Where be I today?

[erastes]

I'm blogging over at Clare London's(claredivatoo) blog - a very informal record of coming through and out of fanfiction and thoughts thereof.  Enjoy!

Comments

[aphephobia.livejournal.com]

For some reason (I'm an ex-HP slash writer-- who also had a Lucius/Snape thing, currently writing fic in the Bully/Canis Canem Edit fandom) reading that just made me smile.

I guess it's because it shows a) you can go somewhere with this beyond fanfic, and b) you've made me remember what I loved about that fandom.

Thankyou.

Upon finishing that article: OMFG! I remember you from fandom! I used to be jessindistress. HI!

[erastes.livejournal.com]

Fandom made me very happy for a long time. I still - although very rarely will go and read a Snucius fic - especially if it's recced by someone like sinick who played the most wonderful young Severus to my Lucius (dies from the happy memories).

Some people will never leave fandom and that's fine too - I know people who have been in one fandom or other all their lives and have no thought of moving on, it's a wonderful and creative hobby. But what I'd like to do is to push the ones who DO want to move on, because this is such a good time to do it.

And hello! Thank you! :)

[sinick.livejournal.com]

(dies from the happy memories)

*resuscitates you* ;^>

Thank you for the link to the blog post! Though of course I knew the history, it was still fascinating to see your journey summarised so neatly.

[erastes.livejournal.com]

*pounces, uncharacteristically*

*divests*

*Licks*

[sinick.livejournal.com]

*blushes, uncharacteristically*

*squirms*

*reciprocates*

[spikeyboots.livejournal.com]

Oooh sounds interesting. Def going over for a look.

[spikeyboots.livejournal.com]

Very interesting!

I am so proud of you, and often lecture people from my non-fannish side of life about what fanfic can do, and the things it can teach you.

I, personally, have huge trouble letting go of fanfic, though part of me really wants to because I know I could devote a lot more time to 'real' writing. I think I'm just terribly scared, and it's my NY resolution to be braver.

[erastes.livejournal.com]

Well, that's really what the message was supposed to be. There's no reason to let go completely - and I totally understand the hold that it has over you. I can't tell you the separation anxiety I had, leaving Lucius behind was very hard. Even now I see adverts for RPGs pop up where they say "We desperately need a Lucius" and I have to literally nail my hands to the desk to stop me applying.

It is scary, and I think that a parallel approach is the best way to deal with it, like I did, and like gehayi is now doing - staying with fanfic which keeps you writing--because writing is good, no matter what sort it is--and perhaps just starting something else for your own enjoyment. You'll find, as I did, that there will be many people who will support you, both from your existing flist and new authors that you'll friend and who will friend you back. There's loads of critique groups and organisations and chat places you can get any kind of help, so you'll never be alone.

It's really a good time to start, and I'll be there, prodding your arse cheering you on.

[spikeyboots.livejournal.com]

Well, ♥ it's working. It is really the sort of thing I need to hear right now.

I think I will do that, be strict about having time for fanfic, which I still love, and time devoted to writing (and submitting) for something else. Do you suggest creating a second, non-fandom journal?

I will definitely need, (and enjoy) the arse-prodding cheering.

Thanks love.

[erastes.livejournal.com]

Yes - I do suggest you create a non-fandom journal. It's what most people do. I ran UL and Erastes in tandem for a while, posting original stuff on erastes and fannish and daily chat on UL and gradually shifted from one to the other. You don't need to choose an author name yet, although that won't hurt, because you can always change the name of it later. However, if you pick an author name (as electricandroid did, with Chris Smith) you can get your name in the public eye long long before you sell something. Banging on about Erastes for 3 years helped a little I'm sure. A lot of people still keep two journals, one just for authory type stuff, their professional persona, and one where they can still chat to their mates without worrying about that persona.

[mylodon.livejournal.com]

Sorry, Erastes, Im in ur journal being a nosey parker.

I've done just that; this LJ identity for fanfic and personal stuff (ie squeeing over John Barrowman or rugby players) and then a 'professional' LJ.

[erastes.livejournal.com]

Not at all, sweetie, the most support spikey can get, the better!!! She's GOOD.

[mylodon.livejournal.com]

As someone who's been exactly where you were, and who still can't entirely let the fanfic go, even when I'm supposed to be doing 'proper' stuff I'd encourage you to take the leap, too!

[spikeyboots.livejournal.com]

Thankyou!! ♥

[drachenmina]

Mmm, I'm right at the start of trying to go original. You made me smile when you said most m/m writers start out in fandom - I've read one or two published works (not yours *g*) that read very much like fanfic!

It is tough, but I've finally found a storyline I can get as enthusiastic about as I have over fanfic, so here goes!

[erastes.livejournal.com]

I'm glad to hear you are getting enthusiastic about it, keep us posted!

[crawling-angel.livejournal.com]

I wanna write a 'I used to write fanfic' too...only I haven't found my big girl skis for the big slope yet, lol.