i really want to put it out there that's it's okay to crave and strive for engagement on fanfiction.
yes, we write for ourselves. yes, we create little worlds in our heads for our fandoms and then write it down before posting it. we do it all for free, no one asks us to do it. but. we also do it for the engagement: the comments, the kudos, the hits, the bookmarks, the messages to your askbox giving praise, encouragement or feedback. all of that. no one wants to shout into an empty void. no one wants to produce content and then stare into an empty room feeling ignored and alone.
there is so much emphasis on here of 'i write for ME! i write for MYSELF' like yeah we get that but most often need that comment, need that kudos, need the dopamine hit that comes with producing art for a fandom and getting praise and you should never ever feel ashamed for wanting it.
