Notable Neopians: Carolyn (parody_ham)

     Without further ado, let’s hear from Carolyn themselves!

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     1. Have you always been involved in the NT collaborations? What was your first collab issue?

     Yes and no! June_scarlet wrote up a fantastic history of Neopians Times collabs, which I'll link here.

     In 2008, well before I started writing for the Neopian Times, the Neopian Times Writers' Forum (one of the recommended fan sites, check us out!), had events where members would write or draw entries to match a theme. They also had some pretty wild April Fools' Day ideas, including the creation of brand-new worlds or access to Lutari Island. As June mentioned in her article, back in 2014, the idea of a modern "Great Collab" was born. These events involved not only the forum, but also the Neoboards and other chat groups.

     The "Ode to the Villains" collab was the brainchild of the Just a Couple of Writers board, a group of likeminded Neopians who enjoyed creating content. Over the years, wonderful Neopians have stepped up to help organize the Great Collabs (June, Rabbit, Moni, Kat, and Liou). I may have been with the Great Collabs since they revived in 2014, but it's because of this team of dedicated volunteers that we've been so successful. My first collab was "The Ode to the Villains" and I've managed to be published in every Great Collab so far. It's been a blast to write for them, and it never fails to motivate and inspire me when my idea well is running low.

     2. How do themes get chosen?

     Every year (or so), we hold a poll on the Neopian Times Writers' Forum based on the ideas suggested by the members there. Whichever theme gets the most votes wins! (And yes, we've had tie-breakers. And tie-breakers for the tie-breakers). Sometimes certain ideas are so popular that they end up being our next two themes.

     3.Do you interact with TNT directly to confirm the details of collab issues?

     I've been very fortunate to have had contact with the last seven Editors of the Neopian Times: Droplet, CQ, Scrappy, Jade, Aesop, Mac, and Stone. Our main interactions involve confirming the time and date of the collab issue, sending a list of known participants (#s of entries per categories, usernames of Neopians who reached out), and pitching image suggestions for the themed Neopian Times banner. Collabs often have a large submission count (MD vs DC was over 50 entries!) and are surely a lot of work from TNT's end. As such, I'm eternally grateful to the Neopian Times Editors for their continued support over the years.

     4. You help organize collaborations, the just a couple of writers board, and you're a writer yourself! How do you find the time?

     It's definitely been harder in recent years, especially with a full-time job and a busy schedule. Despite this, I budget time for creative pursuits even when other priorities are shouting for my attention. Writing is a way for me to mentally unwind, and spending time with other creatives has the same effect. Although the Just a Couple of Writers board is much quieter now than it used to be, it still stands as a safe place for people to share their ideas.

     5. Do you have a piece in this issue, The Underground Collaboration?

     I am just finishing the edits for "Darigan's Lily," a story about Dorian, a Darigan Eyrie who is fighting to stop General Kass' rise to power with an underground resistance group. He also just happens to be Setarian's father—and for more on Setarian, I would recommend the "Caught Between Kingdoms" series.

     6. Do you have a favorite memory of your time on Neopets? An achievement or random event that surprised you maybe?

     I would say when I hit 100x Neopian Times trophies. When I started writing for the NT back in my freshman year of college, I never could have imagined the impact that the Times would have on my life.

     And on the Neopian Times side of things… every time I've been surprised by fanart of my characters, I burst into a flailing thank you machine, haha. It means a great deal to me that people not only read my work, but enjoy it, too! Thank you for your support and kindness.

     7. Which of your Neopets is your favorite? (Don't worry, we won't tell them.)

     grrrrrr5684—she's my first pet from way back in 2005. She's been with me from the beginning and she'll forever be my little virtual baby.

     8. What's your all-time favorite painted petpet?

     The White Weewoo because they're the mascot of the Neopian Times. (And if you're ever struck up a conversation with me in real life or otherwise, you likely know that I am a giant bird nerd). It was a ton of fun writing Weewoo biology articles (two so far!) that play off of the behaviors of cavity-nesting species or birds of prey.

     When you're talking sentimental favorites, then it's Fangs the Fire Snicklebeast hands-down. Years back, when my grandmother was still alive, I would play Neopets on her old dial-up computer. She got a kick out of my Snicklebeast and loved that I had attached a Flankin to it, a word that sounded like "a good cut of meat!" according to her. Every time I see that petpet, I think of her and of the times we spent together during the earlier days of my childhood.

     9. Do you have a current goal for yourself on the site?

     Completing more Neopian Times entries (I have a longer series on the back burner right now that I am hoping to pick up again soon), winning more poetry galleries (maybe even 100 one day?) and I'm eyeing a few stamp avatars as long-term goals. Hopefully, the rarest stamp in the Scarabs and DC vs MD sets will become more attainable in the future. But until then, creative pursuits have been more than enjoyable for me.

     10. What keeps you coming back to Neopets in Y24?

     Most certainly the Neopian Times—that is a big part of why I am here. And more than creating entries, interacting with the awesome community that creates for this website. I love the amazing artwork, the superb stories, the fascinating (and funny) articles. It makes me happy to see the success of others—I love seeing a friend's art featured or a new writer getting quote of the week. Watching shy writers grow their confidence and share more of themselves is a true joy to me. Part of why the Great Collabs are so much fun to coordinate is seeing Neopians of all sk1ll levels come together and celebrate creativity.

     And a big shout out to the Athenaeum guild. Y'all never fail to brighten my day.

     11. Is there anything exciting you'd like to share? A NT series by a friend that's in publication, a completed gallery or dream pet, or new project of your own?

     I wanted to share HaakonVonNorwegen, my UC Darigan Eyrie. An incredibly kind Neopian adopted him out to me. I've loved him ever since. Coming up with character ideas and intertwining them with Setarian, his father, and Kass (I have a soft spot for the Citadel, what can I say?) has been fun.

     And for recommendations: I can't recommend twillieblossom's comic series, Blossoms, highly enough. The world-building and character development continues to blow me away. A fun cast of characters, gorgeous artwork, and a compelling story—what's not to love?

     Keng200 has a great collection of hilarious one-shot comics and an epic, 5-part adventure about the R.S. Caroosel! Definitely give her work a read as well.

     And make sure to check out the many comics and stories themed for The Underground collab this month!

     Thanks for taking the time to read this interview. To many more years of community collaboration and creating!

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     Yes, thank you so much for sharing a few minutes with us. I’m sure you’ve already read a Faellie Tales comic or two in your Neopian Times experience but if this is the first you’ve heard of it then please follow this article with your first foray into these adorable Faellie’s adventures.

     If you have a neighbour you think is a particularly Notable Neopian, send me a Neomail to nominate them for an interview! Any user of merit is welcome