Steven released this Spotlight on October 14, 1999
This week's "Spotlight" is on Kara Wild. Personally, I'm quite biased when it comes to liking her fanfics, but there's certainly nothing wrong with giving an honest opinion about her work, which what this is. When I read Kara's work, (as compared to C.E. Forman's) her use of script is comparable to Forman's. In fact, she e-mailed me herself that she was (something like) "A large part of C.E. Forman + A little bit of Peter Guerin". In my humble opinion, she is the "Queen" of the "real" 'Daria' universe, whereas Forman is the "King", in terms of writing script that could be interpreted as an actual 'Daria' show--commercials and all). (This should not be thought of as something of a put-down of the other 'Daria' "real" universe scriptwriters--far from it--Berry and the rest included)
However, there is something I've noticed recently in terms of Kara's interpretations that are setting her writings slightly *apart* from Forman's--her vision (no pun intended) of *Quinn*, and of Helen and Jake, and Jane. (Daria was somewhat addressed in "Shipped Out", I think, but I want to see if Kara will *really* go after her like the others in terms of depth)
With Quinn, Kara has put *glasses* on her ("Rose-Colored Lenses"), and has had Quinn deal with learning how to be a "brain" in math ("Of Absolute Value"), of leaving and return to the Fashion Club. ("Andrea Speaks", "Cheered Down") Kara gave Quinn such a "depth" on her character (again, no pun intended from Daria' P.O.V.), that I actually felt sorry for Quinn. I'd even go so far as saying that Kara Wild is the 'Daria' writer most closely associated with Quinn, much as Jon Kilner could be associated with Jane.
But Kara doesn't stop there--she even gives depth to Helen and Jake, with "None In The Family", parts 1 & 2. The emphasis here is what are the problems between the two concerning their marriage, and how each tries to deal with it, (Helen with discovering why she is the way she is, and Jake wanting more to do as a father) and what role do Helen's sisters and mother play in helping Helen--and each other. Geez, who knew that these people actually had those types of problems? Kara told us they did.
Even Jane isn't spared. In "Outvoted", we see something of what makes her tick as she goes against Sandi in the battle for school president--and I haven't even touched her essays on Outpost Daria. In closing, I think Kara wants to establish her *own* identity concerning the "real" 'Daria' universe, with where she's going with the depth of the characters. What do you (and of course, Kara) think? Thanks.
Bob Marley
But what I like the best about Kara's fic's (or fic specifically I should say) is how she leverages fairly minor characters into major roles, her treatment of Andrea for example was top notch, I couldn't have asked for more and the interaction between Daria and Andrea was just plain fun! Her use of script to tell a story runs extremely well when compared with C.E.'s usage and I have to say I've enjoyed most of her stories though my internal "But this isn't true to the show" alarm occasionally gives me trouble when she pulls in outside elements to flesh out her characters and the Lawndale they live in (but then, look who's talking.). All in all, it's difficult for me to point to any one piece of her work as outstanding but the majority of her pieces have been really solid, a trend I hope continues in the near future. Keep up the good work Madam Wild.
Pat Leland
Kara's Fic continum leaves you hooked.I read 5 of her fics in one sittting.As for being true to the show, she is that, but also takes us places that we want the show to go.People never seem to go out of character in her fics, they just seem to show more of themselves. I dont think anyone else could pull off a QUinn with real skill fic, but Kara did in "Of Absolute Value"."The Tie that chokes" Showed us a depth to the Daria/Helen realonship that I didn't know was there until I read it.In "Outvoted" Kara fleshed out both Sandi and Jane.Her reasoning of why Sandi is so mean spirted and competive(Because she was pushed by Linda) Was Brillant.In "None in the Family" I laughed until I almost wet myself, and it also made me think.Kara's Fics are without a doubt the best of rereadablity, you discorver a new angle each time.Kara also did something that I thought was impossible. In her alternate ending to "Depth Takes a Holiday" she made sense of "Death Takes A Holiday" In short she is great authour who can make us laugh, flesh out a charcter(Or two) and make us think all at once, she is indeed one of ,if not the best Daria Fanfiction writer today.
Canadibrit
I think Kara Wild's fanfics are really interesting in the way they take the characters to their personal limits. To remain true to the character when everything else is changing is a real feat sometimes, but Kara manages it well. A well-deserved spotlight indeed!
Rey Fox
Yep. Characterization. With the exception of giving Quinn glasses, all of Kara's stories have written by simply playing characters off of each other, rather than imposing silly events on them to get a plot going, which has been pretty much the name of the game with my fics so far. I don't know how she does it every two weeks or so...
Asha Williams
Once again, another excellent pick. And also once again, i'm going to give some dumb comments! yay!
Well, when I found the feature author place, it took me a while to work down to Kara (I was going by alphabetacal order, and the Lawndale CT continum took me a while) But when I did read them, i was sad I waited so long to read them.
The thing about Kara's stories is that you can tell she really tried. The characterization is always perfect, the lines are always right on target and sometimes her fanfics make me laugh outloud.
John Berry
The reason I like Kara's fics is just about the same reason I like anyone's. They're original, mostly unpredictable, and they come from a *mix* of humor and poignancy. Sure, comedy and drama can work separately, but when combined properly you get some great fiction.
What makes Kara unique is that she won't resolve everything at the end of the episode. Everything breaks continuity yet keeps true to the show... um, does that make sense? It did when I thought it... Um... Anyway, she ain't afraid to explore farther than the show has, yet I have the feeling that her own continuum could fit neatly between the seasons once she's finished.
And... stuff.
Austin Covello
I just got finished reading Of Absolute Value, and I had to say that it's my favorite to date. I loved how she portrayed Jake as being a semi-competent father without writing him out-of-character. I also love how she has cliffhangers. I'm always left wondering what's going to happen. I want to see more of Mr. Phelps. For some reason, he creeps me out! What's he going to do next?
Maybe I'm also biased because I was a math nut in high school, but I love the fic and Kara's series.
Paperpusher
Just wanted to add my unctuous admiration as well. I must admit that Kara has a good way hooking me into a story to the point where I *have* to finish it all in one sitting, even if my eyes do become burnt holes in my head the next day. And that's high praise, indeed.
Mona Nobles
Kara's fanfics are the only one's my mom will tolerate me reading to her. I read them when I have insomia (such as tonight). Of course, they don't make me sleep, but the do pass the time.
Guy Payne
Without a doubt, she's my favorite fan fic author. I have yet to be disappointed in any of her works. My favorite would have to be a tie between Cheered Down and the two-part None in the Family, both of which show off her various strengths in both comedy and drama. Characterization is always on the mark and her sense of timing is perfect.
My only complaint is that they don't come out more often, lol. (Hah! Back to the grindstone, you!)
I made up a list of more specific questions about my writing for people to answer, and here is Rey Fox's response
What're your opinions on:
Probably "That Thing You Say." Great characterization with just the right amount of comedy thrown in.
Too long. :P There's some interesting stuff in there, but a lot of it is probably best left for essays.
Very well-executed and interesting. No obvious shock tactics like rape either.
Hey, she's not Ms. Barch. :)
Pretty much same as #3.
I liked the Jane one particularly, especially since I've also noticed that she doesn't have much function on the show other than being Daria's better half.
Keep up the good work, and oh yeah, I just wrote a scene in my latest fic where I borrowed the idea of Barry and the Taxidermy club, s'okay?
And some related posts I found interesting...
John Takis
Do you ever get that "Cathy" feeling? I just did! I was flipping through the fan fiction (did I mention I'm new here?) when I came across Kara Wild's brilliant "'Shipped Out", in which Trent gets a girlfriend and Daria has to deal with it. Well NEWSFLASH TO ME, so did my first fic "Love at First Slight" which I just submitted last month! Only MINE didn't have the insightful flash-forwards or the Jesse angle or what-have-you and seemed completely ham-handed by comparison (at least to me.)
WHY DIDN'T ANYONE TELL ME IT'D BEEN DONE? (Grumble, Grumble.) I feel like I'm at a dance convention attempting the polka while someone does ballet in the next room over :-)
Okay, okay, I don't feel that bad. My fic had some unique subplots, and a slightly different thrust, as well as a lighter tone. I just wish I had some fanfic radar to alert me every time I accidentally stepped on someone's toes. Has this ever happened to anyone else?
Desanera
Kara even beat MTV on this one, so don't feel bad :) I almost screamed when I saw the similarity between "Shipped Out" and "Lane Miserables".
Desanera
PS - oh, that's right. I did scream :)
Author's Response
Aw *blush*, you guys! I always love getting feedback on my stuff, and it's nice to hear from some people I haven't heard from before.
Steven, have you ever thought of writing essays yourself? You do a really nice, thorough job...
However, there is something I've noticed recently in terms of Kara's interpretations that are setting her writings slightly *apart* from Forman's--her vision (no pun intended) of *Quinn*, and of Helen and Jake, and Jane. (Daria was somewhat addressed in "Shipped Out", I think, but I want to see if Kara will *really* go after her like the others in terms of depth)
Well the way things are shaking up in my universe, I think the focus will be mostly on Quinn, followed by Helen, and to a lesser extent Daria, Jake, Sandi, and Jane. I *do* plan to give Daria another fic or two to explore her depth, but I haven't emphasized her as much because she's already been explored a great deal in other fics (C.E. Forman's "A Morgendorffer Scorned" is a great example). The other characters are like uncharted territory... I'm really interested to see what makes them "tick," as you say. : >
With Quinn, Kara has put *glasses* on her ("Rose-Colored Lenses"), and has had Quinn deal with learning how to be a "brain" in math ("Of Absolute Value"), of leaving and return to the Fashion Club. ("Andrea Speaks", "Cheered Down") Kara gave Quinn such a "depth" on her character (again, no pun intended from Daria' P.O.V.), that I actually felt sorry for Quinn. I'd even go so far as saying that Kara Wild is the 'Daria' writer most closely associated with Quinn, much as Jon Kilner could be associated with Jane.
Yeah, somehow Quinn has become one of my favorites, in case you couldn't already tell. ; > And if you all don't feel right about her in glasses, then (*spoiler*) she gets contacts somewhere down the line.
As I've mentioned in the past, when I set out to write fanfic, my intention wasn't to imitate anyone (although C.E.'s collection was the only one I'd really read up to that point), but rather to see if I could write an ep. that people would believe was "Daria." While it's true that my stuff *does* tend to be longer and more emotional, it seems as though people are pretty satisfied with it. Besides, I think most fic authors *do* go more emotional than the show itself -- even John Berry (see "My Quinn's Delayed Reaction," "She Was All That").
And although I love keeping things in character, I get bored easily by the status quo (hence, you see scenarios like Quinn as F.C. president). Glad to see most of you don't mind... : >