1. 'Canon compliant' is a hot button topic in Harry Potter fandom (thanks to all the 'After-Book Specials' JKR is hosting). What is your definition?
If it's written down in the books, it's canon. If it's not, it's her interpretation of what she wrote which is just as valid as mine. :)
2. Has fanfic influenced your writing? If yes, was it a particular story you can name for us?
Yes, it has. There are so many excellent authors and stories out there that I can even begin to name them, but each one changed my perception of the characters and their actions. It was good as a writer to see situations from more than one point of view.
Everything I read has some impact on my writing, especially if I had a strong reaction to the story. There have been many times that I've read something and completely disagreed with where the author was going with the story and how the characters acted, and it made me think of what I would have Snape or Harry or whoever do in that situation. It's always good to keep thinking of those things.
3. What element(s) about the relationship between Snape and Harry do you find most intriguing?
The intensity of their feelings toward one another. There's something so electric between them, whether it is their mutual dislike in canon or their mutual hidden love in fanon.
Also, the fact that Harry automatically thinks the worst of Snape because of his actions and the fact that he isn't a nice man intrigues me. Harry, for all of his good qualities, was always too caught up in the way a person treated him and how they looked on the outside to make his decisions. Severus, for his part, does very little to dissuade him.
4. How would Severus Snape find your team mascot most useful?
I think he'd see it as a research project. Plenty of potions ingredients, a chance to find more uses for dragon's blood, and a way to hone his defense skills even more.
5. What would you consider your greatest strength in writing?
My description. Dialogue is hard for me sometimes.
6. Is there something your beta(s) constantly catch you doing?
Rushing to the end. I'm a very impatient person in all aspects of my life, writing included.
7. Have you ever collaborated/partnered with another author or artist? If yes, please describe it for us. If no, would you consider it?
No, I have not yet had the pleasure of doing a collaboration for fanfic. I've done it for other areas of my life. I would jump at the chance to work with another artist. I don't know how well I would work with another writer. I'm very opinionated and stubborn, and when I get ideas for a story in my head, things happen in a certain way and I find it difficult, if not impossible, to deviate from the picture in my head.
8. Now that canon is complete, do you find it more freeing or less when it comes to writing or enjoying fanfic/fanart?
Definitely more freeing. I can do whatever I want now and not have to worry about it being canon compliant up to a point or clashing with the next book.
9. In your opinion, what kind of kink/theme does fandom need more of?
Two things--Snape Mpreg and sensual toe sucking. I don't know what it is, but I love the idea of Severus up the duff, bitchy, and horny. The toe sucking is self-explanatory. =)
10. How do you feel about participating in this year's Snarry Games?
Excited, nervous, thrilled, scared, honored--so many things. I was literally bouncing off the walls when I first found out, then I realized I had to write a story and have fandom judge it, and I became very, very worried. We'll see what comes of my bundle of nerves.