It took weeks for this to take place, what with hectic schedules and reluctance on the part of the writer to share parts of himself, but Miller Davis has done it. He interviewed the person who pens “Jackson Mason” every week—W. Dawson.

It’s all part of this week’s Summer School session—Writer’s Block, where each Yanni scribe describes what makes their characters tick. Check it out . . . oh, and be sure to also check out new episodes of Yanni’s Block (this year it’s gonna be a BLOCK PARTY!!!) coming in September!

SAVE THE DATE!!!

1. How were you first introduced to Yanni’s Block?

Yolie, who is never short on ideas, e-mailed me one day with a play on the blog community we’d just moved to—Blogsome Bay. She thought it would be a great writing exercise, if a few of us got together and wrote a blogera (blog soap opera). She was right . . . and seriously, within a week, we took the idea and literally ran with it. One of the best moves I’ve made artistically to-date.

2. What does it take to write for a character each week?

I’ve never been short on imagination, so I love, love, love writing for this character. Finding new ways to keep Mason over the top is what makes it so much fun. I have a love/hate relationship with deadlines, too, so having to meet one each week can be a bit daunting. But once I start flowing with a post, it goes quickly.

3. Which parts of yourself are included in the character you write for?

Mason says the things that I’d never say for fear of hurting someone’s feelings or making them uncomfortable. He swears he’s the shit, which is a typical Leo trait that Mason presents in full form. Yeah, that will never be me so, in essence, I get to be my Leo alter-ego through Mase.

4. What is one thing your character has done during the first two seasons that you would never do?

Curse so much. Every other word out of Mase’s mouth is a cuss word. My friends and family would be shocked, if I ever came out of my mouth like that. LOL I think, though, in this case, the cursing adds a layer to Mason’s personality, letting readers know that the bravado is covering up something deep inside that Mase experienced when he was younger. The cursing is a way to provide a brave face. I think we’ve begun to see during Season Two that Mase is probably the most flawed and human character in the bunch.

5. Do you have a favorite episode? (Which one was it? Explain why you liked it.)

I think “Struggling in Vein” (March 8th) was my favorite because it took a lot to write that post. I’ve always, always, always stayed away from drugs, since my birth mother was an addict and I was born addicted to them. So going there—writing about someone in a drug-addled state, delusional . . . took me back to those memories. It was crazy. And that right there was the beginning of Mason’s unravelling that proceeded through the end of the season. Was it the beginning of his end? Who knows . . .

6. What would you like to see happen to your character during the upcoming season?

I’d like to see if Mason makes it past his addiction or, hell, even survives it. Also, if he does, the inevitable confrontation with his father will be worth the price of admission. That’s when we shall see if Mason is the Bravado Man he wants to be or the scared little boy he’s showing himself to be. Can’t have it both ways. Season Three will determine his future for sure. If he has one . . .

7. We’re assuming you read the comments left by readers. What’s the one piece of feedback you’ve received regarding your character that you’ll never forget?

I definitely read the comments. Lawd, do I. Every week I’d sit back and wait for the ladies to dump on Mason. Some of the stuff they came up with was priceless.

For example, ALL of the comments that were left on the February post “What We Won’t Do” were hilarious, and helped me see how people saw Mason clear as day. Go check them out when you get a chance. Funny, funny stuff.

Fun facts about W. Dawson, the writer for Jackson Mason:

• A “many-hat-wearing-mutha-sucka” for a non-profit by day.

• One of the laziest creative writers you’ll ever meet by night.

• Been writing in some form or fashion since the age of three.

• Currently working on a semi-autobiographical tale that should’ve been completed long ago.

• Avid pop-culture junkie.

• Hopes to one day retrieve well-deserved Daytime Emmys for “Match Game” and “Family Feud.”