Ode to Fanfic Writers

[emmagrant01]

I've been trying to do more reading lately, and I just needed to stop and express my love for this fandom. Yes, it can be wanky, and yes, it's fragmented and spread everywhere.

But, god the FIC!

I'm going to a con in Las Vegas this weekend, and a friend asked me when I would start reading HBP. (We're all making a midnight run to get the books together, which should be fun!) I thought about it and realized that the answer is, "on the plane on the way home". That will be Monday morning. I realize most people on my f-list will have read it within hours of getting their hands on it, but you know? I'm finding myself not so concerned. It will be there when I'm ready to read it.

Because the thing is, the fan fiction is better in many ways. Really. I've been fangirling Transformation along with everyone else, and I plan to read all of the Big Bang fics, too, and I know I will enjoy every minute of it -- because fan fiction is written by people who care so very much about this universe (and who, incidentally, see much of it the same way I do) that they spend a good chunk of their spare time crafting amazing fics, for no pay but the occasional bit of praise from a reader. There are people on my f-list who are more talented than many of the professional writers getting published, and they are teachers, lawyers, ministers, lab technicians, engineers, stay-at-home moms -- people who have not made writing their career, but for whom it's a passion. And their work is, at times, what I want canon to be. So I'm not in a hurry to find out what JKR is dishing out this weekend. It will change the fandom, perhaps for the better. But it doesn't matter, because the writers will take it and run with it, and I can't wait for that!

I just wanted to take a moment to publicly thank all of YOU for everything you do!

*big hug*

ETA: Links: Transformation and the Big Bang fics. Eat your little H/D heart out! ;-)

Comments

[(Anonymous)]

Word! I dont' know what else to say but to agree with you completely.

[hearts-n-roses.livejournal.com]

Sorry for the anon comment. That was me. I just logged out of my RP Character journal and forgot I hadn't logged back in as myself yet...hehe.

[ladycat777.livejournal.com]

Okay, that possibly goes a long way to stopping the hyperventalating I've been doing. I've been through this before -- new canon comes out, and everything changes ... except it doesn't. I just forget that part. Thanks for reminding me again :)

[blackpsychi.livejournal.com]

Transformation? Is this a new fic and could you point me in its direction please?

[cris-mimi.livejournal.com]

Transformation (http://frowl.org/transformation/index.html)

[blackpsychi.livejournal.com]

Thank You.

[cris-mimi.livejournal.com]

No Prob ^^

[mizbean.livejournal.com]

I always tell people, if they ask, that its the fic that sucked me into this fandom and has kept me here.

So I'm not in a hurry to find out what JKR is dishing out this weekend. It will change the fandom, perhaps for the better. But it doesn't matter, because the writers will take it and run with it, and I can't wait for that!

I'm with you there and I can't wait to start messing with new canon.

[amberleewriter.livejournal.com]

There are people on my f-list who are more talented than many of the professional writers getting published, and they are teachers, lawyers, ministers, lab technicians, engineers, stay-at-home moms -- people who have not made writing their career, but for whom it's a passion. And their work is, at times, what I want canon to be. So I'm not in a hurry to find out what JKR is dishing out this weekend.

Exactly. I've felt this way since before the last book came out. I didn't buy that one and I'm not buying this one. I will get everything I need to know from discussion after the fact and I like the fic far better, so why bother? Of course, I'm not "in the fandom," nor do I ever intend to be. People do such interesting things in fan fic -- all the things I would rather read -- that I just don't feel a need to read JK anymore. I know this is a bit of an extreme version of what you express there, but the point is that I certainly understand what you are saying. The sheer numbers in the fandom seem to allow for the surfacing of some fantastic and passionate writers. While I could certainly do without the wankage, if it spawns this kind of well crafted fic, who I am to argue what works? ^_^

[ex-ella-bane358.livejournal.com]

Thank YOU Emma for being such a wonderful writer yourself! And I agree that fandom can get wanky, but wow the fics do make it all worthwhile :)

The first few fics that incorporate new canon should be loads of fun!

[zentariana.livejournal.com]

I definately agree.
My ex was mocking fanfic the other day (probably because I was completely ignoring him to read it) and said that fanfic was just written by people to insecure to write their own stuff.
It's just not true. It's written by people who love something so much that they want to be a part of it.
Of course, I do, too, but I'm a terrible writer, so I don't write. I do understand, though.

[digitalwave]

I know sweetie, that is all so true. I read the books and love the universe that JKR created but, for me at least, I enjoy the fan written stories so much more now in some ways. Like your wonderful stories, I love reading everything you share with us.

Mainly I think it's because we are willing to see things in shades of grey. Every character isn't just black or white, a good guy or a bad guy. Draco is a prime example of that. It seems sometimes that she is annoyed that he is so well liked. That all she can see him as is the future villian of the story.

I wish she would see the amazing potential he has to show young kids that you can screw up but, given the right chance, you can still learn and grow from your mistakes. That your life doesn't have to be set in stone. Since I don't think that she ever will that's where our fanfic comes in.

Smallville fandom is the same way. A lot of the time, the show disappoints us for its failed promise, its shoddy writing and poor continuity. But, no matter what they do on the show, they did give us wonderful character to go out and play with in our fic. They and the actors brought them to life and now we can craft our own legends for them.

I have read so many amazing writers over the years in famfiction, several have gone on to become pros. I'm just so glad to have been blessed with their sharing their talent with me through their fiction. I never take that gift for granted.

[loverly.livejournal.com]

So true. I haven't had a chance to read Transformation yet, but everyone's squeeing so I guess soon! I'd probably read it after I finish HBP, because although I have read somewhat credible spoilers, I want a fanfic there in case JKR decided to do something mentally damaging to H/D fangirls. That hardly made sense, did it. Oh well :[

[ex-monochro174.livejournal.com]

Hi. :)) chinae pointed me over here, and I just wanted to say, I'm so pleased you're enjoying the fic, seriously. I was really anxious just after posting it, so! Also, the Big Bang fics are fantastic, and I completely agree with you; it's been years but I still love this fandom, I can't help it.

Anyway, thank you so much for mentioning my fic in your journal! Your last post really made my day.

[emmagrant01.livejournal.com]

*flails*

*fangirls*

But seriously -- it's really one of the best novel-length HP stories I've ever read. The first chapter completely took my breath away! The pacing was unbelievable; the dialogue so real I could hear the actors speaking it; the characters so solidly rooted in canon. I'm planning to write you a serious review when it's done, but for now, just know that I really, truly love your fic!

[dramaphile.livejournal.com]

I feel like, in a lot of ways, fanfic has helped me to appreciate the books more. Maybe it's because it adds so much depth to characters and gives them a more whole picture in my head, but I think reading the new canon is going to be a whole new experience for me because I've grown to love these characters so much since the last book came out, and so reading it will be like finding out new things about old friends.

I love Fanfic for a lot of the same reasons. It blows my mind that regular people can produce such amazing writing and that they take the time to share it with all of us. I remember back in my first fandom (waay back in high school), I had these images in my head of all these great authors being on the cusp of getting their first book deal or maybe RL authors in disguise, but then I came to find that they were just normal people with jobs and kids and families who had this love and this talent to share. I think getting to know the people you fangirl is one of the most fun parts of fandom. I've made some great friends in the past few months, some of them people I would have considered 'untouchable', and it's a bit of a shock to find out they're all just regular Joes like everyone else.

[mereol.livejournal.com]

i'll agree to disagree. i absolutely cannot wait for new canon, mostly because this is the first of the six books that i've actually been waiting for. i didn't start the series until around this time last year.

on the same token, i absolutely cannot wait for new fic either. it can continue as ending with ootp, it can be au, it can be a sales flyer for all i care, it's all good.

have fun in vegas.

[emmagrant01.livejournal.com]

I only started reading the books around the time OOTP came out, actually, so I know what you mean. Part of this is me gearing myself up for the fandom to shift as a result of this book. I feel like I need to stop and say goodbye first. If that makes any sense at all!

[mereol.livejournal.com]

oh it absolutely does....but to me fan fiction will always be au and i love both too much to give either one up.

i wonder if i can get the spouse to read hbp aloud to me as i scan my lj?

[cheshyre]

the fan fiction is better in many ways.
While I appreciate your... appreciation, I was in a similar headspace before OotP came out. I had a lot of problems with the quality of GoF, was really impressed by the available fanfic, and worried that OotP wouldn't measure up to the fanfic.

Then when OotP came out, something about it put all the rest to shame. This *was* her sandbox, and everybody else was just playing in it. The spells she invented, the minor characters, the direction she took the world (until OotP the majority of fanfic still treated Hogwarts as safespace -- JKR took away that security), there was just something richer about that that I hadn't gotten from any fanfic.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not belittling fanfic by any means. Love it, love it, love it, and don't intend to stop. Fanfic can go many directions that JKR won't such as politics and Polyjuice brothels, exploring characters and relationships JKR doesn't have time for. But the root of what we all love is a product of JKR's imagination. Enough time has passed since OotP that we may forget how powerful that is, but I think a hit of the pure stuff will blow us away.


Anyway, I'll be curious what you think of the book when you finish.

[emmagrant01.livejournal.com]

I understand what you're saying, and I think that's actually part of what I'm feeling. I have this sense that my perspective on fandom just might change after reading that book. And while I'm certain that will be a good thing, I wanted to spend a few days wallowing in pre-HBP fanfic first. Because I doubt it will have the same effect on me afterwards, you know?

I don't presume to say anything about JKR as a writer at all, of course. I know the book will be fantastic and will fuel all sorts of exciting new fan fiction, and I really truly look forward to that. But it's the end of one era and the beginning of another -- so I kind of want to stop and appreciate the fandom as it is now, give it a proper farewell first. Maybe other people have done that already, but I'm just getting around to it. :-)

[mayflo.livejournal.com]

A beautiful tribute!
Thank YOU as well. You've been quite the inspiration (not only mine but to all fandomers, I believe) and the hook to get me into post-Hogwarts HP/DM XD
Yes, fics are the parallel world that I would rather it be real/canon *hehe* They truly sate my needs for angst, smut and fluff and what have you. And I'm also in no hurry at all to read HBP. I'd rather keep drawing my comic *lol*

er, btw, the second part for Follow the white Ferret is up at aposse_adesse ;)

[singlewoman.livejournal.com]

Emma,
You are so right about some of the fanfic being better than some of the crap being published today. Your fics are at the top of my list. I, too, wonder how HBP will affect some of the stories I am currently reading. And can I really get my head around straight teenage boys? I will read the book, in fact, I am looking forward to it. But I am not as eager this time as last. Why? Because since OoTP I discovered this wonderful world of fan fiction. And as you said, sometimes the writers take is what I want canon to be. Let me add my thanks to all who write, especially you Emma because StG was the first fic iread so it will alsways be special to me.

[cat-mom.livejournal.com]

Oh, I so agree with you! I know that when I do read HBP I will enjoy it, but I have my two daughters and two friends coming in for the Houston t00bage and we're going to hang out and I'll read the book after everyone has gone home. I love our fandom and we have such talented writers, as you have said. And I've grown quite fond of the Harry/Draco universe, in all its forms, and somehow canon seems to pale in comparison! To be honest, I would rather be able to finish StG before reading HBP, but that just wouldn't be practical. I can only avoid my flist for so long!

[talaria-now.livejournal.com]

I totally agree with you but at the same time, I'm one of those people who will start reading it within hours of getting it. Even though my heart totally belongs to fanfic. I love canon but, sometimes I just see it as a means to an end. That is, a means to 'more fanfic'!

What are the Big Bang Fics?

[emmagrant01.livejournal.com]

I've put a link to the Big Bang fics on this post. :-)

[mermaidqueen.livejournal.com]

Hear hear. Except canon will always have a special place in my heart because I started reading HP in 1998, right when they were fresh on the bookshelves.

There are people on my f-list who are more talented than many of the professional writers getting published

Y'know, there is man who got filthy rich off his fanfiction. Ever heard of Gregory Maguire? Or the book/Broadway musical "Wicked"? Yeah. That's based of Wizard of Oz. He also has books based off of Snow White and Cinderella. Just wait a few years after the HP series is finished, and imagine your favorite novel-length be turned into a musical...

Even though most fanficcers do it for fun and parody, not fun and profit.

[lover-of-slash.livejournal.com]

I know what you mean, I started reading them when they first came out too :)

[anansay.livejournal.com]

You know, I haven't read ONE SINGLE HP book. My children have, numerous times. But I have not. I have seen the movies.
I did pre-order the book simply because to not do so, when I have the first five books and my girls seem to be thoroughly enjoying them just seems rather cruel. But will I read it? I don't know. I haven't read the others and really, I don't want to.
I am afraid to.
I am afraid of encountering a Harry and a Draco that I will not recognize. Will I see any delicious subtext to spur me along a massive fic writing spree? Or will I end up feeling fooled and disappointed that the Harry and Draco that I've grown to love through so much very well written fic doesn't exist in the mind of the person who originally created them...?

At this point, I am choosing to stick with fanfiction.

Perhaps in time I'll pick up a book and see what JKR's world is like.

Thank you.

[emmagrant01.livejournal.com]

Wow, you haven't read any of the books? That's insane! Honestly, I would encourage you do it. I don't know how else one can get a sense of the intricate and complex universe JKR has created from the films alone. Fan fiction is great, but the source material is what started it, after all. It might give you a new perspective on the fanfic. ;-)

[anansay.livejournal.com]

Okay... do you think that I should read from the first? I was considering starting from the fourth book, seeing as the movie isn't out yet. Your opinion?

Oh, have I mentioned to you that I read your story "Left My Heart" and it just took me away? I couldn't stop reading it. Wonderfully well-woven and intricate story. I haven't started on the sequel yet because... I tend to prefer UST stories--I like the trepidation of the "getting together" aspect.

I've read so many stories the past couple of weeks, authors' names are blurring in my head.

...just wanted to mention that, as good a writer as you are, your opinion would hold much weight for me.

-Anansay

[lover-of-slash.livejournal.com]

I agree with every word. There are so many bloody amazing fics out there and many of them are written better than the books themselves. So many people that do this because they love it. And I think that's what makes all the difference. I'm not saying JKR doesn't love her Universe, don't get me wrong, but she's paid to love it. But the fanfic writers aren't paid anything for their sotries. They aren't paid for the hours they spend constructing things purely for the enjoyment of the fandom. As cheesy as it sounds, the fics come from the heart and that is a part of what, IMO, makes them so good.

And, really, thank YOU for participating in the fandom and giving us all something to look forward to every Wednesday!

[eleal.livejournal.com]

I'd wondered if I was the only one that was looking forward more to certain fic updates more than I was looking forward to HBP...thanks for clearing that up! As much as I do want to read HBP, the thought of it doesn't make me squeal with happiness or dance around the room.

Also, thanks for reccing Transformations. I spent most of the day at work reading it. I mean...er... Anyway - thanks for reccing it and thank you for your incredible stories as well!

[gossymer.livejournal.com]

A tradition started with Goblet of Fire, I now read the latest HP book as soon as I can get my hands on it. But I don't know, reading the HP books is different from the fanfiction, right from the get go.

Reading the HP books, I expect to read about Harry- its all about the hero, a teen, school and good vs. evil. Its also about pidgeon holing and slanted perspectives and...the further development of a world right in front of you.

Fanfiction has always been more about reading about the characters I'm interested in- delving into their personalities and being able to hug them for my perceived likes/quirks wih them.

So its always a mixed reaction- getting more fodder for the HP world vs. getting my OTP dug into a deeper grave (which is what it felt like after OotP despite the fact that I never related more to Harry in my LIFE)

Yup, I know I'll read it ASAP but after Transformation, I'm dreading it a bit more- even the chapter titled "Draco's Detour" is likely to just be a disappointment...*sigh*

[pocketroxy.livejournal.com]

AMEN!

[graysong.livejournal.com]

You know, I have a life. Or at least I'm supposed to have a life. Ok, maybe not a life, per se, but I do have an agenda. Things to do. Goals.

Like post pics and write a recap of Bruce Campbell being in town last night, getting his autograph and seeing his new B Movie, "Man with the Screaming Brain" ... but thanks to you and your rec'ing of Amalin's "Transformation" all my lofty goals and ideas of having a life have gone *poof* into the night.

Cuz I just spent my whole evening reading that wonderful fic ... and now it's time for bed!! No recap. No pictures. No leisurely bath. No cleaning the kitchen or doing a load of laundry. Nope, just sat here, enthralled for hours, have that time with tears welling up ... Hmph.

Just great. Thanks. *g*

[graysong.livejournal.com]

have that time with tears welling up

*clears throat* HALF that time, even ...

[eristeleute.livejournal.com]

I love the universe JKR created, and I know that most would consider it blasphemous, but I truly believe that a good chunk of the HP fanfic out there is more imaginative, well-constructed, and passionately written than the true HP canon. *hides from the rock-throwing* :D

Right on!

[icynow.livejournal.com]

With a smile and a nod I salute you for saying what I have been unwilling to say. some of these author have so much talent it does leave me wondering why the published authors of the world are considered talented when these fan fiction people are clearly much more talented.