The Interview

Part One

Q: Why did you choose to write a Dasey story as your first fan fic?

A: Watching the show, it was easy to see there was so much chemistry between them [Derek and Casey] even if all they did was fight. The contrasting personalities, along with the fact that they are step-related, set the stage for a very juicy, opposites-attract kind of forbidden relationship that we all secretly love. =)

Q: You mention that they fight a lot, but don't they eventually find a middle-ground during the 'blossoming' of their relationship?

A: Derek and Casey wouldn't be Derek and Casey without bickering here and there. Just because they're dating doesn't mean suddenly everything is fine and dandy. They still view things differently and that's bound to cause trouble in the end. However, if their love for each other beats out their stubbornness, then yes, eventually they're going to have to make sacrifices and compromise.

Q. How did you manage to make Casey a more well-rounded, complex character?

A. I think Derek's input helped with this a bit. Through being with each other and undergoing this experience, they are both growing and maturing not only together, but as individuals as well.

Casey, for example, always was known as the responsible one, and she sort of put up a front to make everyone think she was not a delicate little girl. But being with Derek really put all her insecurities out in the open and she's finding herself on an emotional roller coaster. Still, I believe that it actually must be refreshing for her to let her guard down and act like a real person for once, to be someone who makes mistakes and learn from them. So ironically, being with Derek is also strengthening her.

Q. And Derek?

A. Derek was the prankster. The rebel. Casey is opening up his eyes to emotions he didn't even know he had. He finally figured out what love is, and even if he doesn't necessarily like it, by the end of the story, he'll realize that he doesn't have to be an unfeeling robot to be considered a man.

Q. Does this have anything to do with the significance of the title?

A. In a way, yes. The Awakening simply refers to the "waking up" of Casey and Derek, be it about love, responsibility, and especially how they feel about each other- which, as I already said, is soo obvious, even if Disney will never admit it.

Q. In your opinion, are they better as a couple or apart?

A. Oh, a couple, by far! Yes, they have lots of obstacles to deal with and it's a really tough, rocky road. But in the end, their differences balance each other out- and isn't that what a love story is really about?

Q. So in The Awakening, are you saying that Casey and Derek will definitely end up together?

A. Hah! You wish. Things don't always go according to plan, and with the topsy-turvy relationship, you never really know if it's on or off. As much as I'd like Derek and Casey to remain together, it's all sort of up in the air for now. You'll just have to keep reading and see what happens. But one thing I can promise is that they'll both come out of this with a mutual understanding of what they want.

Q. Any more twists planned for this story?

A. We may be at twelve chapters, but it's certainly not over yet. There's plenty more drama to go around, so don't you worry! All my lovely readers know I'm a big fan of cliff-hangers, and we've got a big surprise coming up soon. Just keep reading!

----------------

Author's Note:

There was really no reason for this. Just a little teaser, I guess.