A puzzlement

[vr_trakowski]

Out of all possibilities, why do I write fanfiction? I did original for many years, until fic sucked my attention completely away; I wrote adventure and romance and drama and even dabbled in horror (silly, because I won't read it) and the occasional piece of poetry, but now it seems I do nothing but mess around with other people's characters.

Is it because of the near-instant feedback? Is it because it's easier to write about characters already formed and described? Am I just lazy, preferring the situation-on-a-platter that fanfiction offers?

Someone important to me believes that I am cheating myself by writing fic, that I should concentrate on original stories, and while I don't agree with her entirely I can see her point. I hate disappointing her.

And yet, the muse leads me into the TV screen instead of back into my head. Relatively speaking. Who am I, to refuse inspiration? And yet, maybe I should...

Comments

[csipal.livejournal.com]

Mind if I say something???

To be able to write original in the first place is an extreme talent and I envy you for that.

Do you enjoy writing fics? Because if you do, then you aren't cheating yourself - you're TREATING yourself.

If you enjoy writing original, you'll eventually get back on that boat when you are ready. I dabble with art. I paint, sketch and sometimes I'll sculpt. I took a break from it several years ago because I either didn't have the time or I found other interests that I wanted to focus on. I felt lots of pressure from friends and family to continue my art and so I dove back into it full force. I created my worst pieces during that time. I just wasn't ready and I didn't have the inspiration needed. I loved art but I needed that break and I didn't give it to myself. Unfortunately, I was never able to get back into it the way I wanted to and a part of me wonders if I shied away from it because of that bad time.

Don't refuse inspiration, because when it's gone, it sucks. Look at it this way - fic writing is keeping your writing chops fresh for that moment when you want to jump back into original.

[vr-trakowski.livejournal.com]

Heh, thanks for the words of wisdom! You're right about keeping in practice. I suppose I will get back to original eventually...no fandom lasts forever (except Doctor Who :P ). I do enjoy writing fanfic, I get a great kick out of it, and I guess that's the best reason of all to be writing.

Thanks.

[anansay.livejournal.com]

Someone important to me believes that I am cheating myself by writing fic, that I should concentrate on original stories, and while I don't agree with her entirely I can see her point. I hate disappointing her.

I have a good friend who tells me the same thing. She wants me to write original stuff, publish it and make money.

From someone who barely writes original, that thought is quite scary.

I think it is the near-instant feedback; within a few hours we get pats on the back and grins and gushes and we feel good.

[vr-trakowski.livejournal.com]

True, the feedback is such a rush! It lets one know that one is getting at least something right. And the thought of trying to publish can be terrifying.

I guess it comes down to doing what works best for oneself. Not sticking to the same old thing, necessarily, but doing what one does best...

[anansay.livejournal.com]

It lets one know that one is getting at least something right.

Yes. That's it. It's almost like testing the waters before plunging in with an actual book publishing quest.