A Love Letter to Fanfic Writers
As a fanartist, I realize I sometimes enjoy a very special place in fandom because there tend to be fewer people who draw than write. Sometimes this can result in unfortunate experiences such as feeling like an odd-man-out in an exchange (i.e. the number of people requesting art vs. fic is much lower), but more often our relative "uniqueness", the format of our product, and the ease with which most fanart can be viewed means that fanartists enjoy extra appreciation in the form of more comments per piece and the ability to actually sell our fanworks.
However, it's rare that fanart can ensnare me for hours and hours or even days like an amazingly well-plotted, beautifully characterized and moving novel-length fanfic can*. Whenever I finally make my way to the end of such a piece, I am humbled and awed by the commitment and skill of such authors and wish there was some way I could show my deep appreciation beyond just leaving an inadequately silly or squeeful comment.
It is not uncommon for fanfic to shift my world view, to force me to reflect on my own life and choices, and to push me to interrogate my beliefs about relationships and humanity. Sometimes I am left crying and raw and utterly bereft at the end of a story, even with a happily ever after. Other times I am left happy yet contemplative and full of joy for life and the potential that has just been revealed to me. Often I am left in awe of a writer's depth of understanding and gift of eloquence.
Some fic stays with me for days and days, infiltrating my dreams to the point that I ache to pick up a pencil to capture the images and sensations roiling in my head, even when I know that my limited skills are not up to the task of depicting the shattering beauty of the fic I have just read.
To you writers who devote countless hours to researching, planning, and crafting each agonizing line, I wish to express my adoration. I am humbled by your generosity and dedication. Thank you for sharing your creative gifts with the rest of us.
*Comics might be an exception, but they are a hybrid of fic and art.
However, it's rare that fanart can ensnare me for hours and hours or even days like an amazingly well-plotted, beautifully characterized and moving novel-length fanfic can*. Whenever I finally make my way to the end of such a piece, I am humbled and awed by the commitment and skill of such authors and wish there was some way I could show my deep appreciation beyond just leaving an inadequately silly or squeeful comment.
It is not uncommon for fanfic to shift my world view, to force me to reflect on my own life and choices, and to push me to interrogate my beliefs about relationships and humanity. Sometimes I am left crying and raw and utterly bereft at the end of a story, even with a happily ever after. Other times I am left happy yet contemplative and full of joy for life and the potential that has just been revealed to me. Often I am left in awe of a writer's depth of understanding and gift of eloquence.
Some fic stays with me for days and days, infiltrating my dreams to the point that I ache to pick up a pencil to capture the images and sensations roiling in my head, even when I know that my limited skills are not up to the task of depicting the shattering beauty of the fic I have just read.
To you writers who devote countless hours to researching, planning, and crafting each agonizing line, I wish to express my adoration. I am humbled by your generosity and dedication. Thank you for sharing your creative gifts with the rest of us.
*Comics might be an exception, but they are a hybrid of fic and art.