society glorify violence to the point we have become desensitized to it and the consequences?

WINTERS:
^[167] Yes.

MURPHY:
^[168] What is your motto?

WINTERS:
^[169] I don't believe in mottos - I take life as it comes.

MURPHY:
^[170] What do you think we take too seriously as writers?

WINTERS:
^[171] That we're out helping humanity. A writer is supposed to entertain and yes perhaps educate, but when you start to take yourself too serious, it's just trouble. You're just a little speck on the universe. DEAL with it.

MURPHY:
^[172] What questions should I have asked?

WINTERS:
^[173] Can't think of none. Oh wait, my favorite color is blue.

CN's Stories

First Time Stories
http://cnwinters.tripod.com/first.htm

Home Coming Series
http://cnwinters.tripod.com/homeco_s.htm

Changes Of Heart Series
http://cnwinters.tripod.com/changes_s.htm

Bounding Of The Souls Series
http://cnwinters.tripod.com/bonding_s.htm

Uber
http://cnwinters.tripod.com/uber.htm

Mel And Janice Stories
http://cnwinters.tripod.com/mj.htm

Behind all her stories review
http://cnwinters.tripod.com/stories.htm

Acknowledgments

Some of the questions were donated by the Bardic Circle list
http://www.geocities.com/thebardiccircle/

Thanks to Kamouraskan for the beta.

Articles

L. J. Maas and Murphy Wilson [Amy Murphy]. One Step Beyond ... Uber, That Is. WHOOSH #49 (October 2000)
http://whoosh.org/issue49/maas1.html

Biography

Amy Murphy

Twenty-nine-year-old Amy Murphy resides in Indiana, and is an avid reader of Xena: Warrior Princess Fan Fiction. If it exists in the Xenaverse, chances are she's read it! Murphy has also tried her hand at writing FF, turning out two very nice pieces that reside on a couple of web sites throughout the Xenaverse.
Favorite episode: IS THERE A DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE (24/124)
Favorite line: Xena: "I Have Many Skills" Various episodes
First episode seen: TITANS (07/107)
Least favorite episode: LYRE, LYRE HEARTS ON FIRE (100/510)