Seriously, who started gatekeeping writing and reading fanfiction based on age?
No one in my real life knows I read fics on AO3, and honestly, that’s because I don’t have the energy to explain why it’s perfectly fine to enjoy them in my 30s.(I ironically myself started reading fics when I turned 30) There’s still this assumption that fanfiction is only for teenagers or maybe people in their twenties, and somehow being 30+ and finding comfort in your favorite characters or the theme of a story becomes something to be judged or mocked.
But here’s the thing: most of the best fics out there are written by older adults, people in their 30s and beyond. You can feel it in the work: the thematic depth, the complexity of the plot, the command of language. That kind of emotional nuance, layered storytelling and thoughtful exploration of psychology and philosophy, that delicious smut, that deeply introspective character study, hurt/comfort, angst and fluff..etc all of which definitely come from lived experiences (or atleast closely witnessed experiences), shaped by going through life. Decades of it.
In fact, that makes me think about who’s behind those stories: a housewife or househusband juggling a chaotic household, a tired teacher switching between lesson plans and fic drafts.., just people carving out little moments of creativity in the middle of real life and sharing it with others. There’s something incredibly special about that.
Btw, please know that I am not attacking younger writers or downplaying their writing skills. Of course, surely there are absolutely talented younger/teenager writers too who create amazing, meaningful work that resonates with different generations. And hey even if some aren't as good (yet), everybody starts somewhere and thats completely fine, it goes like this: suck at first and get better with TIME, as you age up and experience life, it shows in one's writing too.
I am sure I read some fics written by people a decade younger than me and loved their work so much.
Anyways, I thought this would be a known fact, but I guess there is no harm in gentle reminders: age doesn’t define passion, creativity, or joy. It SHOULDN’T LIMIT what we read, what we write, what we draw or what brings us comfort. Also, let’s not forget, many canon authors themselves are well into their 40s and beyond. That alone should say enough.
So Hi (: Let's let people enjoy their hobbies. Let them have their own spaces. It’s really that simple. 💖
