Snowflake Challenge #13: A Favourite Memory

[rodo]

Challenge #13: In your own space, share a favorite memory about fandom: the first time you got into fandom, the last time a fanwork touched your heart, wild times with fellow fans (whether on-line or off-line), a lovely comment you’ve received or have left for someone.

I think my favourite fandom memory is probably my first Yuletide. Back then, in 2009, I was still pretty uncertain when it came to writing in English, but I really wanted fic for my rare fandoms, and I thought other people might be desperate enough to put up with my not-that-flawless writing because they were equally desperate. Also, I already had sociophobia and my mental health was pretty bad back then, so I was Nervous, to say the least.

Anyway, the writing part went surprisingly well, all things considered. So that’s not really what made that Yuletide special for me. What made it special for me was that I just wouldn’t get a gift. At all. I went to bed on Christmas Eve, afraid that I would be holding up reveals, and really, really, REALLY nervous. Then I woke up on Christmas morning, and there were SIX. They were all good, covering all my requests, and one was really long too! Fandom really came through for me that day, which is why it’s still my favourite exchange memory.

Comments

[turps]

This is such a great memory.

I love the second part of the story, about what made that Yuletide extra special.

Waking up that Christmas morning and seeing all those gifts must have been fantastic :D

[rodo]

It absolutely was, especially after all the worry!

[vriddy]

Six gifts!! That is so cool! I love the spirit behind "other people might be desperate enough to put up with my not-that-flawless writing because they were equally desperate." I think sometimes we stop ourselves from even trying because we don't think we can reach "perfect" when "good enough" would be plenty. Kudos for giving it a shot despite all the misgivings, and so cool on the many gifts :D

[rodo]

Yeah. It's why I've always requested fandoms for Yuletide where I would read basically anything that is more or less coherent - none of us are perfect, and we should all be having fun. And hey, I've improved a lot since taking the first plunge!

[spikedluv]

How wonderful! I'm glad you had such a great Yuletide experience.

[rodo]

Yeah. I really hope other people get a bit of that Yuletide magic too.

[silveradept]

That's a wonderful Yuletide experience! There are so many people who gift and write even the odd things that it's such a delight to find out what you're waking up to.

[rodo]

Usually, you can shake your fics way before, but the surprise really was fun. Maybe I should stop shaking...

[corvidology]

This is lovely! :D

[rodo]

Thanks!

[hamsterwoman]

Aww, that's awesome! What a wonderful welcome to receive! :)

[rodo]

Yeah. Even twelve years later, I still look back fondly on that Yuletide. For obvious reasons.

[svgurl]

That's a great story! It must have been such a wonderful surprise. :D

[rodo]

The absolute best surprise, I'd say.