I, the interviewer, typically don’t interrupt at the beginning of the interview, but Jess is legit one of my favorite fan fiction writers of all time and I’m so honored that she took the time to speak with me. Anyway, onto the interview!
First off, can you start off by introducing yourself (whatever name you feel comfortable using) and telling us a little bit about yourself?
I’m Jess, an eighteen year old writer from the UK! I’ve been writing for BTS for a year and a half but supported them since the Boy in Luv era! I stan all seven boys ( but lean towards my angel child Kim Namjoon ) and when I’m not writing or doing schoolwork I’m usually doing some sort of sports! Also I just wanted to say thank you so much for asking to interview me, it is only such an honour that I’d make the cut!
Q1: Why did you first begin writing fan fiction?
A1: I’ve always loved writing and the easiest way to share it and get people to read your work is to write for a fandom - well that was my ideology in the beginning.
In reality, what’s kept me writing are the messages I receive every now and then ( from people like you ) that make me feel like the luckiest person ever and like I’m doing a decent job at writing!
Q2: You mainly write imagines/ preferences, but you do have a few series and longer pieces on your page. Do you prefer to write in shorter forms?
A2: When I first started out writing, rather embarrassingly, my aim was to grow a following on Tumblr so I posted daily for the first few months and because shorter forms are faster to write I was able to continue that and now I am able to balance my life and writing easier.
I’d love to write longer pieces but I’d prefer to publish a smaller piece weekly than work on a huge project!
I also have a lot of started and unfinished pieces which is more of a reflection of me - I’ve always had a huge imagination and am always planning the next idea but I do intend to start posting longer pieces soon!
Q3: Have you written fan fiction for other fandoms? And/or before starting your current account?
A3: I have! My first ever fan fiction was One Direction ( it’s deleted now - thank god - and on looking back I’m ashamed to say I used a plot for original characters to try and garner more reads - it worked ).
I have a wattpad account ( jeonsthighs ) where I’ve completed a 50 chapter Haikyuu piece called An Angel’s Wings. Last I checked it had 125,000 reads and in summary is about a deaf volleyball player who overcomes her self taught ideology that relying on others makes you weak. I’ve also written for other anime fandoms; Fairy Tail and Kuroko No Basket, so I guess you could call me versatile ~
Q4: Do you write anything outside the realm of fan fiction?
A4: I write columns for my school newspaper and have the honour of having written an article that has been used in a newspaper!
I used to write stories in school on scrap pieces of paper that would be passed around the class as I wrote them which encouraged me to share it online to try and spread more happiness!
These days I tend not to write any fiction outside of fan fiction due to the amount of work I have but I’m hoping after my exams I’ll be able to juggle my account and work on some ideas I’ve had for a while!
Q5: Were you scared to begin posting your work online?
A5: Surprisingly no! I’ve always written as a form of stress relief and mindfulness as I’m able to channel any negative emotions into words. So I wasn’t too worried about no one noticing me and am still surprised at the size my account has grown to.
The only thing that scares me these days is someone I know finding my account and confronting me about *some* of the more mature content I’ve posted.
Q6: Has writing fan fiction taught you anything? About writing? Reading? Yourself?
A6: Fan fiction has taught me not to hide away from myself and all of my emotions and thoughts which means I’ve been able to deal with my depression and anxiety in a way I wouldn’t have done before. Often I write characteristics that reflect myself, often without meaning to and upon looking back on my work I notice the resemblance. Writing has been the best and most helpful form of mindfulness and by participating in publishing Fan fiction I am able to connect with others! ( Even if it has given me unrealistic expectations for dating TT )
Q7: What’s your favorite piece you’ve ever written?
A7: I’ve thought about this question a lot and come to the cheesiest conclusion ever, even so I stand by it. Every work I publish is my favourite, they all reflect different parts of myself and have different journeys and memories to me and others. I do however have a special place for Golden Boy, a Park Jimin piece because it was my first ever embarking on a journey to write 10,000 words.
Q8: Do you notice any stigma surrounding fan fiction or fan fiction writers?
A8: That we’re crazed fans or disgusting. I feel authors are criticised for using real people in their work - which was the scariest thing for me as I was moving from the realm of anime and literal characters to writing about real living and breathing humans.
However, I use the boys as characters for my writing, I am aware that everything I do is imaginary and do not think it’s likely to come true ( which is one of the reasons I prefer writing crazy alternate universes over more realistic pieces )
Another top stigma is that fan fiction writers are not talented which is rather hurtful. Oh! Also that we’re all perverts and write fifty shades of grey style pieces ( I know there are accounts out there that are nothing like that ... just maybe not mine aha )
Q9: If so, how do you feel about this stigma?
A9: It doesn’t bother me particularly, instead of going on long winded rants that will be skipped by people who believe these I try and be active in changing that stigma ( apart from the smut cus a girls gotta sin ).
I’ve started my author recommendations list to support smaller accounts who are just starting up which has had an amazing reception and results!
Q10: What’s something you’ve never been asked but want to be?
A10: Favourite book?
Q11: Is Tumblr the site you prefer to post fan fic on? If so, why?
A11: Tumblr is my preferred site - to an extent. It is amazing for creating and talking to the blog family, as well as making friends.
However, as I said earlier I’ve been in this fandom a long time and the recent surge of new fans has resulted in more arguments and fights that I don’t like seeing.
Q12: Do you ever want to be published in a professional capacity one day?
A12: Yes! I’m hopefully going to university next year to study English Literature and hope to either go into journalism or publishing/editing. I’d love to be a published author but I’m happy to support others in accomplishing their dreams!
Thank you so much for interviewing me and letting me share my thoughts and journey as a BTS fan fiction writer! It’s an honour to be someone you wanted to interview and throughout the process you’ve been so kind ! I really would encourage everyone to try writing, whether it’s poetry, short drabbles or even thousands of words long chaptered pieces because you never know what your mind and imagination are capable of until you push them! Thank you again and happy reading!
Check out Jess’ amazing imagines and fan fiction on her Tumblr page guksthighs and on her Wattpad jeonsthighs! Once again, thank you, Jess!
SOMETHING BIG IS HAPPENING IN A WEEK ON GUKSTHIGHS
hello my dear lovelies, my peaches and creams,
i doubt any of you would guess this, but in little under a week ( 28th April ) guksthighs celebrates its first birthday!!!
i have a little thank you present planned for you guys for giving me such an amazing first year on tumblr!!
it would be cute if u guys had any memories, good or bad from this account that u messaged privately/ anon/ submissioned me with because im a romantic emo hoe and want to know if people even notice me but i understand that u here for these hella good reaction memes and average imagines so dont stress lol
much love and kisses, jess ( who is very shook by how fast time has moved ) xxxx
simultaneously clapping, oh my, the drinking line LOL
anyway, do check out my fund me link or with the tag #fafsells as I'm clearing stuff urgently
lets start~
1) Mark Me
by @guksthighs
a jungkook x y/n fic
ongoing series with 2 parts out, chapter 2 being ‘Scent’
werewolf au
guess jungkook really just want his scent all over you to make sure that youre his
2) Faster
by @btsjeonjazz
a jungkook x y/n fic
ongoing series with 2 parts out
you forgot all about him but it cant be said the same for jungkook
3) Chaos: The Beginning of the End
by @jiminwreckedme
a jungkook x y/n fic
one shot
to say that jungkook was very intelligent was an understatement, somehow all these little coincidences has got you hooked up on him and he couldn't be even ore happier despite all the killings
4) Waking Temptation
by @yminie
a namjoon x y/n, taehyung x y/n, hoseok x y/n fic
ongoing series with 2 parts out, all named differently
when they saw you wrecked by the other 2, oh you were in for it
5) Kitten
by @yminie
a yoongi x y/n fic
one shot
its about time to spice things up with your boyfriend, its been a while and you couldn't get any more needier
6) Party
by @chinnychimchim
a rapline x y/n fic
one shot
youre ovulating and you kinda want them in you
7) Night and Day
by @dom-joonie
a yoongi x y/n fic
one shot
in a way, you and yoongi were complete opposites, yet it doesn't bother you at all
8) Stress Relief
by @kpopfanfictrash
a jimin x y/n fic
oenshot
when jimin finally decides to wake you up after constantly working late, you couldn't say no
9) Guess Who
by @silhouetted-beauty
a taehyung x y/n fic
one shot
( bless me )
10) One Night Stand
by @sodoyouknowbts
a taehyung x y/n fic
ongoing series with 4 parts out
it was more than just a one night stand
lastly
11) A girl like you
by @serendipityseokjin
a jungkook x y/n fic
one shot
jeon jungkook never liked you for many reasons but being paired up for a project proved his guts wrong and you could say the same about him
this is all for this fic rec, another one up soon~
Characters: Jungkook x Reader (very very brief tae and hobi lol)
Genre: Suuuuper fluffy like wow
Word Count: 1515
(A/N: @guksthighs this one is for you :’))) ackk i hope you haven’t already gone to sleep bb and i hope this makes your day even better!!! Happy birthday and take this as a token of my LOVE~~~ lmao why am i so extra)
oops i hope that gif isn’t too big
The bell rang loudly through the school corridors, signalling that class was over and everyone could head home for the day. You exhaled, smiling brightly as you watched a few of your friends bound over to you, trying to avoid the other students rapidly filling up the hallway. Since both you and your friends didn’t live too far away from your school, it became a habit for all of you to walk home together. The two of them, Hobi and Taehyung, were chattering away with each other as you burst through the exit, feeling the chilly breeze of autumn sweep over you. October had always been your favorite season. It held so many joys every year, and you never understood why some people felt differently.
The three of you were casually strolling down the sidewalk when you realized one of them was carrying a small package with a pink ribbon tied in a bow around the top. The fallen leaves under your shoes crunched as you halted, throwing a curious glance at the both of them. They stopped as well, knowing smirks on their faces as they exchanged looks. “Happy Birthday!” Taehyung yelled and ran up to you, small box in hand. You laughed shakily, taking it in your grasp and quickly undoing the ribbon. The top of the box lifted open, revealing a small cupcake with orange frosting and a tiny candy pumpkin. “Aw, guys.” You muttered, thinking how it was probably the best thing you had gotten all day.
“Hey, I mean, if you don’t like it I would be more than willing to eat it for you.” Hobi commented, throwing a wink toward you. Taehyung just rolled his eyes, all the while smiling, and quickly added, “We totally didn’t just steal it from the cafeteria.”
“She doesn’t need to know that!” Hobi shrieked, looking back at him with an appalled expression on his face.
You closed the box and continued strolling ahead of them, listening to their playful banter with a smile on your face. Eventually, the three of you split ways, each of you shouting a brief goodbye before turning down the route to your houses. You were happy, a sense of comfort overwhelming you the second your house came into view.
You wondered if he would be there waiting for you. Jungkook had a habit of inviting himself into your house sometimes, climbing through the small window of your bedroom-which was, thankfully, on the ground floor. It wasn’t as creepy as it sounded, usually he shot you a text or two asking if he could come. Other days he would be sitting on your bed waiting for you when you came home from school. He liked to drive himself home, speeding down the road with the windows down and the wind rushing through his hair. He always got home before anyone else. Your hand grasped the cold doorknob, turning it and pushing the door open to step in.
Your eyebrows knitted together in confusion. On the floor a small trail of crumpled up papers led you deeper into the house. You bent down to pick one up, smoothing it out in your hands and staring at its contents. Words were scratched into the piece of lined paper.
So Y/N, did you get the homework done haha
Barely. Someone wouldn’t stop bothering me all last night
There’s a simple solution to that you know
Oh? Brilliant one, enlighten me
We could just get together and do work …like a study date … not a date, but like, you know? A homework party or something
That would be cool
Laughter bubbled out of your chest, holding out your hand to steady yourself against a wall. You couldn’t believe these were still in existence. They were the old notes that you and Jungkook would always pass to each other during classes. Being so long ago, you had nearly forgotten about them. In fact, you figured they had just been lost or thrown away at some point. But in reality, it was Jungkook who must have kept them all. Your heart warmed, keeping the paper in your hand as you continued the way to your bedroom.
The door sat ajar on its hinges, a stream of light projecting through the sliver of space onto the floor. You placed your hand on it, gently pushing it open. Bright balloons of every color covered every inch of the ceiling, the helium inside of them keeping them up with no assistance. At the bottom of each one was tied a glimmering ribbon, all of them dangling downwards. The sight was amazing.
A bright smile was stuck on your face. You knew he must have done this sometime earlier today. He told you he wouldn’t make it to school today because he was sick, but something told you he must have had other plans. A cheap and flimsy banner that someone could find at the nearest dollar store was hung over the top of your window, reading “Happy Birthday Y/N” in bright bold letters. It was so dorky, but so perfect. So Jungkook.
Suddenly, your thoughts were interrupted by a thud against the glass pane of your window. You heard someone mutter out a few curses before the face of your boyfriend appeared into view. His hand reached up and started to slide the window open, oblivious to you standing in the room watching him. He bit his lip in concentration, fingers flexing around the edge of the window. Jungkook lifted his leg over your windowsill, foot landing successfully on the carpet. He was in a predicament for a second, finding himself temporarily unable to lift his other leg over the sill.
You laughed loudly at him, which made him halt his movement and freeze midair under your gaze. The only part of him that moved was his face, shooting up to look at you. One leg over the window and hand still on the edge by his face, his mouth blossomed with a wide grin, “Uh…” He laughed. “Could you give me a hand?” He asked shyly. You nodded, still chuckling as you leant him your shoulder for support.
Once both of his feet landed in your room, he quickly brushed himself off and looked at your face. But then his eyebrows drew together and he took a step closer in concern, his hand reaching up to gently tilt your face towards his. “Why are you crying?” His eyes were widened slightly, and you felt your heart flutter at his concern for you. A small smile crept on your face as you felt the small tears that had budded in your eyes.You hadn’t even noticed them before he pointed it out. It must have been the result of the trip down memory lane, the notes on the floor that made you think of how far the two of you had come.
But you weren’t sad. In fact, you were overbearingly happy. You shook your head slightly, stepping backwards a bit before smiling up at him. “Just emotional.” Your eyes drifted to the cheap banner above your window. “It’s perfect, Kook.” His expression softened, eyes crinkling with affection. For a moment, there was silence. Your gaze lowered to the frail piece of paper still in your hand. Raising it slightly, you faced him. “You kept all of these?” You asked quietly.
Jungkook slowly repressed back into the shy boy you used to know him as. He shifted from his left foot to his right, eyes lowering to the ground. All the while a sheepish smile remained laced on his face. “Yeah,” he stated. “I did.” He exhaled, looking back up into your eyes. “How could I have thrown them away?” He added briefly.
Stepping forward, his arms went around you. You hugged him back, enjoying the nice scent of the shampoo and fabric softener that always seemed to linger on him. Jungkook pulled away for a moment, quickly leaning forward to place a soft kiss on your forehead. “Happy birthday, Y/N.” He whispered. There weren’t many times when Jungkook got this soft around you. On holidays, Valentine’s day, Christmas, your birthday. It was a fairly rare occurrence, which made you love and appreciate it even more. It was his way of showing how much he really cared for you. You giggled again, looking deep into his eyes before realizing you missed the feeling of his arms around you.
You reached around his chest, fingers linking behind his back. “Thank you.” Your voice was quiet and content. You rested your cheek against the strong pulse of Jungkook’s heartbeat. His arms felt unbelievably strong around you, muscles flexing as he nuzzled his face into the crook of your neck. Both of his hands rested on the small of your back, his soft breaths hitting your shoulder. “I love you.” He whispered. If you hadn’t been so close together, maybe you wouldn’t have heard him say it. But you did, and the words spread through you like honey, arms gripping tighter around him.