Turned her brain

BBC Merlin (2008-2012)

NCUTI GATWA as KEN | Barbie (2023)

Eventually I did start reading books again, and I’m happy about it, but honestly? Who cares if what I was reading for a long time wasn’t published by a paid author? Reading fanfic brings me joy, a very specific kind of joy that I can’t always get from books, and allows me to share that joy directly with the authors! That’s amazing, and something you rarely get with books. All of which is to say:

If you’re the kind of person who used to read so many books and now you read nothing but fanfic, you should feel ZERO shame about this.

If you’re only reading poetry, or only short stories, or only fanfic, you’re still reading stories. Even if all you’re reading is twitter or tumblr, you’re still reading stories.

Even if you’re reading nothing at all, I still don’t think you should be ashamed. 

You love stories, and you will read more when you have the spoons to do so. And in the meantime, stories come in other forms, and right now maybe you’re getting your stories from TV or movies—enjoying them, thinking about them, dissecting them with like-minded fans, writing meta about them—or maybe you’re writing your own stories in your head. Those are all good and valid ways of experiencing stories! And when you find that you need more than that, maybe you will read books again eventually. 

Is it good for your brain to be challenged by something new or different or thinky once in a while? Absolutely, and if you feel up to a challenge, go for it! Enjoy expanding your mind, and take pride in every page you read. Read with a friend for extra encouragement, maybe! If you’re reading what feels like the literary equivalent of meal replacement shakes or fast food now—you’re still reading. You can absolutely think critically about whatever you’re reading now. You might be amazed at what you can discover by just thinking deeply or talking with friends about the media you consume, even if it seems shallow or easy.

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