Likely Doom for Sordid Scribes
My guests today are self-depreciating scribe, Andy Fanton, and ego-maniacal aristocrat, Lord Likely. First off, I'd like to focus a little on the man behind the pen, Mr. Andy Fanton.
*Note: All Lord Likely's favorite foods are being served by scantily clad clandestine women in order to distract the dear Lord so that Andy can get a word in edgewise.*
So, Fearsome Fanton...uh...Andy?
*snaps fingers in Fanton's face*
Over here, Andy!
*Tap. Tap. Tap. Heather waits patiently until she has his full attention*
Andy: Huh? What, sorry...my mind was...elsewhere!
Yeah, yeah...That's what they all say. *grin*
Now, dear sir, I know times are tough, but sometimes it seems writing the tales of Lord Likely would be tougher. Do you enjoy the lowly work of scribe? And if so, what are the blessings and the curses of such a role?
Andy: Yes, I do enjoy the work of a scribe. I love writing, I love creating stories and characters out of thin air (with the aid of his lordship's notes, of course!) and I love the fact that moments later, they can be enjoyed by people all across the globe. It's a wonderful, freeing process. Of course, I'd prefer less thrashings, and more monetary recompense, but otherwise I am as sound as the proverbial pound.
Aw, come on! The thrashings are all part of the fun. Mwahahaha! Oh, okay. We'll spare your back. But just for today...
You are not only a scribe, but an artist as well. I've noticed lately several mentions of playing with food, something about a “Carroty kid.” Can you tell us a little about this heroic vegetable and how we can add it to our palates of viewing pleasures?
Andy: The Carrotty Kid was a project I began before Likely had intruded upon my life. It was basically a comic strip about a kung-fu carrot, which I then decided to submit to Cosgrove Hall Films (the animation studio behind classics such as Danger Mouse and Count Duckula). To my delight they loved it, and I spent a couple of wonderful years working alongside them in trying to develop the idea for TV. Alas, things didn't pan out in the end (as is often the case in the difficult world of television), but it was still a fabulous experience and the culmination of a childhood dream. The Carrotty Kid is slowly returning as a webcomic once more at carrottykid.com, where you can also see the pilot episode for the animated series that almost was. And where you can also see a carrot battle a giant robot.
The Pilot episode looks like a page fresh out of my life. HAHAHA! Only with less priceless belongings, and more makeshift junk... *sigh*
I've noticed several times you've thrown out bits and pieces of various things you've worked on and are working on. What all is available out there for “Fanton Fans,” and how do we find them?
Andy: Primarily there's Likely's adventures, and The Carrotty Kid, but I've also got my own site, which has a few other bits and pieces on it, including some of my still-gestating ideas, like 'George vs Dragon', and 'Jet Pets'. Oh, and there's a very erratically-updated blog there too, as I don't often have thoughts that extend beyond 140 characters these days!
Ah, you have twitteritus...very contageous, very consuming, and very hard to purge. But, you know what they say... "It's not the length that matters, but the depth of those 140 characters that keep the ladies coming back for more..." (Okay, so I just made that up, but whatever.) Give it to 'em good!
Aside from the pride that comes with being an online icon, being a scribe and an artist is an awful lot of work for very little, if any, profit. You have an online store to help offset costs, and you also accept donations, is that right?
Andy: That is indeed correct! There's a donations page on Likely's site, which people have very kindly used to throw a few shillings my way. It's very gratifying when people do so, it's quite a tangible vote of confidence in your work, like they're saying it's worth something. Plus, donators get access to the 'Member's Lounge', an exclusive part of the site with exclusive stuff in it. EXCLUSIVELY!
Sweet! I'd ask what goes on in the "Member's Lounge" but that kind of information is privileged to only those who have made it past the bouncer. Want to know what lies within? Go grease a palm or two, and see what happens. *wink*
Aside from "buying a membership" to the "Lord Likely backdoor brothel," how else can people help support "Fanton's Follies"?
*Yes, the above quotes are Heatherisms, and have not been labeled such by the illustrious scribe, so don't expect handouts for using my magic words...*
Andy: Also, yes, I have a little RedBubble store through which you can buy t-shirts, hoodies, kids' tees, posters, prints, cards and stickers all bearing my designs upon them. People who like such things should visit RedBubble to check 'em out! And then buy them, because papa's gotta eat! Haha!
Wow! *raises eyebrow* You feed your dad too? *grin*
Seriously, though. My personal favorite shirt is the “Ewe love...”. Want to know the rest of it, readers? Click it to find out!
Thanks for all your insight, Andy! Please feel free to help yourself to the snacks.
Next, I'd like to turn my attention to...Uh, Giselle? Where are you going with...Giselle!
*shakes head* That girl is so fired! This is the third time she's run off with a guest this month!
Well, whatever. Anyway...
Thank you so much, Andy, for being such a considerate guest *grumble, grumble...unlike some people*.
Do you have any thing to add that may not have been addressed here and you feel needs to be made public?
Andy: Yes: if anyone can get to the Likely Estate armed with a hacksaw and/or a file, that'd be great. I've been chained to a desk in the cellar for over three years now, and feel I should maybe stretch my legs. Also, to all creatives: keep plugging away at whatever it is you do, because only you can do it. But mostly the hacksaw thing.
Tell you what, you pay the airfare, I'll buy the hacksaw. *evil grin* Or...perhaps I'll just volunteer Giselle as a diversionary tool to whosoever happens to have the guts to play hero.
Again, thank you for agreeing to indulge a silly scribbler's whims. I've had a smashing good time!
To find out more about Andy Fanton/Lord Likely, check out these links.
Andy Fanton's corner of the dungeon.
From the Scribe.
Lord Likely's lair.
Play with vegetables, Carroty style.
RedBubble, support creative genius.
Reach out and Tweet him.
Friend him on Facebook.
Alright folks. I open the comments to you. Want to know anything person, place, or vegetable about today's delightful guest? Ask away! As for me, I'm gonna go cuddle with a carrot...
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