Originally posted on the now defunct TheComicFanatic.com [May 17th, 2004] – Archived via WayBackMachine
Meet The New Master Of The Masters Of The Universe: Lori Ann Scott!
Writer Lori Ann Scott is living a dream! A fan of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe since childhood, Scott now finds herself in the enviable position as the new writer of MVCreations’ Masters of the Universe! Recently, Scott found the time to sit down and talk to The Comic Fanatic.Com about her dream job, her love for the Masters of the Universe, what it’s like to be a “Chick of Fan-Fic” and much more! Read on as The Fan Man gets to know the new master of the Masters of the Universe: Lori Ann Scott!
The Fan Man: Thanks for taking the time to talk to The Comic Fanatic.Com.
Lori Ann Scott: It’s my pleasure. I’ve enjoyed visiting your website for some time now.
The Fan Man: First off, congratulations on landing Masters of the Universe writing gig!
Lori Ann Scott: Thanks. I’d say it’s a dream come true, but I never even considered that I might be in this position some day. It’s still a little hard for me to believe that it’s real.
The Fan Man: Lori Ann Scott is definitely no stranger to the Masters of the Universe. For awhile now you have been writing Masters of the Universe fan-fic over at He-Man.org. For those who don’t know, tell us first about fan-fic.
Lori Ann Scott: “Fan-fic” is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. Fans of a movie, show, book or game write their own fiction based on the story concept and characters that they’ve come to love. It’s perfectly legal as long as the writer doesn’t make any profit from the work or try to claim that it is “official” in any way. In the old days, fan-fic was published solely in fanzines – simple magazines sold for the cost of materials only – but now fan-fic is primarily published on the internet.
The Fan Man: Give us an idea of some of the Masters of the Universe fan-fic you have written.
Lori Ann Scott: I tend to write novel-length fan-fic. The plots range from horror stories and war epics to comedies and romances. I’ve written and posted about 95 percent of an epic based on the new MOTU storyline called “Sacrifice and Service” which features King Randor’s quest to save a dying Prince Adam. That was my very first MOTU fan-fic, and it should be complete by the end of June. Another nearly complete story is “Second Chance at Love”, a romance based on the original He-Man cartoon. I have about a half-dozen other stories on He-Man.org, and they are all still in progress.
The Fan Man: Do you still find the time to write fan-fic now that you are writing the Masters of the Universe comic?
Lori Ann Scott: I’ve managed to write some fan-fic while working on the comic, but not a great deal. It was important to me to give the comic my undivided attention. Since I work full time as a special education teacher, I have limited additional time for writing. The comic had to come first, naturally. However, now that I have finished writing my scripts for MVCreations, I plan to complete “Sacrifice and Service” and post extensive updates on many of my other stories.
The Fan Man: What are some of your upcoming fan-fic stories about?
Lori Ann Scott: Where do I begin? Getting ideas for new stories has never been a problem for me. In fact, I get an average of ten ideas a day, three or four that I consider decent and maybe one that I consider to be worth serious development. I had to start a detailed database to keep track of the story ideas and plot details since I come up with new ones far faster than I can write them. Anyway, I have promised my readers that I would finish my current stories before posting any new ones. They can all be found in the He-Man.org fan fiction forum under the name of Catslyn. In general, my stories tend to explore undeveloped character backgrounds and relationships. I am especially interested in the relationship between Prince Adam and his father, so that theme runs throughout almost all my work.
The Fan Man: A lot of your fan-fic has been novel length and, honestly, better than the majority of novels sitting on my bookshelves. Do you think there will ever come a day when we will see Masters of the Universe novels at our local bookstores?
Lori Ann Scott: I would love to see MOTU novels whether I was writing them, reading them or both. They have novels for other cartoon shows, for live-action shows such as Stargate SG-1 and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Why not MOTU? Whether that will ever happen is another story. It’s not an area that MOTU has ever explored before.
The Fan Man: Have you written anything else – fan-fic or published material – outside of Masters of the Universe?
Lori Ann Scott: Well, I was a newspaper reporter for eight years before becoming a teacher, so I have had extensive amounts of nonfiction published. In terms of fiction, I wrote a great deal of Star Trek fan-fic while I was an adolescent, and it was published in fanzines in the United States, England, Scotland, Australia and Canada. I currently write fan-fic for Stargate SG-1, Justice League and Jonny Quest as well as MOTU. I also write original science fiction and fantasy novels. If everything goes according to plan, I hope to see my original work published within the next three years.
The Fan Man: I’ve noticed that you are the cofounder of “The Chicks Of Fanfic.” Tell us about these gals.
Lori Ann Scott: *Lori grins broadly and laughs out loud.* The Chicks of Fanfic is an informal group of female fan-fic writers on the He-Man.org website. We read and critique each other’s works, as well as the works of other writers. We act as a writing support group, and many of us are friends beyond the boundaries of the internet. There are no meetings, no dues, no contracts and no hassles. We generally just joke around, have a good time, and provide sounding boards for our fellow members. Calling ourselves the Chicks of Fanfic was just our way of poking fun at the long-term female dominance of the He-Man.org fanfiction board. Most fan-fic is male dominated. MOTU fans are primarily male. Comic book readers are primarily male. Internet users are more often men than women. But somehow, this group of outspoken female writers all came together by accident on He-Man.org site and we’ve been having a blast ever since. We also have a “sister” group called the Dudes of Fanfic. We gave them their own club since they were shy about poking their heads into our metaphorical locker room.
The Fan Man: So, how did you land the job of new Masters of the Universe writer?
Lori Ann Scott: I heard that MVCreations was accepting scripts, looking for a new writer, so I decided to take a chance and send something in. Val Staples, the head of MVCreations, was very supportive and encouraging. Though that doesn’t mean that he didn’t put me through a million rewrites before he hired me to do this. *Lori laughs.*
The Fan Man: How did you react when you were approached to write Masters of the Universe?
Lori Ann Scott: I am still in shock. I couldn’t bring myself to believe it was real until I held my first comic in my hands. Even now, I find it difficult to believe that my work has become part of the MOTU mythos. I watched this show when it first aired, at the tender age of 10, and I never imagined I would one day be part of the saga.
The Fan Man: On the first issue of Masters of the Universe, you are credited as “scripter.” Were you working from a story idea from Val Staples and Emiliano Santalucia? Describe for us what you did as a scripter.
Lori Ann Scott: Val and Emiliano came up with a story idea and several pages of notes on how they generally wanted the idea to play out. From these notes, I outlined a six-issue story arc and then wrote scripts for each issue. As a kid, I used to think that writing a comic book meant just writing the dialogue. I could not have been more wrong. Writing a comic book script means planning out where each issue begins and ends; choosing the number of panels per page; describing each panel in great detail including the characters, the background, the action, the dialogue, the emotional tone and so forth. It is a time consuming process that, I think, requires above all else the ability to visualize what the final product will look like.
The Fan Man: I got the feeling from the first issue of Masters of the Universe that you have a fondness for at least two characters: Evil-Lyn and Prince Adam.
Lori Ann Scott: Prince Adam is, without dispute, my favorite MOTU character. He has always fascinated me, and I find the new, younger Adam even more intriguing. He’s a boy in an impossible position, doing the best he can and learning to be a hero as he goes. I guess it’s the Homeric version of on-the-job training. As for Evil-Lyn, well, there was always more to her character than a simple villain. I like to get into the motivations that drive characters, the small parts of their psyches that make them the people they are, and Evil-Lyn is wonderful character to explore in this way.
The Fan Man: After Evil-Lyn is injured in this issue, Adam begins to question himself. Does this signal a “softer” He-Man, or is this adding depth to the character?
Lori Ann Scott: A bit of both, perhaps. I have always believed that He-man/Adam is innately good, a true champion. Key parts of his makeup are a grave sense of responsibility and the ability to feel compassion even for his worst enemies. It’s what separates him from the throng. Add to that the fact that Prince Adam is still a young boy, only just figuring out who he really is, and you have fertile ground for confusion, self-doubt and brilliant acts of heroism.
The Fan Man: As for Evil-Lyn, is there any chance that she could “jump sides” and become “Good Gal-Lyn”, or is she destined to be evil?
Lori Ann Scott: You’ll just have to wait and see on this one.
The Fan Man: After betraying Skeletor to the Snake Men, Evil-Lyn has become an outcast. Does Evil-Lyn have a “home” now?
Lori Ann Scott: Well, this script is set between two episodes of the MOTU cartoon, so it’s no secret that Evil-Lyn will be returning to the fold at Snake Mountain. Whether or nor she and Skeletor will ever truly mend their fences is another matter.
The Fan Man: For now it appears that the Snake Men want Evil-Lyn for their own sinister plans. What is this plan, and what part does Evil-Lyn play in it?
Lori Ann Scott: If I answered that question, Val Staples would personally fly out to California and strangle me! I’ll pass.
The Fan Man: One thing that I noticed in this first issue – or in this case didn’t notice – is the lack of Skeletor and his evil minions. Where are our favorite bad guys, and will they be showing up soon?
Lori Ann Scott: Well, without giving away any spoilers, I think it’s safe to say that where Evil-Lyn is, Skeletor and the rest of the gang can’t be far behind.
The Fan Man: We catch a brief glance of Hordak in this issue. Any chance of Hordak and the Evil Horde showing up in Eternia soon?
Lori Ann Scott: To be honest, I think that depends entirely on how much free reign Mattel gives the folks over at MVCreations.
The Fan Man: The first part of this issue rehashed some of the Masters of the Universe cartoon, while the second half of this issue ventured into new territory. Will the rest of this series stray away from the cartoon?
Lori Ann Scott: The rest of the six-part story arc is entirely original. It will feature a number of surprises as it delves into the backgrounds of certain key characters.
The Fan Man: Any hints of what you have planned for the rest of the current storyline?
Lori Ann Scott: What would the fun be in that? The only hint I can give you is that we’ll be learning more than you ever expected about the connections between some of MOTU’s principle players.
The Fan Man: Okay…how many issues of Masters of the Universe will you be writing?
Lori Ann Scott: I wrote six scripts in all. Together, they comprise a complete story arc.
The Fan Man: From what I understand, the creative team for Masters of the Universe is spread out pretty well geographically. How in the world is everything coordinated?
Lori Ann Scott: I send all of my scripts to MVCreations via the internet. But when it comes to brainstorming and editing, nothing can replace talking via the telephone. I do look forward to meeting the rest of the MVC crew in person this summer, though.
The Fan Man: What’s it like seeing your writing brought to beautiful life with the amazing art of Emiliano Santalucia and Enza Fontana?
Lori Ann Scott: I have been a fan of Emiliano’s and Enza’s art from the beginning. In fact, one of Emiliano’s drawings of King Randor and Queen Marlena hangs on my living room wall. As for seeing my scripts come to life through their art – it’s impossible to describe how that feels with mere words. It was a revelation.
The Fan Man: Let’s say that you were given free reign and no Mattel restrictions. What would you like to do with the Masters of the Universe?
Lori Ann Scott: Given my way, I would like to see more of daily life on Eternia. I think that Prince Adam’s position as the heir to the throne was never really addressed enough. How does someone who goes out of his way to make people believe that he is a pathetic coward ultimately rule a country? I’d also love to explore in depth the origins of King Randor, Man-At-Arms, Queen Marlena and Mekaneck. As for specific storylines, well, I’m not ready to share those yet. Though I will say that I have plans for a multi-book storyline about Captain Randor and the way the world was before he became king.
The Fan Man: So, aside from Adam and Evil-Lyn, who are some of your other favorite Masters of the Universe characters – heroes and villains?
Lori Ann Scott: Man-At-Arms and Mekaneck are easily my favorite of the Masters. As for the villains, I’ve always had a soft spot for Tri-Klops, and Skeletor fascinates me.
The Fan Man: When did you first discover Masters of the Universe?
Lori Ann Scott: I watched MOTU when it originally aired, laying on the family room floor of my parents’ home. I must have been nine or ten years old at the time.
The Fan Man: Were you into collecting the action figures – then or now?
Lori Ann Scott: When I watched the cartoon as a child, I didn’t even know the toys existed. It wasn’t until I saw one at a garage sale years later that I realized what I had missed. Now I collect the figures and the comics, as well as the old children’s books.
The Fan Man: Have you always been a Comic Fanatic?
Lori Ann Scott: I read a great many comic titles as a child. I stopped reading for a while in my twenties, but MOTU has dragged me back into the world of comics and I am enjoying following a few other MVC titles as well as a few titles by other publishers.
The Fan Man: Remember that first comic?
Lori Ann Scott: Yes. Quite Clearly. It was issue #1 of a four part mini-series on Marvel’s character, Magik. I found it in a spinning wire rack at a gas station when I was about ten years old. That was the beginning.
The Fan Man: What were some of the other comics you read?
Lori Ann Scott: Oh my. I don’t think I can remember them all. I read the staples: MOTU, Superman, Spider-Man, Batman, Wonder Woman, etc. I also read X-Men, New Mutants, Amethyst, Power Pack, Firestorm, Archie, Katie Keen, Teen Titans, Green Lantern, Supergirl, Star Trek, Accident Earth, Jonny Quest and many, many others.
The Fan Man: Do you find the time to follow any comics today?
Lori Ann Scott: Aside from MOTU, I follow Tales of the Realm, Battle of the Planets, Invincible, Y: The Last man and Stargate SG-1. I pick up the occasional random comic as well, but I haven’t had much time for reading while I was working on the MOTU comic.
The Fan Man: What are your opinions of MVCreations’ two previous Masters of the Universe miniseries?
Lori Ann Scott: What can I say except that I love them? I own multiple copies of every MOTU comic MVC has published, including the promotional ones. I particularly enjoyed “The Shard of Darkness” series and the Icons of Evil for Tri-Klops. As for the future, I am tremendously looking forward to seeing Leanne Shaw’s take on Stratos.
The Fan Man: What’s your overall opinion on the Icons of Evil one shots?
Lori Ann Scott: I enjoyed them a great deal. They didn’t always match my conception of where certain characters came from, but that’s what fan-fic is for. *Lori laughs*
The Fan Man: Who are some of the writers you count as influences?
Lori Ann Scott: This is a tough one to answer. I write in several different genres, so the influences for each one are slightly different. I know that Edgar Allan Poe, Shirley Jackson, David Eddings, Barbara Hambly, Seamus Heaney, Elizabeth Peters, Robert Silverberg, Michael Resnik and William Butler Yates all had strong influences on my writing. There are many more writers I admire, but those are some of the more important ones.
The Fan Man: Any writers out there whom you admire today?
Lori Ann Scott: I love the works of Barbara Hambly, Anne McCaffrey and Elizabeth Peters. Those ladies know how to tell good stories and really entertain a reader.
The Fan Man: Are there any of your fellow Chicks of Fanfic that we should be on the lookout as the next writing superstar?
Lori Ann Scott: Now, how do I answer that without getting killed?! Hmmm? Many of the Chicks are very talented, but not all of them want to become professional writers. I can safely say that I expect great things from Anne Marie Justman, who goes by Eideann on He-Man.org. She’s been writing for years, and her fan-fic and original fiction are stellar. We’ve been beta reading each other’s work for more than a decade, so there’s quite a bit of rivalry there as well. We have something of a bet regarding who will get a novel published first.
The Fan Man: Aside from Masters of the Universe, any characters in Comicdom that you would like to take a stab at? Maybe a dream project of sorts?
Lori Ann Scott: There are two projects that leap to mind. I have wished for years that I could write a new Jonny Quest cartoon or comic book. More recently, I discovered a strong interest in the Stargate SG1 series, and I would love to write for their new comic. Anyone out there who works for Avatar reading this? *Lori laughs*
The Fan Man: When did you first know that you wanted to be a writer?
Lori Ann Scott: I wrote my first short story when I was seven years old. That was when I knew. I have been writing ever since, though for years I never showed my work to anyone. My mother still has that original story locked away in a drawer somewhere.
The Fan Man: What’s the best advice that you could give to aspiring writers?
Lori Ann Scott: Don’t just practice writing, practice reading as well. And don’t just read in the genre you want to write in. Read everything! The more you read, and the more different kinds of things you read, the better a writer you will become.
The Fan Man: Besides NOT having to answer questions from a nosy reporter, what are some of the things that help you write?
Lori Ann Scott: I find music to be very inspirational, but I can’t have it playing while I write unless it’s classical music. Reading the works of other authors outside my genre is also a source of inspiration, kind of a form of fictional cross-pollination. Finally, I find that taking a long, hot shower is the surest way to get my ideas flowing. *Lori laughs.* It works every time.
The Fan Man: What kind of environment do you write in?
Lori Ann Scott: I write on my laptop, sitting on my living room floor. I usually have a cat on my lap, a Pepsi One at my elbow, and the only sound I hear is my roommate and fellow writer, plugging away on her keyboard.
The Fan Man: When you aren’t writing, what does Lori Ann Scott do in her spare time?
Lori Ann Scott: Well, I teach Special Education to pay the bills. As for fun, I sing and play rhythm guitar in a country western band. I’ve been told that I sound vaguely like Patsy Cline. I also enjoy embroidery, card weaving, reading, watching the History Channel or A&E and playing my PS2.
The Fan Man: Any pets?
Lori Ann Scott: I have four cats named Underfoot, Mewler, Christina and Thia and a dog named Trouble.
The Fan Man: After Masters of the Universe, what’s next for Lori Ann Scott?
Lori Ann Scott: Well, I plan to attend the Comicon in San Diego this July. I am finishing up some original fiction with the idea of acquiring an agent, I may try to sell a few country songs if I can ever figure out how to use the necessary demo-cutting equipment, and I plan to submit scripts to a few other comic publishers. What actually happens next is anyone’s guess.
The Fan Man: Last word is yours. Any words of wisdom?
Lori Ann Scott: As a writer and a special education teacher, I guess I’ll put my final word in for life-long learning. Be a reader. Read everything and anything. If you have children, read to them – even if they’re old enough to read to themselves. Read comic books. Read magazines. Read poetry. Read recipes. It’s all the same. Just read. In the end, you’ll be a better person and the world will be a better place. There, my soapbox time is done.
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Big thanks go out to Lori Ann Scott for taking time out of her schedule to do this interview! To check out more of Lori’s talented writing, visit the He-Man.Org Fan-Fic Forum.