educating-antis:

Can we please kill this idea that when you’re writing fanfiction there are certain things you shouldn’t write because of the fact it won’t be popular or because it won’t attract readers? Writing fanfiction isn’t like writing a book you don’t need to worry about how many people will read it or whether it will be well received as you don’t need to prove anything to anyone. Write for yourself, not for what an audience might want.

Want to write a fic about your fandom OC? Do it.

Want to write an indulgent self-incert fic? Do it.

Want to write a fic that completely throws all concept of canon out of the window? Do it.

Only ever writing for what an audience might want stifles your creativity. Write what you want to write even if you think it might be bad or that it might not make any sense with canon. The beauty of fanfiction in the internet age is you have free access to platforms. You don’t need to prove anything to anyone to get your work out there. Don’t be afraid to write completely self indulgent fanfiction and post it online. You may be surprised at how many people take an interest.

Don’t feel the need to constantly stick to cookie cutter fanfiction and that you can’t explore your own ideas. Write about your OC’s. Write that self insert fanfiction you’ve always wanted to write. Write what you want to write. Don’t always feel you have to write something that will be popular. Take time to write for yourself and don’t just always write for the wants of potential readers.