VainerCupid AMA

<cmd102> Question from poppymoonray :  What was your favorite thing about writing the mold series? What was the most challenging?

<VainerCupid> Favorite thing was probably just getting to know nosleep and being a part of it
<VainerCupid> And taking the pictures. That was fun as hell.
<VainerCupid> Most challenging is writing the freaking thing haha.

<cmd102> Question from KPants : What is your favorite project by Alan Resnick?

<VainerCupid> I don't know who that is

<cmd102> (neither do I... moving on... lol)
<cmd102> Question from Polar_Starburst : what's your strangest or creepiest experience, paranormal or otherwise?

<VainerCupid> I think I saw a shadow man when I was like 12! I don't even believe in shadow men but that's the only way I can explain it. I was sitting on my bed reading a book and looked up to see this black shadow mass with a brimmed hat peek around my doorframe.

<cmd102> Question from TanjaSimone : If you had to be a character in one of your stories, who and why?

<VainerCupid> Oh god Liz obviously
<VainerCupid> Better Liz than anyone else haha

<cmd102> Question from UncleRandy :  One of the things that stuck with me the most was the idea of squishy, porous mold people. What made you decide to have it consume people as opposed to simply controlling them or something else?

<VainerCupid> I
<VainerCupid> I'm not sure where the idea came from actually. The Entity would have to get sustenance somehow.
<VainerCupid> And the idea scared me.

<cmd102> Question from kneeod : Cake, pie, or death?

<VainerCupid> Um death please
<VainerCupid> NO NO cake

<kneeod> SHE SAID DEATH

<VainerCupid> BUT I MEANT CAKE
<VainerCupid> (<3 Eddie Izzard)

<cmd102> Question from KPants :  If you had to pick one food item to eat with mold on it, what would it be?

<VainerCupid> Omg ew
<VainerCupid> Cheese
<VainerCupid> hahaha

<cmd102> Question from kneeod : If you had to gain super human abilities in one sense, at the cost of permanently losing another, which two would you choose?

<VainerCupid> That is an extremely hard question.
<VainerCupid> Loss of taste probably to gain incredible sight? I don't know though. I like all my senses.

<cmd102> Question from poppymoonray : When do you think you'll finish writing the Mold series?

<VainerCupid> hahaha I am working on it. There's not much left. But I don't know. Probably in the next couple months!
<VainerCupid> I hope

<cmd102> Question from poppymoonray :  Would you rather have an unlimited supply of mashed potatoes or French fries?

<VainerCupid> Shit, poppymoonray comin in with the tough questions.
<VainerCupid> French fries probably. You can only have so much of the mashed potato texture.

<cmd102> Question from UncleRandy : What's your favorite Starbucks drink and why is it Pumpkin Spice Latte?

<VainerCupid> lmao I'm basic as hell
<VainerCupid> But my regular is an iced soy latte and god I want one right now tbh

<cmd102> Question from Notslime :  If you were forced to study one thing at a specialized school for that thing for the rest of your life until you die, what would it be and why?

<VainerCupid> Black magic
<VainerCupid> Or I guess magicK with a K
<VainerCupid> There's a lot to learn about it and it's fun and super weird
<VainerCupid> Plus I could read about Crowley forever
<VainerCupid> and maybe become a magician

<cmd102> Question from iwantabear : what is your favorite pizza topping?

<VainerCupid> Classic bear question
<VainerCupid> Pepperoni probably
<VainerCupid> Honestly all pizza is good

<cmd102> Question from fleshcrafterAngel : Is there any specific sort of black magic? That's a pretty broad topic, ranging from necromancy into curses, and all manner of things in between. Also - theoretical or practical?

<VainerCupid> Chaos magic is fascinating me right now
<VainerCupid> I'd love to be practical and kinda go left hand path with it

<cmd102> Question from fleshcrafterAngel : Do you have any plans for what you want to write post-Mold?
<VainerCupid> Yeah I do, actually
<VainerCupid> I'd like to post on NoSleep again for sure!

<cmd102> Question from kneeod : If a train is moving southeast at 150mph, and another train is moving Northwest at 155mph, how many licks does it take to get the center of tootsie roll pop?

<VainerCupid> hold on let me get my calculator
<VainerCupid> 5

<cmd102> Question from kneeod : If a man with a saxophone approached you to be the lead in his movie about the history of saxophones, would you first ask him about Rodney King?
<cmd102> (I'm gonna note that that question confused the fuck out of me... so don't feel bad if it confuses you too.. haha)

<VainerCupid> Yeah I don't even know what to do with this one hahaha I'd probably run away to just generally avoid the situation

<cmd102> Question from KPants : What color is the best color mold?

<VainerCupid> good question good question
<VainerCupid> hm
<VainerCupid> gonna say
<VainerCupid> green

<cmd102> Question from KPants : How much mold (in lbs) do you think it would take to fill up a bathtub?

<VainerCupid> Like, I found myself actually trying to do this math in my head just now
<VainerCupid> Way too many lbs

<cmd102> Question from KPants : Have you ever been sexually attracted to mold?

<VainerCupid> psh no why would you even say that thats ridiculous me attracted to mold how absurd

<cmd102> Question from KPants : When I say "mold", what is the first word that comes to mind?

<VainerCupid> bathtub

<cmd102> Question from KPants : Would you ever taste mold on a dare?

<VainerCupid> Probably not. It's one of my least favorite tastes haha

<cmd102> Statement from KPants : Mold.

<cmd102> Question from UncleRandy :  What's next? (after the mold series)

<VainerCupid> lmao
<VainerCupid> Ummm I'd like to write something for nosleep and I have a couple ideas, but nothing concrete. Something about weird events at a lake cabin
<VainerCupid> because I find lakes inherently creepy, I guess

<cmd102> Question from UncleRandy : Aside from Election Day with the dazzling Mikey Knutson, have you done any other nosleep material?

<VainerCupid> Nope. I wish

<cmd102> Question from UncleRandy : Do people still comment and message you about the series? If so, about how often?

<VainerCupid> And don't call Mikey dazzling, the jerk's not even here :P
<VainerCupid> Oh god yeah
<VainerCupid> I get a message every couple weeks, at least once a month
<VainerCupid> usually "when are you gonna post again?"
<VainerCupid> Which is a fair question

<cmd102> Question from TanjaSimone : What does your creative process look like, and is there something special that you feel helps you while writing?

<VainerCupid> Usually I sit down with my laptop and some atmospheric music. I have to kind of be in the mood to even open a document. So I'd say there's not much of a creative process haha
<VainerCupid> I just kind of start writing if I feel inspired to do so

<cmd102> Question from Polar_Starburst :  have you ever considered using period blood mixed with mold for a love potion?

<VainerCupid> Yes absolutely
<VainerCupid> 60% of the time it works every time

<cmd102> Question from Notslime : If you were chosen to be an infinitely powerful being but only for an hour, what would you do with your power in that time?

<VainerCupid> make everything great in my personal life so that when I was no longer infinitely powerful, I could come back to something pretty sweet. then after that, idk see about world peace and stuff. I'm selfish though, I'd give myself piles of riches first

<cmd102> Question from iwantabear : if you could be a member of any band which one would you pick?

<VainerCupid> AJ from backstreet boys
<VainerCupid> obvi

<cmd102> Question from fleshcrafterAngel : Given this seems to be periodically going off the rails anyway, I don't feel bad about asking anymore, so - would you care for an introduction to a chaos witch I know at some point?

<VainerCupid> uh yes
<VainerCupid> PM that immediately

<cmd102> Question from fleshcrafterAngel : What kind of music do you find atmospheric?

<VainerCupid> I guess it depends on my mood. Classical instrumentals. I listen to some of brandon boones stuff from the nosleep podcast

<cmd102> Question from ProbsMikeyK : Bears or Tacos?

<VainerCupid> I could never choose

<cmd102> Question from ProbsMikeyK : Do you feel an "Anthology" flair would be helpful or is it an unnecessary addition?

<VainerCupid> goddammit mikey
<VainerCupid> I don't know how often an anthology flair would be used...

<cmd102> Question from ProbsMikeyK : What's your favorite brewing company?

<VainerCupid> Probably Mac & Jacks

<cmd102> Question from baconmoontwist : 24 hours non-stop of electro music or 24 hours non-stop rap?

<VainerCupid> Oh jesus
<VainerCupid> This might be the hardest question so far
<VainerCupid> ........ rap?

<cmd102> Question from Polar_Starburst : why focus on Crowley, instead of someone like Austin Osman Spare?

<VainerCupid> I'm honestly pretty green at this right now. I am sure I will get deeper into Spare and others, but Crowley's a big name and he was such a tremendous asshole. I like reading about him. I wouldn't say I'm focused on him in particular though. I want to learn everything I can about it!

<cmd102> Question from Polar_Starburst :  what are your views on aeonics aka using magic for political purposes?

<VainerCupid> I mean... if a person is willing to put the time and energy into it to gain power, they can go ahead and try.
<VainerCupid> Who's to say if they'll succeed

<cmd102> Question from TanjaSimone : What would your stripper name be, and why is it Zinfandel?

<VainerCupid> Zinfandel "Cherry" Wallace
<VainerCupid> thats me

<cmd102> Question from theephemera :  In a duel between Polar and Flesh who would win?

<VainerCupid> A magic duel?
<VainerCupid> Who am I to answer that question
<VainerCupid> I am no master wizard

<cmd102> Question from poppymoonray : You're stranded on an island for a decade, and can pick two of your nosleep peers to be there with you. Who do you choose and why?

<VainerCupid> oh JESUS
<VainerCupid> uh
<VainerCupid> bloodstains and inaaace because i dont know them personally, so it doesn't feel like choosing favorites but all the same they are my favorites
<VainerCupid> plus pretty sure bloodstains would just crouch silently in a corner staring at us

<cmd102> Question from kneeod : Would you say that creating this series has MOLDED you into a better writer? Do you SPOREadically come up with ideas, or do they take some time to grow and fester? You seem like a funguy. Would you take mushrooms?

<VainerCupid> the puns are out of control kneeod. yes it has definitely helped me grow as a writer. holy shit yes. Ill generally just write it down when I have ideas pop in my head, but there's been a lot of festering, too. I have taken mushrooms a couple times and I don't really want to anymore!

<cmd102> Question from KPants : If you woke up to one night to see your house on fire and you could only save one object weighing more than 20lbs but less than 72lbs, what would it be?

<VainerCupid> I would say my cat but she's less than 20lbs.
<VainerCupid> so
<VainerCupid> my laptop
<VainerCupid> sorry cat
<VainerCupid> you're staying in the fire
<VainerCupid> lmao
<VainerCupid> my laptop isnt 20lbs either
<VainerCupid> fuck it, i'll take that lamp

<cmd102> Question from fleshcrafterAngel : Having chosen Jesus as your first Islandsleep Companion, what makes you think he posts here?

<VainerCupid> all nosleep authors are Jesus
<VainerCupid> that is the great secret

<cmd102> Question from TanjaSimone : Favourite Disney movie, and favourite Disney song. Go.

<VainerCupid> Favorite movie: Hercules or Beauty and the Beast
<VainerCupid> I cheated
<VainerCupid> Favorited song: I'll make a man out of you
<VainerCupid> probably

<cmd102> Question from kneeod : Fuck, Mary, kill: Tortilla, Sade, Ragini.
<VainerCupid> this question is hard
<VainerCupid> um
<VainerCupid> marry ragini because she is a sweet precious angel
<VainerCupid> fuck then kill both sade and tortilla
<VainerCupid> because thats the way i like it
<VainerCupid> and i want them both dead

<cmd102> Question from TanjaSimone : You're making a Dungeons and Dragons character; which race, class and alignment would you have?

<VainerCupid> like me as a person?
<VainerCupid> Chaotic neutral human druid
<VainerCupid> but just a character id want to play?
<VainerCupid> chaotic evil orc barbarian

<cmd102> Question from kneeod : Are you excited about NBC's upcoming adventure fantasy series, EMERALD CITY?(Premiering in January, tell your friends!)

<VainerCupid> I sure am!
<VainerCupid> Oh boy!

<cmd102> Question from Tarmobile|Sleep : If forced to write about something boring and make it interesting, such as watching paint dry, how would you go about it?

<VainerCupid> I'd probably try really hard to describe the scene in a beautiful way, but just end up going into a rant about the hollow earth theory and why david bowie was a magician

<cmd102> Question from poppymoonray : What fruit do you empathize with most strongly? What fruit fills you with an unrivaled rage?

<VainerCupid> little known fact about vainercupid: she is allergic to fruit
<VainerCupid> this is not bullshit
<VainerCupid> i am actually allergic
<VainerCupid> so all fruit fills me with rage
<VainerCupid> I would give anything to eat a peach again
<VainerCupid> I'd sacrifice you all for it

<cmd102> Question from kneeod :  Have you ever seen a monkey eat an entire pear?
<VainerCupid> monkeys are terrifying
<VainerCupid> next question

<cmd102> Question from TanjaSimone : Would you rather die young, without knowing it beforehand or die old, knowing the day you'll die?

<VainerCupid> hm
<VainerCupid> Die young, I think
<VainerCupid> I would hate to know the day I was gonna die
<VainerCupid> Though it would be useful to know, in a practical way

<cmd102> Question from poppymoonray : How do you think the atmosphere of nosleep has changed since you joined the community?

<VainerCupid> It's gotten way bigger, for one
<VainerCupid> It was more believable at first, I feel. Someone said it on the ooc a while back, but it was really like a campfire story feeling
<VainerCupid> Like sitting around listening to "true" stories
<VainerCupid> Now it's definitely more a writing sub - which is awesome, don't get me wrong
<VainerCupid> Just less "indie" feeling

<cmd102> Question from Tarmobile|Sleep : Favourite meme?

<VainerCupid> I don't know, probably the triumphant baby haha

<cmd102> Question from Tarmobile|Sleep : Would you rather wake up to find out your life has all been a dream since you were 13, or find out your whole life has been a simulation of what things could have been like, had you chosen something else at 13, and are now old?

<VainerCupid> wat
<VainerCupid> haha
<VainerCupid> I think I would definitely choose the dream since 13

<cmd102> Question from Taos777 : how much would you charge for movie rights to your series?

<VainerCupid> 12 billion trillion

<cmd102> Question from Polar_Starburst : what's the most boring thing your can think of to do right now?

<VainerCupid> Watch paint dry and write about it

<cmd102> Question from KPants :  Whats your most embarrassing memory as an adult?

<VainerCupid> Oof
<VainerCupid> not sure. I embarrass myself a lot.
<VainerCupid> Probably some drunken rambling I did, or drunkenly hitting on someone I shouldn't have hit on

<cmd102> Question from fleshcrafterAngel : To riff off Tanja's question, presuming your standard of living would not suffer as a result, would you want an arbitrary lifespan? (That is, the usual 'unaging immortality' package, or the standard Highlander sort of thing.)

<VainerCupid> Unaging immortality sounds great
<VainerCupid> But only if I had the choice to kill myself when I was done

<cmd102> Question from fleshcrafterAngel : Do you feel the tendency to make things into series has contributed to the alteration in style, and why, either way?

<VainerCupid> People's tendencies in general or mine in particular? the style of nosleep? I guess I don't understand that question, sorry. :/

<cmd102> I would assume people in general on Nosleep
<VainerCupid> oh ok
<VainerCupid> I wouldn't say series in particular have anything to do with the change
<VainerCupid> I'd say a way bigger audience does, though. And a focus on writing good, literary stories instead of
<VainerCupid> "yo my sister saw a ghost once n then she died" kind of thing

<cmd102> Question from Tarmobile|Sleep :  What question do you most not want to be asked, but would still answer, and how would you answer it?

<VainerCupid> lmao are you asking me to ask my own questions

<cmd102> (looks like it, lol)

<VainerCupid> thats fair its been almost 2 hours i'm impressed we've even gone this long
<VainerCupid> Who do I have a crush on?
<VainerCupid> sigh literally no one

<cmd102> Question from poppymoonray : What nosleep author do you secretly think practices voodoo?

<VainerCupid> all of them
<VainerCupid> mostly /u/asforclass

<cmd102> Question from poppymoonray : What is your favorite flower?

<VainerCupid> marijuana lol 420 toke it bro
<VainerCupid> no actually probably roses

<cmd102> Question from Polar_Starburst :  what is the key ingredient in goofer dust?

<VainerCupid> Idk but it's probably something gross

<cmd102> Question from Tarmobile|Sleep : If you had to die once, but come back to life just to be able to write about it, in what way would you die?

<VainerCupid> Falling off a cliff or something. I'm so scared of that. So I think I'd want to do it just once to see if it's really as bad as I think it is.

<cmd102> Question from kneeod : Any advice for new or aspiring writers?
<VainerCupid> Get editing help if you need it, bite the bullet and just post!
<VainerCupid> If it's not popular, it's not a big deal. But it might be!
<VainerCupid> The end
<cmd102> That's it! Thank you so much, VainerCupid , for answering all our crazy questions! Thanks everyone who asked them! Keep an eye out on /r/nosleepinterviews for the next victims, the /r/nosleepinterviews team!