Statement on recent events
I would never condone any behaviour that would cause someone harm, not ever, as I said on my post on bullying, as well as the post I made against white-washing. But I’m also not on social media all the time as I cut down on it to focus on writing the game that I hope we can all share and love.
I didn’t realise people were using all that has happened as an excuse to harass others. How dare you do this! Wayhaven was created to be a safe space for everyone, and I mean everyone. I have met such an incredibly diverse range of people through writing Wayhaven and it’s an incredible thing! That is something that should always be celebrated!
Anyone who is harmful, racist, or homophobic to another person in this fandom is not welcome in it. Not ever.
Wayhaven is a project created from love and released with the intent of spreading that joy and safety. It is a story to get lost in and find a space away from the awfulness that can be the real world. I want this blog to be the same.
I can’t control what other people say or do. What I can do is ensure you that I hear what is being said, and I agree that things need to be done.
But in order to ensure that we can move forward and that everyone can enjoy Wayhaven on this blog without fear, we will begin some changes.
The replies to that post have been deleted and replies have been turned off on future posts (we didn’t know this was a Tumblr feature until people advised us of it recently). We will also be going back to posting appropriate fan art for us all to enjoy and share in!
But as I said, I cannot control what other people create or do on their own blogs or in their own spaces. As much as we will ensure that this blog remains a fun space for all to get away from the world, and we will never support anyone creating harmful content, I still can’t stop them producing it as much as I seriously wish that I could. But we never support it.
I also want to note that I will always write diversity into any content I create not just because it’s important, but because it’s a true representation of the world we live in—minus the vampires, of course. I won’t be scared away into not including it. But my poc and queer readers and testers help me ensure that I do it in the right way, advising me on anything that needs to be changed or brought to my attention. I am straight, and I am a white woman, so it’s important I have that diverse support around me to ensure I write all characters in the best light and learn how to write them better.
I hope I can continue on creating Wayhaven with my enthusiastic team following this new path and enjoy the journey with you all as we go. I really do appreciate you all and the support you have given me. I want to return that in full.