(no subject)

[kradeelav]

"So I was just asked if there was any point to finishing a fanfic story set in a franchise canon where all hope seems lost. My answer was (by request), private, but this part is universal enough to share: 

In private, I will tell you that the hope is the whole point of fanfiction, and that our love shows us these paths to joy for the people we care about. It lets us guide them to a soft place where they can rest. You have the power to help your loved ones rest. I would finish, for that alone.

... and that's not just me being facile. I mean it. Fanfic is the art of looking at a canon and saying "no, thank you," and then taking these toys you love so much-- the ones that are like the skin horse, just a little bit real to you-- and giving them a different story. It may not be a better story to anyone but you, but the power is yours, and it deserves to be used.

Give them their soft places to rest. Or hell, put them through the wringer. But fanfic is where we play with them because we love them, and putting more love into the world is never bad."

- Seanan McGuire, via x

Comments

[tei]

I love the answer! The fact that someone asked the question is kind of sad... like, what does that even mean, a canon where all hope seems lost? How could that invalidate your fanfiction, whatever it means?

[kradeelav]

That's a good question - I can *kinda* see it for something like Game of Thrones or somebody who got killed off in Hannibal, likewise from a fanfiction newcomer who hadn't fully embraced the sense of "my territory now" that you and I love. :P

[lukadian]

Aaaa this really resonates, especially in light of finding a fanfic idea I really want to write recently which is, after a fashion exactly this sentiment, waffling on hope, playing with those hurt/comfort dynamics, finding solace in having the power to steer the ship (pun intended) in a direction you want, to softer waters, or harsher storms depending on what you need as a writer or a reader in that moment!

[kradeelav]

<3 the best quotes do that, just kinda come in peripheral vision when the timing is right, don't they? :D

(Let me guess, 12kingdoms fic? I can see you being the perfect one to write that :3 )