About a year ago, I started talking to one of the best RP partners I've ever had. It all began thanks to one of my longfics. They told me that, during the couple of months it took me to finish it, receiving the notification that I posted was to them like a sign that it'd be a good day.
A couple of months ago, one of my readers invited me to a Discord server about writing they created. I haven't interacted much with other people on the server, but we've been chatting pretty much everyday. They've gifted me some really cool stuff and, even more important than that, they've told me my stories have kept them company now that they feel disconnected from most of their writing buddies.
This morning I woke up to a message by another reader. They're going through pretty serious health issues and thanked me for writing my fluffy series because it's become their comfort through these terrifying times.
What am I trying to say with all of this? WRITE. Just keep writing. Write your silly, self-indulgent stories. Pour your heart and soul in every single one of them. Even if you don't think they're good enough. Even if you believe no-one else is interested in reading them. Do it. You have no idea how many days you may be improving, how many smiles you may be causing.
And no, the fact that it's only fanfic doesn't mean them any less worthy or "not real writing." It's still art. Your art.
Oh, and if you're on the other side, if you're one of those who have been touched by a story, let us know. Tell your authors how they made you laugh or how you felt less lonely because of them. This is exactly why we write.