hello kit, same person whose ask you answered regarding the criticism here. i just want to say thank you for telling me all of this. ive been reading fics for ages and have had only the highest opinions of fic writers, fanartists and any fan that produced creative work out of their own agency for a fandom. i have only the highest opinions of them. so, im very grateful that you took the time to engage with what I have said, even though it upset you. i hope you know that that absolutely was not my intention. as i said, im really really enjoying your fic, and all my praises still stand. although ive been reading fanfic for ages, i have never interacted with fanfic authors, simply because ive never used tumblr up until now, so i couldn't engage with the writers. i've engaged with some fanfic authors in the past few months, and most were open to criticism, which is why i shared my thoughts. but if it is unwanted it is never okay, and i completely understand that. i just want to say that reading your fic has taught me a lot about writing and a lot about healthy relationships and love and safety. my adoration for it outshines my piece of criticism. and now that you have said it, i will absolutely remember. yes, fanfic and fanart and fan produced works are of utmost value, labours of love and deserve all the cheerleading and hype and care. unwanted criticism is never okay. as an author myself, i personally seek out criticism, albeit from friends and professionals, and not total strangers. but that does not mean it applies for everyone especially when its something as precious as fanfic or fanart. i completely understand. i apologise profusely if i have upset you. that wasn't my intention at all.
you said to resend my ask without the criticism, so here you are :) (the part in blue is from the original ask!)
you don't understand i want to marry your fic!!!!!! i have sooooo many thoughts!!! something about you coming back to this fic after a 6 year long hiatus, making a fic orientation where you take the time to talk about minors engaging with sexual content, it shows how much love you have to give to this beautiful beautiful fandom. on this note, regarding my previous ask, i'd like to say that i can tell how important this fandom is to you because you address these tough conversations, and it is so important that we have them in a fandom. i can tell that you care for all the fans, however young or inexperienced they may be, and walking them through fandom ethics and discussions on censorship is of utmost importance!
i could really really tell this fic was a labour of love and it just. the whole story of you writing it after so long and editing and. its very touching. im only on chapter 18 (19 acc to ao3) and i have been adoring it!! we all must annihilate isabella lmao. i feel like you've characterised dan and phil so so well, their complexities and personalities shine through so well. i love your writing style: conversational, full of descriptions, taking readers completely within the character's inner monologues and feelings. i may have developed a miiiiiildddd crush on adaline she's such a diva im obsessed.
i am completely enamoured with your fic. if you'll have me, i'd love to be a part of the ly family :)
thank you and you're welcome! i recognize i am approaching "fandom elder" age, especially in the phandom, which has always skewed younger than me. i know interactions with fandom elders was really formative for me, so when i see opportunities to give some of that back, i try to. similarly, it's also partially what inspired the inclusion of the "minors engaging with sexual content" piece of the introduction (paired with a trained background in harm reduction practices).
one more note on the serious topic: i don't want to make it sound like i don't solicit criticism of my writing lol. as you'll see, every single chapter calls out @auroraphilealis for her editing -- which is a lot more than "you used the wrong word here" or "hey look at this typo". i actively want and expect her to call me out on creative risks that don't work or sentences that only make sense in my head or, like yesterday in 44p2 lol, scenes that need to go back to the drawing board entirely. i'm also a part time professional editor by day -- if anyone appreciates the value of well-placed critique, it's definitely me. there's a difference, though, in feedback on a WIP that is from a solicited and from a trusted source -- in my case, usually someone i write and collaborate with regularly -- and a reader on the finished product. i wanted to say this mostly to acknowledge that i don't write in vacuum and i don't want other writers to think that i'm endorsing writing in a vacuum lol. i would not be the writer i am today without literal decades of really thoughtful feedback on my work.
welcome to the ly fam-a-lam, of course i'm happy to have you here! thanks for all your lovely comments & for being graceful in your response. i'm happy my fic is a good resource for learning about some of my favorite things: writing and healthy relationship and safety! and i've teased it before, but upcoming good news for adaline stans 👀