InterWho - Whovian Andrew Chalmers from Dark Journey

Hello Sweeties!

Welcome to our next InterWho (Whovian Interview)..

I had the privilege of interviewing Andrew (The Doctor from Dark Journey), Dark Journey is an audio drama that can be found at AM Audio Media

Before we begin, we would like to take a moment to send out CONGRATULATIONS to the Dark Journey Team for being nominated for 12 Audio Verse Awards! Nominations include Andrew Chalmers for Best Writing, way to go Andrew and the entire cast and crew!!

Now hold on tight, you're in for a fun ride!
Here we go.....

BBB: Hello Andrew, please introduce yourself to our readers and tell us about yourself...
 AC: I have a very Scottish name...Andrew Frazer James Chalmers...which is great as coincidentally I am Scottish. To me, writing begins as a passionate love story full of imagination and fire then turns into a long term marriage where you realize your mutual shortcomings, take each other for granted but still love one another anyway!

BBB: When did you first become a Whovian?
 AC: My parents were moving house and I ran into ‘our’ new place (well, it was ‘their’ house really as I wasn't paying the mortgage) and perched myself on a box to watch Jon Pertwee. I couldn’t believe that he was helping us move in, it must have been between series 9 and 10 and he was desperate for the cash. It wasn’t unusual in those days for BBC stars to help their audience’s out. It was nothing to see the cast of ‘Dad’s Army’ clearing out the drains or the nice people from ‘Are you being Served’ doing a shift at the local fruit and veg markets. It’s not the same with these day’s youngsters. I tried to get the cast of ‘The Big Bang’ to unblock my toilet and they told me where to go.
Anyway, there I was watching Jon being ‘The Doctor’ and loving it. It was like watching a movie as I was inches from the bloody screen. My Dad used to warn me that my eye sight would suffer as I was too close to the 'telly' but I didn't hear him as my hearing had gone because I was too close to the 'telly'. In hindsight I couldn't really see him either as my eyes had gone from being too close to the 'telly'. There’s a lesson there kids. Always listen to your invisible Dad’s. That line is probably more poignant to all of us than I originally intended. Hmmm…time for a…..

WRITING LESSON – Don’t wait for perfection. You’ll be waiting forever. Get it on the page ASAP and you’ll discover stuff you didn’t even know existed. Don’t think too much about ‘the writing’. A great line of dialogue only comes from  a big mess of words and misfires, so try and avoid thinking wherever possible. In my time as a writer I have tried to avoid thinking wherever possible.

BBB: You are involved in a very exciting online audio drama where you portray "The Doctor", can you tell us about Doctor Who Dark Journey? 
 AC: Doctor Who Dark Journey moves into 'edgier' Who territory without losing the heart of what the show is all about. The more I've written the more I've realized what makes the show tick which is very interesting indeed. I started out committed to creating a darker, more angst ridden Doctor but instead, was persuaded by a power tripping producer to come up with a catch phrase against my better judgement so my edgy, raw creation was described as "the hilarious 'Cool Beans' Doctor”.
Naturally, because of this ‘catchphrase’ I was thinking about being close to death so I became interested in creating a Doctor that was on his last life as I felt dramatically that it was great territory. I also decided on this as I couldn’t write the Tenth Doctor as well as RTD.
My wife Lynda describes me as a 'Bridge Doctor' meaning I my Doctor (in her esteemed words) is a "great bridge between the classic and the modern series".
This was a relief. I had suspected that I was the 'Bridge Doctor' as people had been walking all over me for years. All comedy is based on truth, suffering and huge banana peels.

BBB: You are also the writer for Dark Journey, can you tell us where you get your inspiration?
 AC: I was terrified by the Bob Clark masterpiece ‘Murder by Decree’ as a nipper and introduced to Sherlock Holmes by my Mum who fancied Basil Rathbone (a brilliant Holmes btw…not my Mum…Basil I mean).
But my true inspiration for recording Dark Journey was my producer type buddy Michael Tamburro. I don’t have a brother (my parents gave me 2 middle names instead) but if I did it would be Mike. Let’s continue this fantasy and make him heir to the Swiss Chalet restaurant chain, the manager of Rush and the outgoing show runner for ‘Doctor Who’ who thinks I’m perfect for the job.
Sorry bro, no can do. I’m busy eating free chicken with Rush.
Great, now my brother hates me. Christmas is going to be tense again.
Anyway Mike (fueled by my old rejected scripts and pretty dodgy fast food) became the creative rocket behind Doctor Who - Dark Journey.
Here’s the excerpt, courtesy of TMZ.
“Hey ‘Chalmy’…let’s do one of your old scripts as an audio play!” (This was wise as I was told by a talent scout that I had the perfect face for radio).
“Sure ‘T-Bone’, anyone, but not the Doctor Who one”.
“Got ya. How about the Doctor Who one?”
“No”.
“You can be the Doctor?”
“Yes”.
So Mike was rocket captain and I was quite happy to go to space creatively as most of my writing has no atmosphere to begin with. My continuing inspiration for Dark Journey has to be blamed er…attributed to our fans and the wonderful people who support us.
Dark Journey has motored on and powerful, transformative inspiration has been supplied by people who we have never even met. What a powerful concept. It’s an honour to know such kind people.
Dan ‘The Writing Man’, Dr Squee and the ‘Droids’ you know who you are.
I am going to write more about ‘angels’ on the weekend when we release Episode 6 ‘The Legend of the Beast’. This is true but in reality I just wanted to be able to write “The Legend of the Beast’. That’s a boot shaking masterpiece of a title for our next episode ain’t it Bobby Sue! YEE-HAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow…it’s an awesome title though. What does it mean? “The Beast?” Who is that? Exactly.

BBB: What is your favorite Classic Who or New Who episode and why?
 AC: Oooh….the classic question and it’s a toughie isn’t it? Here we go…
The Empty Child because it was like classic ‘Hinchcliffe’ Who but it was new series ‘Moffat’. How cool was that? Answer…very. I didn’t want to type that as it was obvious but I did. All comedy is based on internal conflict.
Classic episode? Robots of Death. My wife Lynda has a pair of oriental style short pants that she wears around the house and I call her D-84. Keeping with the ‘Robots of Death’ theme Lynda then tries to strangle me.

BBB: Series 8 is underway, with a brand new Doctor. What do you think of Peter Capaldi and the series so far?
 AC: Series 8 is fantastic with a selection of adventures that are very impressive in range and attitude (the ending of Kill the Moon for example as well as Mummy on the Orient Express) However, at this stage, I would like to see the continuation of these questions and /or set up’s….
When is ‘the search for Gallifrey’ exactly?
What mistakes did the Doctor make and when is he going to start to do something about them?
Why has The Doctor never mentioned the fact that Clara effectively saved his life by chatting with a crack in a wall?
How does he know he has another set of regenerations? Why not just one more?
Why did he question ever being a ‘good man?’
Why does The Doctor’s hair vary in length between scenes? (see the ‘TARDIS in siege mode’ scene from Flatline).
Just my opinions. Love it all the same well except the hair, that’s just lazy continuity. You wouldn’t see anything like that on Dark Journey.

BBB: If you could meet just one Doctor Who cast or crew member, who would it be?
 AC: Tom Baker. Sounds obvious, but it’s true. And as for the reasons?....well, do I really have to list them here peeps?

BBB: Who is your favorite Doctor and why?
  AC: Please refer to the answer for Question 7. I’m lazy…..er…..but do it in a cartoon voice so it sounds different, witty and unique.

BBB: Who is your favorite companion and why?
 AC: And the winner is….
Donna Noble because it wasn’t all about the new series romance (which by Series 4 had been done to death). Donna was a ‘mate’ and backed up by a brilliant back story with her Mum and Grandpa Cribbins. And the ending (well, the first proper one) was poignant and everything else you would expect. RTD at his best. I always think the new companions need an Earth back story. I think that’s why Clara is flourishing in Season 8. Yes, it’s basically Rose meets Mickey again but it works doesn’t it? To be fair, it was 8 years ago and these days people have short attention spans don’t they? I don’t. I always thought that the key to life was….oh…where’s my Time and the Rani DVD again?...yes, I do love strawberries…

BBB: If you could travel with The Doctor in his TARDIS to any time and/or place, where would you like to go?
 AC: I would travel back to 1963 to witness the birth of Doctor Who, bribe BBC management with scones and become head writer. In the pilot I’d make the Doctor’s first companion Ian into Darth Vader and Susan into Mr Spock. Fandom would be united for ever! I would never see it though as on my attempted return to 2014, I had gotten lost and crashed in Roswell 1947. That’s a good question actually….how am I achieving this time travelling of yours ‘Miss Blue Box Balm’? Oh…a space ship? Cool. But wait..I didn’t invent a space ship time machine? Oh, one of your other interviewees did. Okay. I get it. Poor design though. I did get shot down after all. Thanks Mr Inventor….I’d be less concerned about dating Cleopatra and more concerned with putting shields on the bloody thing.

BBB: Is there anything you would like to add before we wrap up this interview (such as conventions you gone to, cast you have met, a collection you have, etc)?
 AC: Well, we have a collection of very supportive and kind people who take an interest in Dark Journey which is fantastic, heartwarming and very encouraging. Thank you for being more additions to my collection (imagine me laughing in a maniacal way and moving wooden figures of you guys onto a chess board. That’s not a 5 Doctors reference just me on a Saturday night).

Blue Box Balm would like to say THANK YOU to Andrew for participating in our fun whovian interviews!
We would also like to extend our THANKS to Anthony from AM Audio Media for putting us in touch with Andrew.

Follow Dark Journey audio drama..

https://www.amaudiomedia.com

https://twitter.com/AMAudioMedia

https://www.facebook.com/amaudiomedia

https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/am-audio-media/id887606877?mt=2

If you have any questions for Andrew, please comment here ...

InterWho - Whovian Heidi Lemarr

Hello Sweeties!

Welcome to our next InterWho (Whovian Interview)..

I had the delight of interviewing Heidi, so grab a cup of tea and enjoy the read ... Allons-y!

BBB: Hi Heidi, please introduce yourself to our readers and tell us about yourself...
 HL: Hi, my name is Heidi. I live in Dallas but grew up in New York. I'm a married mom of two, stepmom to another, an advertising exec with what some could call an obsessive love of TV, Sci-Fi, Fantasy and most things geeky. I also have many personal side projects. My husband is my very own "son of a preacher man", a writer/artist and shares many of my fandoms. My stepdaughter is just as geeky, my 6 year old recognizes all New Who Doctors, and my 3 year old knows a TARDIS when he sees one and nearly bowled people over to get into one at a local event. 

BBB: When did you first become a Whovian?
 HL: When I was about 8 or 9. I watched Doctor Who on local public television. The 4th and 5th Doctors stand out most in my memory from then. 

BBB: I understand that you are a Chancer, can you please explain what this is to our readers?
 HL: A Chancer is a fan of The Minister of Chance audio drama, who is very supportive of the current audio incarnation and has a fanatical desire to see the audio make it to a film version. 
Brief history of the Minister: The Minister is one of five Time Lords who survived the destruction of Gallifrey and he was first played by Stephen Fry in the audio/webcast Death Comes to Time.
The new re-imagined (and current) version of The Minister of Chance is also an audio drama that features an amazing cast (including two former Doctors - the 7th and 8th), wonderful acting, and a fantastic script. The thing that strikes me the most about MoC is that there is no advertising - it is all word of mouth through the fans, and all of it is completely crowd funded. 
It is available for free download on the MinisterofChance.com site. Fans of Doctor Who, and/or of Big Finish will really enjoy it. And if they enjoy it, they can help support the film, eh? The Kickstarter is going on through October 31. (Blue Box Balms was not paid for this plug, all opinions of the Inter-who-ee alone.)

BBB: What is your favorite Classic Who and/or New Who episode and why?
 HL: Favorite at the moment has got to be Blink. It is a perfect episode to let people who have never watched ANY Doctor Who watch it and not feel like they need to be soaked in the 50 year history, and can intrigue them to know more and watch more. And what fan doesn't want more people to be fans?
I could go on about my favorite pivotal episodes, but...you did ask for one. So there you go.

BBB: Series 8 is at it's half way point, with a brand new Doctor. What do you think of Peter Capaldi and the series so far?
 HL: I am enjoying Series 8 so far. I've seen some of the fan reactions and people seem to completely love or completely hate this new series, and I'm sitting over here saying: these are good episodes, and I know they'll work even better together when you can see the series as a whole. 

BBB: If you could meet just one Doctor Who cast or crew member, who would it be?
 HL: I've actually met the 5th through 8th Doctors and Captain Jack. For cast, I'd love to meet all of the New Who Doctors, but I think David Tennant most of all, just because I've had a chance to enjoy other bits of his work more so than any of the others, and would happily chat about Broadchurch/Gracepoint and Shakespeare. For crew, Moffat, because I'd want to pick his brain.

BBB: Who is your favorite Doctor and why (we may already know this answer..lol)?
 HL: LOL - This is a great question. As always I point to my pinned tweet. I think they're all my Doctor. Honestly, its whomever I'm watching, listening to, reading about at that moment. I tried once to put them in some sort of order, but I wound up with seven of them tied for number one. 

BBB: Who is your favorite companion and why?
 HL: This is a toughie. I've really enjoyed all of the New Who companions (yes ALL of them), but I'd have to say my favorite of all time and all media was Evelyn Smythe, who was a companion to the 6th Doctor on Big Finish audios. I just loved her character, and that she was completely unlike many of his other companions. If I have to pick a TV companion, probably Captain Jack? He was brave, loyal, and funny and has endless possibilities. I'd love to see him interact with Peter Capaldi's Doctor. That would be a hoot.

BBB: If you could travel with The Doctor in his TARDIS to any time and/or place, where would you like to go?
 HL: I'd love to see Earth's future. Maybe 200 years up? Maybe visit a descendant or witness a "historical" event. 

BBB: If you could steal something from the Doctor Who set, what would it be?
 HL: The TARDIS! Barring that, River's shoes. You know the ones. I love a pair of killer heels.

BBB: Tell us your favorite geek stix or geek scent from Blue Box Balm.. 
 HL: I'm currently loving my "Don't Blink" geek stix. It is a combo that one would never find anywhere else, and it is delicious.

BBB: Is there anything you would like to add before we wrap up this interview (such as conventions you gone to, cast you have met, a collection you have, etc)?
 HL: I currently have a set of illustrated Doctor Who cards that my husband purchased for me at a local convention. I've since had the 4th through 8th Doctors sign their cards (4th through the mail, and 5-8 in person), and I'm hoping to get 9-12 at some point so that I can actually frame them and display them in my home 


Big THANK YOU to Heidi for participating in our whovian interviews!

If you have any questions for Heidi please comment below..

InterWho - Whovian Chloe Morton

Hello Sweeties!

Welcome to our next InterWho (Whovian Interview)..

I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing Chloe, so grab a cup of tea and enjoy the read (and lots of Paul McGann)!!

BBB: Please introduce yourself to our readers and tell us about yourself...
 CM: Hello! My name is Chloe! I have dedicated the last ten years of my life to educating myself in the art of theatre and I have very recently completed a Masters degree in Contemporary Theatre Practices. I own and run my own professional theatre company called Hunki Munki Theatre Company. For my company, I spend the year writing pieces of original theatre and then direct these pieces with actors before embarking on a summer tour around Fringe festivals in the UK. When I’m not doing that I like to shamelessly indulge myself in all the brilliantly nerdy things life has to offer from box set binge watching to convention attending.

BBB: When did you first become a Whovian?
 CM: I remember watching Doctor Who as a very small child, I think I was about three or four years old and I remember being fascinated by the Daleks; alas, being born in the early 90’s meant that Who was not on my TV every week so I didn’t really become a proper Whovian until the show returned in 2005 with Christopher Eccleston. I remember being totally swept away by Chris’ performance and the incredible imagination behind the storylines. I was hooked from the first episode and I’ve been passionate about the show ever since. My parents separated just before the show aired and Doctor Who offered me some much needed escapism and comfort; the show got me through a very difficult period in my life and it’s something I will always be thankful for.

BBB: I understand that you cosplay, please tell about that and what costume are you working on now?
 CM: I mainly cosplay Pepper Potts, as portrayed by Gwyneth Paltrow, from Marvel’s Iron Man movie franchise. I have numerous different outfits of hers from across all three movies and the Avengers movie so I get to mix it up a lot. Over the past few months I’ve decided to move away from Pepper and work on some new cosplay’s as I feel like a new character is needed after cosplaying Pepper for so long. Right now I’ve nearly completed a Ms Delphox cosplay from Doctor Who’s ‘Time Heist’ episode and I will be taking it to a convention next month. On top of that I am working on a Cersei Lannister cosplay from Game of Thrones and I’m also planning a Female Data cosplay from Star Trek: The Next Generation which I’m hoping to take to a con early next year.

BBB: Some of us know that you are a HUGE Paul McGann (8th Doctor) Fan, and that you have met him several times. Where did your love for Paul come from?
 CM: Very true! I am a massive fan of Paul’s and have been incredibly fortunate to meet him and see him perform in theatre. Paul has always been one actor that I have seen regularly on my TV screen growing up and as I saw more of him, the more I began to admire him as both an actor and an individual. The seminal moment came for me when I saw him in the BBC drama True Dare Kiss. Despite seeing Paul in many things before that point, there was something about his performance in TDK that completely consumed me and that fascination has continued with progressing fervour ever since.
2014 has been a very important year for me with regards to Paul. After many, many years of wanting to meet him, I was finally able to this year and it was a complete dream come true. Not only that but being able to see him perform in theatre, a medium that is very close to my heart, was the icing on the cake of life for me; especially as it was Three Sisters by Chekhov, one of my favourite playwrights. One of the most precious memories I have is meeting Paul at a con for the second time a month after I saw Three Sisters and we engaged in a very in-depth discussion about the show, theatre etiquette and Chekhov. He asked me about my theatre company and admired the fact that I was juggling a business with a Masters degree, compelling him to admit that if he had a brain like mine, he would be doing the same. This conversation lasted for about fifteen minutes and majorly irritated the woman who was waiting behind me in the queue but as the people in front of me only spent thirty seconds or so with Paul, I felt highly honoured that he wanted to talk to me for such an elongated amount of time and about a subject that we are both very passionate about. That discussion is priceless to me and moved me so much that I credited Paul and our discussion in the acknowledgments page of my Masters theatre dissertation. I met Paul again in Kent a month later and  managed to thank him properly for all the motivation and inspiration he has given to me across my life by handing him a piece of Withnail & I art with my personal message of thanks on the back. Being able to personally thank my hero and give back just a little of everything that he has given to me was an incredibly special moment and I still feel like the luckiest girl in the world to have had such an opportunity.

*More pictures of Chloe and Paul McGann ... AW!!! 

BBB: What is your favorite Classic Who and/or New Who episode and why?
 CM: ‘Dalek’ from Chris Eccleston’s era. The poignancy of the episode still hits me today and brings tears to my eyes. We saw a very humanistic side to a creature that was ultimately very scared and lost. It was exemplary of the ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ motto and made me see the Daleks in a very different light. The episode highlighted how important Rose was to the Doctor and enforced the indestructibility of their partnership.  From that point on, Nine and Rose’s relationship has been cemented in my mind as one as the most precious and indestructible partnerships in the Whoniverse and I only wished that they had more time together than a single series.

BBB: Series 8 is at its half way point, with a brand new Doctor. What do you think of Peter Capaldi and the series so far?
 CM: I think he’s doing brilliantly! I’ve been a fan of Peter’s after being enraptured by his performance as Malcolm Tucker in The Thick of It and Leonardo Da Vinci in Inside the Mind of Leonardo. It’s really enchanting to know that Peter was such a MASSIVE fan of Doctor Who growing up. Knowing that he is now living his dream of being the Doctor all these years later gives us proof that dreams really can become reality and instils hope that one day we may all be able to live our wildest dreams. Peter is pure proof that we should not give up on them!
I love the darker edge that Peter’s Doctor has and makes me reminiscent of one of my all time favourite Doctors, Nine. Chris Eccleston hit the nail on the head in terms of characterisation in my opinion; the perfect balance of maturity and fierceness but with that compassionate, approachable side. I have missed the more mature edge in recent incarnations of the Time Lord. I think people have forgotten that the Doctor should be slightly feared (after all, he’s called the Oncoming Storm for a reason!) It's time people remembered that fact and I think Capaldi’s fierceness will bring that in abundance.

BBB: If you could meet just one Doctor Who cast or crew member, who would it be?
 CM: I’ve been a massive fan of Keeley Hawes since I saw her portrayal as Alex Drake in Ashes to Ashes and she is one of the few actors on my ‘want to meet’ list that I have not had the pleasure of meeting, so Keeley would definitely be the one!  I adored her stint as the steely Ms Delphox in series Eight, another reason as to why I wanted to cosplay her next month.

BBB: Who is your favorite Doctor and why?
 CM: It’s very difficult for me to choose between McGann and Eccleston’s Doctor. I adore McGann’s Doctor as Paul is my favourite actor and has been an inspiration to me for a very long time. Despite the Who Movie being rather questionable, he gave an engaging performance and the way his Doctor has developed over the audio dramas and novels has been enthralling; it has allowed Eight to grow in to one of the most fascinating and engaging incarnations yet. However Eccleston was the Doctor who grabbed my hand and introduced me to the brilliance of his world; because of that I’ve been running with him ever since. I think there is always a special place in a Whovian’s heart for their first Doctor, a place that no other incarnation can ever penetrate.

BBB: Who is your favorite companion and why?
 CM: I really like Sheridan Smith’s companion Lucie Miller from the Eighth Doctor’s audio dramas. She’s got a brilliant feistiness about her and has an admirable no-nonsense attitude. She has great inner strength and is a brilliantly independent woman which is highly preferable to the stereotypical ‘damsel in distress’ notions of a female companion.

BBB: If you could travel with The Doctor in his TARDIS to any time and/or place, where would you like to go?
 CM: I would go to the Rum Runner night club in Birmingham in 1981. I have been enamoured with the New Romantic movement in music and fashion for many years (something which is unmistakably clear when browsing through both my wardrobes and vinyl record collection!) and it would be a dream come true to witness the New Romantic movement first hand and revel in the ostentation of their atmosphere for an evening.

BBB: Are you in any other fandoms besides Doctor Who? Such as Torchwood or Sherlock?
 CM: SO many that I know I will probably miss some out! Definitely Torchwood & Sherlock. Other fandoms include: Hannibal, Red Dwarf, Game of Thrones, Marvel Comics, Rocky Horror Show, Ashes to Ashes/Life on Mars, Star Trek: The Next Generation Era, Hunger Games, Withnail & I, Derren Brown. I’m a massive Scandophile so Nordic Noir films and TV shows such as The Bridge, The Killing & Jagten etc. I grew up on classic British comedy such as Fawlty Towers and Bottom so if there’s a fandom for that, I’m in it!

BBB: Tell us about your hobbies even if it is not related to Doctor Who..
 CM: I do a ludicrous amount of writing for both professional and recreational reasons. In my spare time, I enjoy writing fanfiction for any of the fandoms I am a member of. I have also spent the last ten years working on numerous volumes of Victorian era detective novels which is my main outlet for enjoyment. I regularly attend conventions with two of my closest friends which has given me the cosplay bug which is a great hobby. I had to make an arm of Iron Man armour for my Pepper Potts cosplay last year which was a lot of fun to make but very time consuming. In the end, it was worth every minute and I hope to make more costumes from hand in the future.

BBB: Tell us your favorite geek stix or geek scent from Blue Box Balm..
 CM: So hard to choose just one! Every single one I buy becomes an instant favourite but I think the Doctor’s Kiss Geek Scent is really extraordinary; an addictive balance of floral and sweet chocolate so if I had to pick one, that would be it!

BBB: Is there anything you would like to add before we wrap up this interview (such as conventions you gone to, cast you have met, a collection you have, etc)?
 CM: I collect loads of Sci-Fi memorabilia and autographs and McGann’s Eighth Doctor is the staple of my memorabilia collection; one particular memory I have is carrying a six foot high cardboard cut out of McGann’s Doctor from The Night of Doctor from Kent, around the London tube and to my home in the Midlands which all in all was a six hour journey. Safe to say, I got some pretty amusing looks that day!
I regularly attend conventions in the UK and have been lucky to meet many heroes from my childhood such as the Red Dwarf cast and Superbike champion Carl Fogarty along with members of the Rocky Horror Picture Show and Torchwood.
My other favourite actor (after McGann!) is Richard E. Grant and I was lucky enough to meet him at a meet & greet he threw in London for the launch of his perfume, Jack. It was the first time I’ve ever really felt star struck but I managed to overcome it and we had a lovely chat about antiquing in France.

Big THANK YOU to Chloe for participating in our whovian interviews!

If you have any questions for Chloe please comment below..

InterWho - Whovian Amanda Davis

Hello Sweeties!

Welcome to our next InterWho (Whovian Interview)..

I had the delight of interviewing Amanda, so grab a cup of tea and enjoy!!

1. Please introduce yourself to our readers and tell us about yourself...

 My name is Amanda, and I was destined at a young age to be a nerd.  My daddy was a nerd, and he used to read Lord of the Rings and other such amazing books to me.  As I have gotten older and therefore more comfortable with me and my nerdiness, I began to own it.  I now run Nerdy Chic Crochet where I make all kinds of nerdy things so others can own their nerdiness too.  (see pictures I am attaching) I made my 7th doctor vest to cosplay in, and I made a “Police Box” scarf.  I have also knitted a replica of the 4th doctor’s scarf.

2. When did you first become a Whovian?  

 I suppose I am a relatively recent whovian.  I began watching during Matt Smith’s time.  The first episodes I was Time of Angels/Flesh and Stone.  I was hooked.  I went to the internet to find everything I could find about it after that.  I think that is why weeping angels are my favorite bad guy.  

3. What is your favorite Classic Who or New Who episode and why?

 It is very hard to pick.  I would say for Classic Who probably say… oh gosh, I just can’t choose.  I love a lot of 7’s and a lot of 6’s.  Not to discredit any of the classics but they were my favorite of the classics.  For New Who, I must say that I could watch The Pandorica Opens/The Big Bang over and over.  And basically the whole Ponds arc to be honest.

4. Series 8 is underway, with a brand new Doctor. What do you think of Peter Capaldi and the series so far?

 I love him.  I mean really really love him.  I honestly knew I would like Capaldi because I have seen him in other things.  But I didn’t know I would love him.  He might just become “my” doctor.  I think the writing is hit or miss in this series.  “Listen” was awesome. I didn’t care for “Robots of Sherwood”.  But Capaldi himself has won me over.  

5. If you could meet just one Doctor Who cast or crew member, who would it be?

 I’ve met some.  I met Colin Baker and Sylvester McCoy.  But I guess if I could meet another one, I would probably want to meet Matt Smith or Peter Capaldi. 

6. Who is your favorite Doctor and why?

 So hard!  This question is not fair.  I would have said Matt Smith for new who until series 8.  I am going to put a pin in that though.  Classic I have to say McCoy.  

7. Who is your favorite companion and why?

 New: I love the Ponds…  All of them including River Song.  Classic: It would be Leela or Ace.

8. If you could travel with The Doctor in his TARDIS to any time and/or place, where would you like to go?

 I think I would like to go everywhere and every time.  I am going to be selfish and run away with him.  I might take my hubby ;)

9. Are you in any other fandoms besides Doctor Who? Such as Torchwood or Sherlock?

 I’ve been Sherlocked.  I also love Harry Potter (planning my 30th birthday party right now… yep).   LotR and The Hobbit.   I also love reading dysatopian novels (ever since I first read the Giver back in middle school) so I like The Hunger Games.   I love video games and cartoons too… a Jack of all Geeks if  you will. 

10. Tell us your favorite geek stix or geek scent from Blue Box Balm..  

 Oh so hard!  I am going to have to say Paradise.  First because honeysuckle is the best scent in the world (this is an indisputable statement LOL) and I love sweet lemon desserts. It combines the two… So there you have it.  

Big THANK YOU to Amanda for participating in our whovian interviews!

If you have any questions for Amanda, please comment below..

Blue Box Balm on Gallifrey Stands Podcast!

I was graced with the honor of being on the Gallifrey Stands podcast with Doctor Squee & Dottie Who!
CLICK HERE TO HAVE A LISTEN

InterWho - Whovian Chris Ewing

Hello Sweeties!

Welcome to our next InterWho (Whovian Interview)..

I had the privilege of interviewing Chris, so hold on tight and enjoy the read!!

1. Please introduce yourself to our readers and tell us about yourself...
 If I told you everything, there wouldn't by any surprises left ;)
My wife (Julie) and I live in Ottawa. We married each other in our late 30s (first time for each of us).
We have no human children that we know of, and I won't publicly admit that I was born on another planet  ;)
We share a house with Julie's cats, and I mean that the cats basically own us and the house, we just live to serve them.
My life has been a rotating wheel of sci-fi from Dr. Who, Star Trek and Star Wars.

My online presence as Darth Stormageddon nods to both the Dr. and Star Wars

2. When did you first become a Whovian?
 I have been a Whovian since I first watched the episodes on CBC back in the late 70s as reruns of the original doctors.
With the advent of the internet (yes, I am an elder of the internet) I have since watched/own all possible episodes that are still in existence. I watched the Doctor on a visit to the UK when I was 15. That's when I really got into it.

3. What is your favorite Classic Who and/or New Who episode and why?
 I've always been a fan of the first and original Doctor. His crotchety and demanding ways always interested me. Since then I learned that you do get more done with piss and vinegar that with honey and chocolate (it's true)

4. What do you think of Peter Capaldi as the new Doctor? Also, give us your thoughts on Series 8 so far?
 The first thing I thought was, "YESSS... A Scott!" he's going to kick some butt. He hasn't disappointed me yet. It's still in it's infancy, and it's REALLY noticeable which episodes are fluff and which are written by Moffat, but I'm not complaining. Capaldi is down to earth, and I think his moral compass is set in the right direction.

5. If you could steal something (just one thing) from the set of Doctor Who, what would it be and why?
 Duh... The TARDIS ;)  kidding. I would have to go with something sentimental. His stick of chalk would be perfect

6. Who is your favorite Doctor and why?
 The only way I can answer this, because there is still so much more "Who" to come, is I always find myself re-watching Tennant episodes. He has such passion and his character change throughout his time as number 10 was exciting to watch. I hope that they allow Capaldi the right amount of time for his character to evolve like Moffat did with Tennant

7. Who is your favorite villain and why?
 To answer this, I have to let you know that I also enjoy the "Expanded Universe" of Doctor Who, and there are MANY characters/villians out there. Some AMAZING stories, especially from BigFinish.com.
One thing I learned very early is that "bad" and "good" are relative.
"Your father... was seduced by the Dark Side of the Force. He ceased to be Anakin Skywalker and "became" Darth Vader. When that happened, the good man who was your father was destroyed. So what I told you was true... from a certain point of view."

Quite simply put, my favorite villain is "The Council of the Time Lords". I expect that this story will become more prevalent in the coming seasons

8. If you could travel with The Doctor in his TARDIS to any time and/or place, where would you like to go?
 Turn off the safeties... send me to the day that humans are permanent settlers on another earth-like planet. I just want to get off this world ;) I would call it planet "Bob"

9. Are you into any other fandoms, besides Doctor Who?
 Star Wars, as you have seen, is my other true passion. And it pains me so to see Disney at the helm.

10. If The Doctor & Darth Vader enter into a battle, who wins & why?
 It would be a battle of epic proportions.
Ultimately, I would have to say that Vader would win, but I have no technical basis for that decision.
It would be an argument I would have with myself for the next week or more.
Ultimately, Vader would take ANY steps necessary, where the Doctor wouldn't sacrifice that which makes him good.

11. I know you are a fan of Blue Box Balm (THANK YOU!), can you please tell everyone your top 3 geek stix?
Aww, not fair, I haven't ordered them all yet.. So far, or my current collection (what.. 20+?)
Coffee Boy - Coffee Liquor & Sweet Cream
Capt. Cheesecake - Lemon Cheesecake
DELETE! - Sour Lemon & Bourbon

I am very excited to try:
Reinette - Cherry Violet
Moisturize Me - Rose Champagne
Owen Harper - Bourbon & Chocolate

12. Is there anything you would like to add before we wrap up this interview (such as conventions you gone to, cast you have met, a collection you have, etc)?
In December of 2013, the 50th anniversary celebration, I was Fan of the Month on WhovianNet (http://www.whoviannet.co.uk/fun/fotm/2013/december.php)
I own every sonic screwdriver that is currently available (although Capaldi`s just came out, it is the same as Smith`s, except it has some minor modifications) but I`ll probably get that one also.
 I also own almost all of the sound FX lighsabers created by Hasbro for Star Wars. I am only missing Count Dooku

*"Darth Malgus" custom lightsaber used for cos-contact-battle

Big THANK YOU to Chris for participating in our whovian interviews!

If you have any questions for Chris please comment below..

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InterWho - Whovian Alondra Hanley

Hello Sweeties!

Welcome to our next InterWho (Whovian Interview)..

I had the delight of interviewing Alondra, so grab a cup of tea and enjoy the read!!

ALLONS-Y ALONDRA!!

1. Please introduce yourself to our readers and tell us about yourself...
 Alondra Hanley, stay at home mother, I homeschool, also do a little bit of freelance graphic art. Married to an amazing man, I refer to as my "Rory", because he would wait 2000 yrs for me too, just that kind of man. I have a lovely daughter and a cat.

2. When did you first become a Whovian?
 Not that long ago, year and half ago, I think. I had online friends that kept talking about it. I watched, "Rose", and stopped. But I was encouraged to stick with it, and I have never looked back. The best show, period. Classics as well as New Who.

3. Some of us know that you have an online business, not Doctor Who related, can you tell us about it...
 As I mentioned, I am a freelance graphic artist, it sounds more fancy then it really is. I design for, "Print on Demand" (POD's) companies, mainly CafePress and Zazzle. I design a wide variety of different things. My 2 main stores are www.zazzle.com/xalondrax & www.CafePress.com/alondrascreations, though I have many niche stores as well. About 2 years ago my husband became an amputee, upon finding very little for this unique group of people, I started Ampu-tees, humorous shirts for amputees, www.facebook.com/amputeeshirts

4. What is your favorite Classic Who or New Who episode and why?
 How do you choose, really? If I have to pick, Pandorica Opens/The Big Bang. I just love Moffat's writing, the story is so rich and amazing, the entire cast was just so brilliant. 

5. Series 8 is underway, with a brand new Doctor. What do you think of Peter Capaldi and the series so far?
 I knew I was going to like Peter from the simple fact he is an amazing actor and a life long whovian. What I didn't expect was to love him so completely from the start. He IS the Doctor, he is captivating and deep, funny and oh so much the alien from Gallifrey . He gets it, he knows the Doctor inside and out, it shows. I am just in love! 

6. If you could meet just one Doctor Who cast or crew member, who would it be?
 Since I have already met Matt Smith and Karen Gillan, it would be a toss up between David Tennant or Peter Capaldi. While David isn't my favorite Doctor, he is my favorite all time actor, so I suppose if I had to choose it would be David.

7. Who is your favorite Doctor and why?
 Matt Smith, he just stole my heart. I was a firm 10 doctor fan, I was very unsure of this Matt Smith, his stories were so different, I resented the fact he wasn't David Tennant. But one day on FB someone mentioned that that day Matt was filming the Christmas special, his last episode. I literally broke down crying, it felt like my best friend was moving away, then I realized he had won me over and I didn't even know it! He will forever be MY Doctor. He is just amazing. Though I love them all.

8. Who is your favorite companion and why?
 Amy. Her story is one of the best stories I have seen in fiction. Acually it's Amy and Rory, because they go together, right? Amy was selfish and pretty unloving in the beginning, but Rory's unconditional love transformed her into a selfless wife devoted to her husband. Its beautiful. I will love Moffat forever for giving us The Ponds.

9. If you could travel with The Doctor in his TARDIS to any time and/or place, where would you like to go?
 Honestly? If he were real, and I could travel in the TARDIS, I would love to see the six days of creation. I know it doesn't fit the narrative of the show since it is atheistic, but I am a Christian, and I would love to see it.

10. Are you into any other fandoms, besides Doctor Who?
 Well, I am a pretty obsessed Whovian, but I do love Sherlock. I like British television more then American, they are just better at it, but my main passion is Doctor Who. 

11. Tell us your favorite geek stix or geek scent from Blue Box Balm ...
Favorite Geek Stix is 6th Doctor one (Rainbow Explosion - Rainbow Snowcone), just love the scent, but second favorite is the dark tinted shimmer Rose one (Bad Wolf - Rose & Chocolate Shimmer).
Geek Scent is Martha (Butterfly - Violet & Whipped Cream), just love it so much!



Big THANK YOU to Alondra for participating in our whovian interviews!
Be sure to stop by all of Alondra's shops!
www.zazzle.com/xalondrax
www.CafePress.com/alondrascreations
www.facebook.com/amputeeshirts

If you have any questions for Alondra please comment below..

InterWho - Whovian Emma Mumby

Hello Sweeties!

Welcome to our next InterWho (Whovian Interview)..

I had the delight of interviewing Emma, so grab a cup of tea and enjoy the read!!

1. Please introduce yourself to our readers and tell us about yourself...
 My name is Emma Jade Mumby and I am 20 years old! I currently work at Toby Carvery in Bedford. I enjoy playing on the playstation or my laptop! I also enjoy reading comic books and fiction books, my favourite comic book collection is The Amazing Spiderman! 

2. When did you first become a Whovian?
 I became a whovian when Doctor Who came back with Christopher Eccleston and Billy Piper! Ever since then I have been hooked!

3. What is your favorite Classic Who or New Who episode and why?
 I like The Empty Child episode, when I first watched it, it made me cry a little! It was so dramatic and just lovely!

4. What do you think of Peter Capaldi as the new Doctor and series 8 as a whole, so far?
 I think he is great! Makes a change to have an older doctor!! He is still funny and witty, and the chemistry between him and Clara is wonderful! 

5. If you could meet just one Doctor Who cast or crew member, who would it be?
 Matt Smith, as he is just awesome!! :D  and Jenna Coleman as I really like her :) 

6. Who is your favorite Doctor and why?
 It would definitely have to be Matt Smith! I just love him! He was a great doctor, funny and serious! 

7. Who is your favorite Doctor Who Villain and why?
 Got to be a Dalek! They have been there since the very beginning and it wouldn't be Doctor Who without them!

8. If you could travel with The Doctor in his TARDIS to any time and/or place, where would you like to go?
 The Victorian era, as I would love to see what life was really like back then, it is my favourite part of history! 

9. If you would ask Santa for one Doctor Who related gift this Christmas, what would it be?
 A TARDIS dress!

10. Is there anything you would like to add before we wrap up this interview (such as conventions you gone to, cast you have met, a collection you have, etc)?
 The only type of convention I have been to is N.I.C.E in Bedford :) two years in a row, but I would love to go to the big Doctor Who convention! 


Big THANK YOU to Emma for participating in our whovian interviews!
If you have any questions for Emma, please comment below..

InterWho - Jennifer DeHerrera from Dollipop Cosmetics

Hello Sweeties!

Welcome to our next InterWho (Whovian Interview)..

Blue Box Balm has been friends with Jennifer for quite some time. But only recently have we realized that each of us is a Whovian! 
I had the delight of interviewing Jennifer, so grab a cup of coffee, sit back and enjoy!!

1. Please introduce yourself to our readers and tell us about yourself...
 Hi all! My name is Jennifer DeHerrera and I live in sunny Arizona. I'm a 30ish work-at-home mom and I have 2 daughters; Gigi is 6 and Livi is about to turn 4. I'm an identical twin and my sister Liz and I own Dollipop Cosmetics.

2. When did you first become a Whovian?
 I watched my first Doctor Who episode when I was 8 with my mom. At that time all I knew was that my mom loved the show and that I thought the theme music was somewhat scary. lol. When the newer Who hit Netflix I decided to watch, remembering fondly that my mother was a fan. From "Rose" on I was totally hooked. I then successfully got my entire social group hooked as well.

3. Some of us know that you are the creative mind behind Dollipop Cosmetics, can you please tell us more about your business & products...
 Dollipop Cosmetics is the realization of a dream that my sister and I have always had in owning our own business. We specialize in all natural, highly pigmented eyeshadows. Our shadows are handmade in small batches with good for your skin ingredients! Being geeks, many of our colors are inspired by our favorite fandoms like Doctor Who, Sherlock, Buffy, etc. We even have a booth at the Phoenix Comicon each year so we can share our products with other like-minded people.

4. What is your favorite Classic Who or New Who episode and why?
 It is so tough to pick a favorite. I'm a New Who fan, though I have respect for Classic Who for sure! My favorite New Who episode is Blink. It was so intense and such a well-thought out episode, plus it scared the crud out of me. More favorites would include: The Empty Child, Midnight, The Doctor's Wife, The Lodger...uh oh, too many to list. lol.

5. Series 8 is underway, with a brand new Doctor. What do you think of Peter Capaldi and the series so far?
 I haven't had much time to watch the new season but he seems to be fitting into the role quite well. I miss 10 and 11 though. I was in love with 10 and 11 was my bestest friend so adjusting to an older, edgier Doctor is kind of tough. I'll get there though, I always do.

6. If you could meet just one Doctor Who cast or crew member, who would it be?
 Ooo, that is a tough question because I want to meet so many of them. I'd say Matt Smith though, he is really kind in real life and I think he'd be very interesting to talk to.

7. Who is your favorite Doctor and why?
 My favorite Doctor is number 10. He was just the right amount of angry, loving, funny, strong, and sarcastic for me. Though Number 11 is a super close 2nd.

8. Who is your favorite companion and why?
 Amy is my all-time favorite companion. She's snarky, stylish, and very good at putting 11 (and Rory) in his place. 

9. If you could travel with The Doctor in his TARDIS to any time and/or place, where would you like to go?
 I think I'd go into the future, maybe 300 years, to see what becomes of the Earth and humans, maybe look up my relatives. Checking out alien planets would be very tempting as well. 

10. Is there anything you would like to add before we wrap up this interview (such as conventions you gone to, cast you have met, a collection you have, etc)?
 I have met John Barrowman twice now at the Phoenix Comicon. He is very nice and loves his fans! Unlike some stars, he's okay with you giving him a hug and he may even squeeze your bum when you do, which I'm pretty sure most of us Whovians would be perfectly fine with. lol. 

Big THANK YOU to Jen for participating in our whovian interviews!
Be sure to stop by Jen's shop to find all kinds of fantastic handmade mineral cosmetics!!

If you have any questions for Jen, please comment below..