Fanfic Writer Appreciation Day · 10:20pm Aug 21st, 2017

That's right, you read that right. I already posted this to my dA journal but I felt it was necessary to post here too!

I know right now the USA freaked out over having had a solar eclipse but you know what, today is also Fanfiction Writer Appreciation Day and I feel like layin' somethin' out there on the table for you guys.

To all my fellow fanfic writers:

((whether or not we're in the same fandoms,
no matter how often you do or don't post,
whether you just write drabbles or go full multi-chapter,
if you tell it in written narrative or through comics or even just blurbs of character's story summaries,
no matter when you started writing,
regardless of what your current skill level is,
no matter what your fave genre to write for is...))

let's be real. Writing is hard. It is work that takes dedication, motivation, imagination, creativity, sweat, tears, and a LOT of love for the craft. And when you write for a fandom, you are giving a piece of yourself and how you view that thing you love through your eyes to the entire community.

It's easy to get discouraged. There is nothing wrong with wanting feedback from your audience, no matter how big or small, so don't ever feel ashamed or selfish if you feel like you want feedback but never truly get it. You should always write for yourself and yes, you do need to remember that, but stories are meant to be shared. Why else would we write them and post them? You're not just giving others a story, you're giving them a piece of yourself as well and wanting to know what they think. There is nothing wrong with wanting to be appreciated and have your work appreciated, because there is so much hard work that goes into writing a story and a lot of courage that goes into posting your hard work.

If you've ever felt this way before, you're not alone. I've been there, and it's a lonely, desolate place to feel stuck in.

But please don't give up. Don't be discouraged, especially if you have a love for the craft and a love for the stories you write. Remember that even if it doesn't always get verbalized, you're appreciated and your imagination, your unique creativity, is admired and well-loved, even if you just feel like you have a quiet little ghost audience sometimes. Remember that your stories will entertain many, and at times they'll also touch the hearts of those who truly connect with what you've written. There are few feelings in the world quite like getting a heart-felt message from a reader who lets you know that your story or stories has/have touched them on a personal level and that they treasure what you've written. You may not get those messages often but when you do, cherish them. Keep them. Look at them when you feel unappreciated and remember that that fic you put so much love, time, and heart into means something to someone.

Be inspired, and inspire in turn.

Every day you write you're freeing something inside you. And every day you post a drabble, an update, a short story oneshot, a chapter, you're not just giving voice to what you've freed, you're showing how courageous you are. So take some pride in your work. Because I'm proud of you for it, whether or not I've read your work or am even in your fandom. You are a writer, and for that you have my respect and admiration. So be proud and love what you do.

And hey, if you have the time today, let someone else in your life who writes fanfic know how much their work is appreciated! It's a day to spread the love, after all! C

Report Yoru-the-Rogue · 647 views · #Fanfic Writer Appreciation Day

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