Thoughts on Pan from Juan Osvaldo Bilbao
When and how did you arrive at PanHistoria? How did you find out about Pan?
I came to PanHistoria in April of 2005.
Vincenzo Mastrodicasa is to blame for my being here! *G*
It was funny actually: Vincenzo ia a coworker, and apparently he got tired of hearing me pontificate about ancient civilizations all the time at work, so he pointed me to this great site called PanHistoria that featured Historical Fiction novels and all sorts of reference books. At the time he was writing in pirate novels among others, but he told me that joining and witing in any novels was not a requirement; I could just read if that's what I wanted. And, later, if I got the bug and wanted to join in and start writing, well...
It was shortly after joining that I created Juan Osvaldo Bilbao and Julian Archer. Vincenzo and I got together and started a new novel called Assignment: Intrigue, a contemporary spy novel. Ironically, neither of us had written much contemporary fiction, but we had a great time with the novel. Assignment: Intrigue was on the Hot List every month of its year-long tenure at PanHistoria, before we ported the novel over to PanErotica, PanHistoria's sister site, in order to explore darker, more mature themes. The novel is still going strong over at PanErotica, and I would invite people to check us out over there, as well as all the other great novels at that site.
What keeps you coming back to Pan?
Pan is a great place to let your creative energies flow, providing endless avenues to express yourself. Obviously, the thrill of participating in novels is one of the key attractions. Currently two of my characters, Julian Archer and Andrés Luna, are involved in a Western novel, Wild As The West Texas Wind.
But Pan also provides other avenues of creativity. For example, I have been having a blast writing my blog here lately.
And reading and participating in the Reference Books is always fascinating. There is an amazing amount of information and scholarly discussion on a dizzying array of subject matters -- and it's all just a click away. I could spend (and have spent!) hours just immersing myself in all that knowledge.
But of course, sometimes when writer's block strikes, or you just need a diversion, Pan's active Community Boards are a great way to while away the hours. The games and quizzes are always fun, and Pan is populated with so many friendly, colorful personalities that there is always someone around to chat with.
Overall, I guess what brings me back to Pan is the feeling that I am part of a creative community. Wyatt and the Staff and the members of Pan have created a magical environment that can be enjoyed on mulitple levels. It really is an addictive place! *lol*
How often and what time of day do you check in at Pan?
Whenever possible! *lol* Actually, since I am blocked at work from the site (boo! hiss!), I am relegated to logging in first thing in the morning (around 4am PST) for any quick post I might want to make. Afterwards, when I get home, I have time to enjoy a more leisurely stroll through Pan. Since I am in California, this is usually in the early to late evening, often stretching through into the night.
Is there any piece of work that you are especially proud of that you created here? Why are you pleased with it?
Well, I am especially proud of the Assignment: Intrigue novel. We set up a pretty complex world filled with complex characters in an effort to explore the human condition. Here are incredibly competent and skilled people (and as Vincenzo and I like to joke, incredibly good-looking!) who seem to have everything. And yet, they are basically owned by the secret organization that controls their lives. We blur the lines between good and evil and watch as the characters deal with the ramifications.
What experiences had you had, if any, with online communities other than Pan?
Pan was my first experience with this type of online community, other than some forums or Usenet groups. Since then, I've checked around for other sites, but haven't found any that offer the breadth of creative experience that PanHistoria does.
What are your favorite memories here?
One of my favorite memories of course was when my first novel was created. Seeing your baby spring to life on the screen, just as you had imagined it in your head is a wonderful feeling.
Other favorite memories is when you receive a message at your home from someone who enjoyed a post. I'm always surprised to find out that anyone has actually read any of my stuff. *lol*
And one can't forget the memories of getting so lost in chatting with someone online, then looking over at the clock and realizing that it's well past midnight and you've been chatting for hours!
Do you write in different genres? Why?
Oh yeah! I have lots of characters sprinkled through both PanHistoria and PanErotica, that run the gamut from Contemporary Action to Horror and SciFi to Westerns.
What I love about writing in different genres is the ability to explore the human condition in different settings. People are people, but every character is unique, and seeing how each character adapts to a different environment, whether it's an immortal in contemporary Los Angeles or a country doctor in 1800s El Paso, the drama is in the journey. And describing the journey is the fun part.
Currently, Vincenzo and I are collaborating on an idea for another novel. Even though we are still only in the planning stages, I'm already feeling that familiar adrenaline rush of branching off in new and exciting areas.
I know you blog here; how has that added to your PanHistoria experience?
Well, blogging is just another aspect of the different venues that Pan provides for creative outlet. I've never blogged before and I actually surprised myself with how much fun I'm having doing it! Even if you don't have that delinquent novel post quite ready, or haven't yet decorated your Home Page just so, with a blog, you can take a break and post anything that strikes your fancy. I find its a great antidote for writer's block.
Are there any people that stand out in your memory? Who and why?
Well, obviously Vincenzo (and his myriad other characters) has been both an inspiration and a goad, not to mention being a superb writer who constantly forces me to rise to any literary challenge.
And Alexandre de Barbarac, an Editor, is always helpful and friendly, not to mention someone with whom I enjoy chatting and exchanging ideas for stories.
And of course, no discussion of Pan personalities would be complete without mentioning Wyatt, who is not only an accomplished writer, but also makes this place possible in both spirit and infrastructure. (Just don't tell him I have this image of him sitting atop the IM panel, Zeus-like on Olympus, all-wise and all-knowing, stroking his beard. I don't want any thunderbolts hurled my way! *lol*)
If someone asked you "Why PanHistoria and not site x, y or z?" what would your answer be?
Easy one: No other place provides the combination or artistic talent, community spirit and creative expression offered at PanHistoria!
Finish this sentence.. A day (or a life) without PanHistoria is....
...a day without Internet access, because that would be the only thing that could keep me from logging in on a daily basis!
Finally, any thoughts or comments you have about PanHistoria would be welcome!
PanHistoria and PanErotica are marvelous places where an amazing amount of talent comes together. Everyone is welcome. Everyone is encouraged to contribute and participate in any way they can. It is truly a community endeavor that allows its members the opportunity to express their creativity and be part of something bigger than themselves. I feel privileged to be part of that community.
