En palabras de lxs escritorxs Drarry

Interview with Eleventy7

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to read for the first time "Running ion air", a fanfic Drarry by writer Eleventy7. I was immediately caught up with the work, immersed in the landscapes and emotions of the characters, which made me rethink my place in the world.

Running on air, was published on 30 January 2014 on the platform "Archive of our Own (AO3), has a translation in Spanish, Portuguese and Russian.

Today I have the pleasure to chat with the author, to tell her how much her text has marked me.

1. What led you to write Running on air?

I have a blog post (https://tinyhistory.tumblr.com/post/624668592865230848/hi-welcome-to-tumblr-i-love-roa-and-i-need-to) that covers this in detail, but basically I went on a road trip along Great Ocean Road. Around the same time, I was reading a research report on people who voluntarily go missing. So the stars aligned and I decided to write a mystery fic with stunning coastal settings.

2. At what point did you realize the impact of your work on web platforms?

Erm, evidently I'm not at that point yet. I don't think my work has had an impact on web platforms. People seem to like it, though, which is always appreciated.

3. What do you think about the growth of web platforms in reading and writing?

To be honest I never really thought about this. I guess it's good in a way because it makes the fandom more accessible, but a lot of platforms use the chance to profit off the free labour of fanwork creators. This is why I only post my work to AO3 (non-profit, grassroots site) and not somewhere they'll be plastered in ads and monetised.

4. What's your story with Drarry?

I started reading HP fanfic when I was around 11. I just thought Draco was a neat character. He seemed more interesting than the other characters. I can't recall how I got into fanfic but I ended up being drawn into the infamous Draco Trilogy. Until then, I'd only read fun little friendship fics. I was far too young to be reading the Draco Trilogy but I read it anyway, and it was very eye-opening! It was the beginning of my first curious foray into Drarry even though the trilogy (very notoriously) contained no actual Drarry.

5. What's your main idea when you write Running on air?

Coming home. In all senses of the phrase.

6. What does Draco's car represent in the life of the character and in your life?

The car represented Draco's independence and freedom — as he said, he wanted to be the first (for once) in his family to do something. It was a break from tradition and because of the Muggle-ness of it, a bit of a defiance to Lucius.

7. How much of yourself do the characters have?

Well, we write what we know. I think I relate more to Draco than Harry. I remember reading the books and Harry would do something and I'd go, "Ugh. I can see why Malfoy hates him."

8. Could you tell us an anecdote while you were writing your work?

I've never been to the UK, so to authentically write the settings, I went to the tiny personal blogs of locals who lived in the areas I wanted to describe. They often mentioned little landmarks, features, etc, and would sometimes get nostalgic and talk about their home towns and how the places looked, sounded, and even smelled. This was so much more helpful than just going to a tourist website!

9. Why did you decide to give him the personality that the characters have, both Draco and Harry?

Part of the reason I wrote fanfic was because I felt cheated by the canon ending, somehow. That sugar-sweet epilogue. War changes people fundamentally. I wanted to see those changes in Draco and Harry while still retaining elements of their canon selves.

10. Your work has reached all over the world, I am from Mexico and I am a great admirer of your work, my question is: How do you feel with the recognition of Running on air? And in your opinion, what is the responsibility of writers on web platforms when they become opinion leaders?

It's nice to see people still enjoying Running on Air despite its age, so thank you! I stayed off all media platforms for a long time so I didn't really notice that Running on Air was getting a little popular. I joined tumblr a couple of months ago and found the HP fandom to be respectful and kind, which was nice. I love chatting to readers and fellow fans. But I'm careful to keep my political and personal opinions off my blog. I think it's better that way. Most people interact with me because they like what I write, not because they're interested in who I am, and I completely understand that. I'm also aware that a lot of younger readers interact with me so I'm always polite and welcoming even if they say something rude or disagreeable. It might sound peculiar or funny because I'm just a fanfic writer, but I feel like I have an obligation to be professional and appropriate at all times, if that makes sense.

11. Would you like to say something to people who read to you from all over the world?

Thank you.

12. Finally, could we go anywhere?

Anywhere.
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I can only thank Eleventy7 for their answers.
I hope you enjoyed the interview a lot ❤️