Recently I caught up with “EarthBound” fan and fanfic writer JamesPicard_007 for an interview. JP is well known for his debut fanfic, The Seed of Giygas, and is currently working on the increasingly engaging saga The Coming Darkness—a tale of mystery, a mercenary, and worldwide travel as the Chosen Four struggle against a gloomy prophesy. While answering the following questions, JP offers an example of the complex process of creating and developing an Author Character, comments on the state of “EarthBound” fanfiction, and mentions a few of his own personal favorites. As for what artists he’d want to collaborate with if the fanfic/fanart thing ever caught on, his choices are quite clear: “Most likely Jonk or Gonmon. Their work rocks the cas-bah.”

 

-When and how did you become an "EarthBound" fan?

It began back in ‘95 when Nintendo Power first ran the preview article for "EarthBound." I became interested by the article and when the game was finally released constantly rented it until I acquired my own copy.

 

-Tell us about any changes in style between The Seed of Giygas and The Coming Darkness.

The most notable change would be in the number of viewpoints. When last The Seed of Giygas was written on there was around 7 viewpoints going at once. In The Coming Darkness there are only 3: The Chosen Four, Zarus, Allen and Sam. Another noticeable change between stories would be the villain. In The Seed of Giygas the villain was Giygas once again albeit a resurrected form of the enemy. In The Coming Darkness it is an original villain whose name has been revealed if you have paid attention.

 

-The legend of The Coming Darkness has some similarity to the legend associated with the pyramid in the game. Did the latter inspire the former?

I can't say there was any conscious thought to the Pyramid legend when the legend of The Coming Darkness was written.

 

-Also similar are the 8 locks when compared to the 8 Sanctuaries. Coincidence, or intentional?

Intentional. This will be revealed later in the story.

 

-What can you tell us about the background and creation of Allen Black?

Allen was separated from his parents for a while at an early age due to a rare disease he came down with. His home lies on the outer edges of Twoson where his parents reside to this day. Despite living in a caring home Allen was mistreated by his peers throughout his school years. After graduating while Allen was taking a vacation on Mariba Island he became involved in a situation down there. Terrorists had taken over the island and had overthrown the local military. Feeling the rage of being oppressed all these years Allen took action and by chance survived against impossible odds to defend the island. However when facing off against the terrorist leader Allen passed out. When he awake he found that the forest around him had been burned to the ground. To this day the people of the island swear that they saw a huge pair of demonic, firey wings rise from the forest that night. Allen, dismayed at the helplessness of the military, disappeared for several years training his body and mind. When he re-emerged he had become the mercenary he is now. He usually fights against factions that oppress the free people of the world, but he is willing to do certain jobs if the price is right. As for the creation of Allen he can be called a personal extension of myself. The wilder, more actionable side of myself. Allen is a combination of some of my favorite fictional characters and defender of my own morals. I didn't care much for the constraining fields of police work or even federal justice so the field of mercenary was natural.

 

“A set idea is best when writing

because you can keep the elements

of your story in better control when you have a plan.”

 

-Sam seems a tad less mature than what you'd expect of a doctor. Is he around Black's age?

Yes, Sam is closer to Allen's age. You could say he is less mature because he has led an easier life than most do.

 

-You don't tend to assign titles to chapters. Any reason for this?

I can't say I've been particularly good in creating chapter names. I would say it's probably one of the weaker points in my writing albeit it's not exactly necessary.

 

-What might you say are some of your best-written chapters from The Coming Darkness?

At this point I would call the Prologue and Chapter 16 my favorites.

 

-What's been your favorite moment from it so far?

Probably the realization of the full text of the legend. At this point it is the largest event so far and may be the most pivotal of the entire story.

 

-Around what time of day do you like to write?

I feel the evening provides the best stimulation for my writings.

 

-What are your feelings on the current state of "EarthBound" fanfiction in general?

I feel that the current state of fanfics is on a lifeline. Fanfics have been lessening in recent days. There is some fault in the writers themselves however I feel that fault lies mainly in the readers. There seems to be very few readers of fanfics anymore and even fewer that actually bother to give feedback to the writers. Authors like to hear back on their work and when they receive nothing it's a little disheartening.

 

-What are some of your favorite fanfics?

Nephew of the Forgotten One by Anthadd. Mother Alternate by Giampi.

 

-When you start a story, do you generally have a good idea of how it's supposed to progress and end, or do you make things up as you go along?

It'd be a combination of both. I usually have a set plan however as I get further along I may get an idea of how to do something better than I originally intended.

 

-What would your writing advice for a newcomer to "EarthBound" fanfics be?

Originality rocks. An "EarthBound" fanfic doesn't necessarily need to deal with the Chosen Four or Giygas. A set idea is best when writing because you can keep the elements of your story in better control when you have a plan. Music is also great to have playing to keep yourself relaxed.