I used to think I was the odd one out.
I struggled to find others who watched the shows I liked. I'd listen to others talk about the latest episode of whichever 'popular' program had been on the previous night and I couldn't join in. I had no-one to talk to. I had ideas about missing scenes, character backgrounds, what happened to them after the credits rolled, what happened in the long weeks between series and shows, and no-one to share them with.
Then, in a roundabout way, I was introduced to fan fiction then forums and suddenly I had a place where I fitted in.
For a long time I lurked on the edges reading, well more like devouring, everything I could find. I was, am, in awe of many writers and almost convinced myself that I was destined to be a reader, kudos-giver and occasional commentator. No way could I write anything close to the works I enjoyed so much. Then a good friend, in a totally unrelated conversation, told me that until you actually try to do something, you won't really know if you can or can't. I've had enough "what-ifs" in my life because I've been afraid of what I think I can't do, so I thought about her words very carefully, eventually deciding "what the heck". I'd be anonymous. I had nothing to lose and so much to gain.
So on 11 April 2012 I posted my first ever, very short, basically a drabble, fic "Look, Don't Look" (
http://archiveofourown.org/works/380468) It is M/M though very mild.
Encouraged by the feedback I took a deep breath and made a commitment to myself to "have a good crack" at writing. I've got two longer fics in progress, one for Lewis, one for Midsomer Murders, and a page of prompts, quotes and ideas.
A flash of inspiration on Sunday resulted in "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year", a Christmas fic, which is either very early or very late, depending on your point of view. I did try to find another holiday or event to set it around however Christmas was the only one that really worked. (
http://archiveofourown.org/works/389823) This is also M/M, adult concepts - just so you know :)
I'd just like to say thanks to a power higher than me that I have found a place where I can be me, my shelter from the storm. :)