What does a writer do if she's crap at creating characters but reasonably OK at plotting? She borrows the wonderful, inspirational characters of JK Rowling, that's what. I feel guilty about doing it, but I'm enjoying every second. Love to all my reviewers...xxxx

Mary-Sue and Me

Any fanfic author who writes a romance featuring her favourite character and Own Fictional Character is likely to face accusations of writing a Mary-Sue. The text books on writing romantic fiction all state that the writer must fall in love with the hero of her story, and so it is true that an element of self is likely to be present in the heroine.

My heroine in both Madness stories, Andi Carver, was heavily influenced by Jilly Cooper's novels (Jilly is the reason I began writing in the first place). I adore Jilly's books and I love her heroines. I can't think of anything more irritating to Snape than one of Jilly's women, and it was with 'maniacal glee' I created my own Jilly-type character and threw her into Snape's universe.

If I am guilty of being like Andi, it is in her musical taste. I do admit I have used some of my favourite pieces of music in my story - although I am not particularly fond of The Rolling Stones and I know very little of Beethoven and Chopin. Andi has a far wider taste than me. I do not read music and have no idea what it is like to be a teacher.

Another definition of a Mary-Sue is that the character is loved by everyone, can do no wrong and is, basically, perfect. I hope Andi is far from that. I took great care in giving her her weaknesses such as no sense of direction, her tendency to jump to conclusions and her neediness (which I hope stops short of being drippy). She meets with prejudice from shopkeepers and Slytherins. McGonagall is not too impressed with her and Hooch has her own problems with Andi.

I did an on-line Mary-Sue test on Andi and I'm pleased to say she scored something like 15 out of 80. Considering points for Mary-Sue-ing were awarded for such things as a) making the character the same sex as yourself and, b) having the HP character fall for her (a necessity in a romance, don't you agree?), I think Andi did quite well.

Having said all this (and in case you think the lady protests too much), I do admit to a few things: 1) After I created Andi's g-string, I found one very similar in a lingerie shop and couldn't resist buying it. 2) I admit to being envious of Andi during certain scenes in the story and, 3) the door to my chamber will always be open to movie Snape!

lol, Severusgirl