Challenge #3:
Write a love letter to fandom. It might be to fandom in general, to a particular fandom, favourite character, anything at all.

Where do I even start? Fandom has been such a big part of my life and even when I thought I left, I seem to keep finding my way back and don't have any regrets over that. I remember discovering FFN and then LJ and creating my own in 2007. How weirdly nervous I felt about writing my first fanfic because while I used to write stories as a kid, I felt exposed and self conscious since it was my first time dealing with established characters and also my first fic happened to be m/m. I was 19, fairly sheltered growing up, and a lot naive. Smallville was a big fandom but I felt really welcomed. Sure, I landed myself in some drama now and then, and have said/done things that I wish I hadn't, but I made so many friends. Had way more wonderful, meaningful interactions, than ugly ones. Got to try things and learn things that I wouldn't have thought to if I hadn't joined in on fandom. Improved my writing naturally with practice. Got some great feedback - both kind and useful, over the years.

I was mostly in the one fandom so when the show ended, I gradually grew away from it, and life getting busier coincided with it. I did go back to reading fanfic but I thought I was done writing it. Until 2020. When the pandemic started and I began WFH, I suddenly felt the urge to write. Not just write but for my original fandom (Smallville), for my original ship (Clark/Oliver). I didn't know how I would fit in anymore or how to make friends. I felt like I was worse at it than I was back then.

But fandom may have changed, in look, in pace, in location, but it was still as welcoming as ever. I was able to reconnect with old friends. Find new friends. And even in recent times, get closer to a friend because of our shared fandom/ship! I got to run an AO3-based exchange (rarefemslashexchange is on its fifth year! :D) and it always delights me both when new people join in and I can recognize older usernames.

I know I'll always be a little withdrawn - after all these years, I'm still shy about giving my real name online, but the people here have been supportive and accepting of the parts I'm willing to share. The community aspect and how all of us, so different from each other, and in various places all around the globe, can connect and meet and talk to people we would've never run into otherwise. It's a gift. It brings me joy. And I'm so glad I can be apart of it. I hope I can continue to be for as long as possible. :)