So, here's a question...

[badboy_fangirl]

Hi.

I've been writing fanfic for, yanno, EVER, and recently I've been writing a story that has reminded me how fun it is when it just flows and I wish I could write 24/7. So in celebration of that, I decided to make a compilation of My Top 10 Favorite Fanfics (TVD) That I Wish I'd Written (post to come). When I went to get the links for these

Comments

[traciaknows]

The way fic fandom works now is changing. I have mixed feelings about fic writers selling their stories. Something really wonderful dims when it becomes big business. It was amazing when no one in the "real world" knew about fic and when there was no profit from it. It was a playground of people who wrote and shared purely on the fact that they loved fictional characters so much they had to keep the stories going. But that said- you need to do what is best for you. I'm sorry that things are hard right now. I'm in the same situation myself. I've recently contemplated doing something similar- but reworking a fic I've been working on for a long time. Hard times make you think about going with what you know you have. You have a gift for writing. You might want to think about length of the pieces, keeping some stories free (at least for those who are already friends with you) or warn people before you take them down. I'd also tell you to consider a street team to help you push your stories- the team would get first look at anything new and occasionally swag if it takes off.

I wish you the very best.

[badboy_fangirl]

I'm not sure what "street team" means? Care to elaborate.

I think even if I'd been really poor a year ago I would never have thought about this, because fanfic for the most part was a huge way that I interacted in fandom, but now that it's all but dead here at LJ, at least in my LJ, I started to contemplate different benefits. It is sad in a way, but the truth is I'm never going to write for anyone but myself--it's not like I'd write for the money and just churn out stuff to churn out stuff. But if I could do what I do and get paid? That could be exciting.

[traciaknows]

A street team is basically a volunteer publicity team. My understanding is that each team is about 5-10 people. They get first dibs on your latest work and then they spread the word about it for you. When you get really going, they'd get some other things, like your promo t-shirts and such.

I hang out with an independent author who helps out lots of other indie folks. Her business is called Author Options. She might be a good resource for you for info on how to get going with this. She's amazing.

Fandom is a totally different than when I started. I miss it. But you're right, LJ is almost gone. Sad but true.

[badboy_fangirl]

Does your friend have a website or something I could look at? Or should I just google Author Options?