Seems like quite a few people are moaning in their blogs about writing, about being pissed-off with new/old writers/fans, about this or that pairing, about so-and-so's new clique, about supporters/detractors of this. And I know, I know I promised myself I wouldn't rant ever again about Obama in my blog, but... Okay, so let's say it's less of a rant and more of an...essay?
"Kill them all. God will recognize His own."
The most profound, cleverest thing anyone in writing as ever said to me was Donna, over AIM, telling me: "I just want to write". And that's what it comes down to, isn't it? Write. So you can love Angel/Spike and scribble about that pairing religiously, or you can hate canon or any pairing remotely mainstream and write, I don't know... Chances are there'll be an audience out there for you. A little corner all of your own. So why bemoan the fact that other writers, veterans or newcomers, are not twisted/daring/talented/respectful enough for you, that they don't understand the characters like you do?
Why not just write?
This isn't a crusade. We don't need a doctrine. We just need a playground. And I hate to sound like Mother Theresa - not that I had anything against her, I just don't look good in white - but we also need a little fucking tolerance. No, no I'm not preaching. I'm making an observation.
I'm just in the process of discovering a new wonderful stuff. Everything is new, there are tons of stories to read and catch up on, no one knows me, I can write whatever the hell I damn please, and if any of it is old news to them, well, tough shit. It's all sparkin' new to me. But after seven years I have some experience with writing, and I know the best move is to not subscribe to any list, read fic from the archives, and stay the hell away from any group/clique/genre/whatever. And just write. Post on my site. People are free to read or not, feedback or not. When I feel like sharing in a debate about some plot twist or other, I just go to a posting board. I feedback the authors I like. And I don't have to contend with another potential source of stress in my life. I just say no. Put my foot down. That's what I want writing to be - a haven, not a battlefield. Life out there is already and always is about clans, alliances, factions - this side or that one - and I don't need this shit here. Wishful thinking I know, as Man is a social animal and cannot go against gregarious instincts. Who ever said online life would make us asocial?
