I'm sorry this took me so long to answer, nonnie. In truth, I was so taken aback by getting an ask of this nature that I truly didn't know what to say. I racked my brains trying to think of a response, and finally realised I neither have one nor want to have one. Because why would I want to identify something I've read in a fanfic that embarrassed me?
People—people just like you and me, nonnie—have put their everything into creating fic, hours upon hours of researching, writing and editing to get their writing to a point where they are okay with posting it online. They have flayed themselves open, and possibly revealed their innermost kinks, all for free, and with no obligation for anyone to read. So who am I to come along and point a finger and say "ewww, embarrassing"?
We all have different tastes, interests, and motivations (as both writers and readers). It's one of the wonderful things about being part of an active, diverse fandom that's rich with content and talent. I am 100% positive there are things I have written and put out there that are not to everyone's tastes, including my closest fandom friends. And similarly there are fics I've read that I've not been able to finish for one reason or another. Two of the main tenets of positive fandom behaviour are: DL;DR (Don't like, don't read); and YKINMKBYKIO (Your kink is not my kink, but your kink is ok… or kinktomato as it's lovingly known). Taken together they boil down to: If it's not your thing, backbutton out and jog along. This is KEY.
I can't figure out the motivation behind trying to get a content creator to publicly shame or snigger at someone else's writing, even if it's done 'vaguely' or 'anonymously.' What purpose does it serve, save for brief, momentary titillation? And the more lasting effect of hurting or angering a writer out there, who might stumble upon an answer to an ask such as this and recognise their words being held aloft as an example of something embarrassing or disturbing or laughable.
The HP fandom and the Drarry fandom are communities, and if members don't participate positively in their community, it will break apart and ultimately cease to exist. If we foster a culture of mocking, judging or sneering at other's writing, toxicity will thrive, insecurities and anxieties will grow, and suspicion and mistrust will flourish unchecked. It's hard enough to avoid schisms forming without publicly grimacing at lines we've read in fic.
Let's CELEBRATE the lines in fics that we adore, that have made us gasp in awe, melt in a puddle, laugh hysterically, or fan ourselves desperately. There is so much talent in this community, it's breathtaking.
I'll start... with this gorgeous line:
‘Draco’s earliest memories of childhood were blurred along the edges with the passing of time, specifics of days lost to him, but still he could close his eyes and remember the smell of his mother when she gathered him into her arms. Peonies, crisp satin, and the fresh pears she adored, cut with a mother-of-pearl fruit knife and shared with him in tiny bites; comfort, and cold love, and pride.’
- Hue and Scent, by @shealwaysreads. The scent descriptions in this fic are unbelievable. This is just one of many beautiful, lush, redolent lines. Plus I love this glimpse into the life of Narcissa and smol!Draco. 😍
Would love to hear other people's. What lines in fic have stuck with you?
