This is so dumb to whine about but. I've been writing fic for this fandom for twenty years now. Mostly oneshots but there's, like, some series and a couple longfics. Dozens upon dozens of fics. I've definitely improved over time but even the early stuff was good (I started in my 20s so I had a pretty good grasp of how to write from the outset). I was even there in the early days, helping a few ships form, some that stuck, some that didn't.
But I've never, not once is all that time seen my fics recced or mentioned anywhere. Or seen people discuss me at all really. It's like I don't exist. It's really disheartening.
People act like this lack of engagement is a new thing but for some of us that's just how it's always been.
I believe two of these are true and they do coexist
fanfics are underrated and it can be disheartening for writers to constantly be ignored — so it’s totally valid if a writer is discouraged by this.
people who read fanfics are never obligated to give kudos, or comment, or rec the fics they read at all, and I say this as a fellow fanfic writer who tries to give kudos, comment and make sure the authors whose works I love know that I love their works.
fanfic writing is first and foremost a hobby and a form of self care one does for themself and their own enjoyment. fanfic writers don’t owe their readers anything.
but the thing is that fanfic reading is also first and foremost a hobby and a form of self care one does for themself and their own enjoyment. fanfic readers don’t owe fanfic writers anything.
so I guess what I’m saying is that, sure, it’s greatly appreciated when readers give fanfics they love love and appreciation, I’ll always encourage people to give the fanfic writers, whose works they enjoy, love and appreciation. but also fanfic readers don’t owe anyone anything. if they just want to read as their little getaway from real-life stuff, without the pressure of commenting or recommending what they read to others, then they can absolutely do that too.
now I am not saying you shouldn’t feel upset by this. because your feelings are 100% valid and I’ll never tell anybody what they feel is wrong. that said, what I can offer you is my personal advice that I personally use: write for yourself and your own enjoyment, write it because you love the characters and the stories, write it because the act of writing brings you joy and comfort.
sure, being recognized and appreciated by people are great. but these people are still strangers. you don’t need their approval or validation. as long as you’re passionate about the world you create for the characters you love, it’s already more than enough.
at least that’s the case for me and it’s the reason why I can really focus all of my attention and energy on myself, my writing, my comfort characters and my stories. the rest is irrelevant.
also twenty years with the same fandom is insanely mind-blowing! my hyperfixation mostly lasts 2-3 years before it shifts to a new fandom. so huge respect!
