Premature appreciation post about fanfiction bc I love it so much
I think the only thing y’all will ever need to know about me is I am intrinsically wired to create.
I love stories. Creating fanfiction is amazing because it provides backdrops for narratives I create without the pressure of a blank page. I train my writing by using fanfiction as an exercise in exploring characters, lore etc. Fanfiction teaches me firsthand that good stories go beyond world building or plot, and allows space for what I really want to explore - the world we live in.
I don’t know if this is common to be at the forefront of a writer’s mind but stories always reflect reality in some capacity. I learnt this outside of fan culture but I constantly apply it to fanfiction so I can explore experiences and ideas I previously couldn’t comprehend. I’m at a loss to describe experiences that aren’t my own, but fanfiction allows me to understand them by subjecting my work to people who do. I write fanfiction for myself but I post it so people will comment on it, whether that be sharing the experiences I accurately depict or informing my perspective of those I don’t. I’m grateful to have an outlet where I can both create something and combat ignorance/prejudice that arises from my privileged perspective.
I owe my life to fanfiction. It makes me a better person and provides safe spaces for when my life feels unstable. If you’re reading down this far, I think it does the same for you. And I am so excited to begin sharing my love for it.
<3
