To every fanfic authors out there:
Witnessing so many people pouring their hearts and souls into loving stories, nurturing worlds and characters into something bigger and more beautiful, and turning fandom into that complex, ever-evolving, fascinating playground - this has been an incredible journey of discovery to me, and i am still shocked and full of delight at the talent, energy and dedication all of you pour into it.
I never thought i would find so much joy in the act of sharing my ideas and works with strangers from all around the world, for the sheer joy of it, and because we love the same source material.
I deeply, deeply love this community, in spite of all its flaws and shortcomings, because at the end of the day it’s about passion and enthusiasm and perseverance against all odds.
It’s about reclaiming that deeply human need to tell stories, this need that drives us to sculpt images out of words and create sensations and pictures where there was only void. And to share those stories, and to find joy in making people feel joy, in making people feel things, period.
Whether you’re writing in a language that isn’t yours so you can connect with fellow fans …
or writing since before there was internet, or archives, or social media …
or writing for long-dead fandoms, obscure rarepairs, forgotten books …
or writing funny crack for the sheer hell of it …
whether you’ve been at it for a long time, or are brand new to fandom …
whether you hate every word you write and are feeling shy about showing it to others …
or writing is your steady hobby and source of peace and contentment …
whether you write epics or snippets …
you are important, you are welcome, you are loved.
And you have my deepest thanks.
Happy fanfic writer appreciation day.