Ao3 Fanfic Blog

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Writing fanfic can be as hard emotionally as it is technically. Here are some things I’ve learned on my own journey! - You are your own fan: Few writers really rise to the level of fanfiction fame that we all dream of. As discouraging as it may be, you can’t let that stop you from writing. Be your own fan! Draw yourself fanart, get excited over your next chapter, make yourself a playlist! It may feel self indulgent, but if it gets you motivated then it’s worth it!

- Write that scene you’ve been thinking about for two days: Really. Just write it. Maybe it’s not going to happen for another three chapters, but you’ll feel better when it’s on the page or the screen. It might just help you with that writer’s block you’ve been having. Plus, now you have a spot in your story to look forward to.

- Write what you like; even if it’s just that one thing: So you like soulmate aus, or oc fics, or hurt/comfort. You feel like that’s all you write. Awesome! Who cares! You like it! No one is paying you anyway, you might as well just write what you’re into! And you never know, you might just become the niche author who people clamor to. Fic readers are hungry and they have cravings. Maybe you’ll be the one that satisfies that need for that one kind of story readers are desperate for.

- Appreciate those regular reviewers; they are awesome: Maybe you get three reviews every chapter. They are always the same three people. Those people are gold. They are the ones that become your un/official friends and fuel your motivation to finish the story. And, odds are, if they’re the ones sticking around the most, they’re going to be the ones to leave the most in depth and encouraging feedback. Love these people; they set the bar.

- Be the kind of reader you wish you had: If you love a story, let the author know! If you just sort of liked a story, still leave feedback! That bit of encouragement might make a persons day! Don’t be afraid to talk to other writers, draw fanart for stories you love, or ask questions. You could even check out the stories of your reviewers! Leaving feedback on their stuff could really blow them over, especially if they really like your writing. Don’t do it to pander, though, be sincere! Even if you don’t increase your readers or feedback, I’ve found that none of that feels quite as good as making someone else’s day!

like can we support fanfic writers with kofi accounts and patreons? can we help struggling writers out with donations in exchange for fic? can we share fic with the same fervor that we share art? 

because honestly, writing is hard and this strange dichotomy that’s been created is really weird. not everyone is a great artist, and by that same token not everyone is a great writer. 

Me: I’ll put on music to write to so I don’t get distracted.

· Tapping notes on your phone wherever you can

· On the bus, on the tube, on your lunch break

· And very late at night

· Cause that’s when you get inspired the most

· But you also need to SLEEP

· Saving moodboards for every character

· Looking through headcanons to keep up the creativity

· Coming up with scenes in your head when you’re walking, or in the shower

· Making excuses to not go out cause you need to write

· Then staring blankly at a screen as you will your brain to bloody work ffs   

· Getting distracted from writing by reading other fanfics

· And you can’t stop

· Lterally it’s an addiction. You read it everywhere

· The guy next to you on the train is reading over your shoulder and judging you

· Setting deadlines in your head and knowing you’ll be STRESSING to meet them

· Stalking over other fic writer’s feeds cause they are #goals

· Procrastinating… By writing posts like this one