Who are you and what do you do? 

I’m Maura. When I’m not attached to my laptop, I’m working in an office. I know more about industrial grade paint markers than I ever thought possible.

What's the origin of your artist name?

Back in December, I was a regular commenter on Jezebel. When the entire site was hacked, and the passwords leaked for the entire internet to see, I left my old (my favorite!) username behind and became fabulouslyfreckled. One of my friends had suggested it due to my red hair and freckles. The name just sort of stuck after that.

What has been your biggest challenge with your art so far?

Confidence. I have a hard time believing that anything I create is worth anything.  It’s strange, because growing up, I had all the confidence in the world to draw, write and create. I think somewhere along the line, someone must have said something that made me lose that confidence in myself, because around middle school I stopped creating. It took until my senior year of high school for me to even start writing again. Even now on hitRECord, I have trouble pressing the red REC button, because I’m terrified that whatever I’m releasing is going to be horrible.

Who or what is your biggest influence? What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

My babcia. Growing up, she always encouraged me to do whatever made me happy, and to not listen to what anyone else said. Because it’s my life, and I’m the one who has to look back and decide whether or not I did what I wanted with it.

What is your wildest story?

This is sort of funny. Back in college, my friends came up with this idea called SUNROOF JUMPING. I had a VW New Beetle, which apparently was ideal for this sort of thing. And we would all jump in through the sunroof, landing oddly the front seats and occasionally getting the gearshift in uncomfortable places. I remember RECording this craziness, but the evidence seems to have disappeared.

What is the last book you read?

Most of the time I consider myself a bookworm. But I haven’t actually read anything lately (I really do blame my job for this). I started the newest Southern Vampire Mysteries, Dead Reckoning, while on vacation, but didn’t finish it yet.

If you could be any character in fiction, who would you be? 

Kat Stratford from 10 Things I Hate About You.

The first time I saw 10 Things I Hate About You, I wanted to be Kat Stratford (I was probably thirteen or fourteen the first time I saw the movie). I loved that she didn’t take shit from anyone, that she spoke her mind no matter what, and she stood up for her beliefs.

What couldn’t you live without?

My laptop. I have this insane addiction to the internet. And it keeps me in touch with all my friends since we live in different parts of the world.

What is your secret talent?

Doesn’t it defeat the purpose of a secret talent to reveal your secret talent? =P

Tell me about the last dream you remember having?

It’s a bit sad, so brace yourself.

My dad passed away from leukemia about three months ago. I had a dream that he and I were somewhere, sitting at a table, eating lunch or dinner or some sort of meal, and I knew I was dreaming in the dream because I knew he was already gone. But it was nice to see him. I got to hug him, and tell him I loved him. Then, after that the entire place started to shake, like there was an earthquake of some sort, because all the buildings started to fall over and the last thing I remember before waking up was my dad making sure that I was safe.

What are you craving right now?

Cheese. That might be because there is a bowl with crumbs in it from the Cheez-Its I ate earlier sitting on the desk in front of me!

What was the last song you fell in love with?

“Absolutely Still” by Better Than Ezra.

It’s one of those things that I’m going through all my old CDs, and I came across one of their old CDs and wondered, “Have they done anything lately?”

Can you hula hoop?

Badly.

What do you like? 

Books. My new camera. Music. Coffee. Aimlessly driving around on the weekends. Sleeping (naps are totally included in this).

What do you dislike?

Slow drivers. Monday mornings.

How and why did you start RECording? 

A friend originally told me about hitRECord right around when Summer in the City was going on. But when I looked on the site, I realized I’ve probably been RECording for most of my life. I didn’t sign up right away, because I was CONVINCED that I would not be able to contribute anything of worth. That there are already so many talented artists on here, what could I possibly do?

I’m not sure what the catalyst was for me finally just saying “Screw it,” and joining, but I’m glad I finally did. I’ve only been a member of the site for three weeks, and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made in a while.