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.