Srs fandom bizness is srs

[readingredhead]

In case you could not tell from the title of this post I am now going to talk surprisingly seriously about fanfiction? But mostly as a way of asking questions of others on my flist who may write it/may have written it. (Though of course this won't happen til I go off on a digression!)

My own fandom history is peculiar. I discovered internet fandom

Comments

[araine]

As the resident one who entertains many deep, mad, passionate affairs with feelings for all fandoms, some short, some long, many at the same time--

I'm just gonna say that you're not alone at all! It's tough getting to know new characters with the same degree of intimacy with which you know old and familiar characters!

I think for me, it depends on how I came to interact with and understand the fandom. Did the source material make me want fic? If so, then I reread the source, or the pieces of the source that most sparked my inspiration (if I'm pressed for time). If it was fanfiction (like it was with Thor fandom), then I reread the fanfiction that I liked, that I adored. Most of the time I stick with the source because fanfiction has a number of associated tropes which interfere with character interpretation, and that I don't always agree with!

And then I guess as always, just write it as best you can? Work out the characterization snags along the way, or later in editing? And, y'know, you can always come whine to me if you think that's necessary. : D

I'd say that you're probably more ready to play with Deryn and Alek and associated supporting cast than you think you are-- although I've never had such a long and monogamous relationship with a fandom like you've had with Young Wizards, so perhaps I'm not the best qualifier. Best of luck!!