a41-i-finally-caved

[a41-i-finally-caved]

Hi! I just finished reading WTK and I just wanted to say I’m kinda floored. You and a few fic writers have some of the best characterizations of JJ I have seen in this fandom and I’m gonna miss waiting on updates from you!

Just wanted to say thank you for writing such a story because I’ve been following of for only the past few months but boy was it great.

Also had a question and I know you just finished a long fic and probably don’t have plans of another long project anytime soon, but I was wondering if you would ever write for Kie/Sarah. Some of your throw away lines in this fic made me think of the ship and would love to see your take on the girls!

Ahhh thanks man!! I'm glad you enjoyed coming along for the ride :)

My next long project is probably going to be something original, but I've been trying to finish up some shorter fics while I'm still in the planning phase lmao. I'm definitely not opposed to writing some Kie/Sarah if and when the inspiration hits. It'd probably be connected into my No Pogue-On-Pogue Macking fic, set during Kie's Kook year, cover the first messy bit of emotions between them, then the way their own fears scatter it apart in time for S1. Maybe with some extra resolution for them (and the Js) in a later Poguelandia fic??? Idk but I have at least one scene from that piece drafted out.

OR... if I pull the supernatural AU back out, I could def see working Sarah/Kie in there. That would be both cute as hell and way more lighthearted lmao

So yeah, no promises on the timing, but if you're sticking with the fandom, I'll probably get something out there :)

[a41-i-finally-caved]

Wow, I can't believe WTW is over. It's been my absolute favorite obx fic since I got in the Fandom a couple years ago. That fic along with a few others has gotten me through some rough times, and it's so bittersweet for it to finally end. On the other hand, I think you should be so proud of yourself. You're an amazing writer and all of your work is brilliant. I know it was a slog for you to get through the fic after s4 but I'm so happy you did. Jjs story is incredibly relatable for so many of us, and getting to see him have a happy ending was so cathartic. I hope whatever you go onto next turns out just as amazing (all though I know it will), whether that be Fandom, or the original book that you were talking about in a previous post (even if most of the world never gets to see it).

Thank you so much for just writing, as it touched so many people and really helped🩷🩷

Me neither!! WTK started two years ago (even if posting came a bit after that) and damn it's wild how much has changed since then. I'm glad you've gotten through your rough times, and honored my story could have a hand in that :)

I'm definitely proud. I crunched some numbers today and realized I was averaging somewhere between 15,000 and 20,000 words a month? Forget kudos, that is my proudest stat lmao But seriously, thank you so much. S4 messed with a lot of us I think; I'm just thankful WTK was far enough along to give a happier ending :) I think there will be a few more OBX or WTK one shots coming along, and I'm starting the book as soon as an idea sticks for more than a week. If I can get it published, great, if not I'll stick it up online somewhere and link for anyone interested lmao

Thank you for your kind words--writing isn't over, even if WTK is. I hope the next story you find touches you even more <3

[a41-i-finally-caved]

It really is crazy how if you mention you write fanfiction with people outside fandom, they're always like "you should change the names and try to sell it." It misses the point (fun), but more importantly to me, I get slightly (and I know irrationally) insulted on a craft level. Excuse me, my fanfic is entwined with the canon, thank you very much. I wish sometimes less entwined. You wouldn't believe the stupid bullshit some of my fics have to include because of canon.

[a41-i-finally-caved]

I saw the teaser for WTK and I went feral. You are the most amazing obx writer and I've binged all of your fics countless times. I know you took a break for your mental health and I'm so happy you are back after a well deserved rest. Any other teasers to share before the chapter goes up?

Haha well I'm glad you liked it!! Writing's been super difficult for me over the last little bit, lots of anxiety and not enough space for it all, so a break was most definitely needed. But! I was able to change some routines that got me in a better place and after that, the writing came rushing back :)

So good news, bad news:

Bad: No other teasers. Because Good: I think I'll have the chapter up tonight!

Thank you for the well wishes <3

[a41-i-finally-caved]

So excited for the next chapter of Way to Know. Your writing is so excellent, and it's one of the best obx fics out there. Any teasers you can share? 😊

Ahh thanks man!! I'm glad you are enjoying it :) This last chapter has been a fight to get through (not really the chapter's fault lol) but I think I finally broke through tonight

And because of that, I can finally share a teaser without worrying things will drastically change before the final draft :)

The shock of the water almost knocks him out, but JJ flails himself up to the surface. Soon, some cops are fishin’ him outta the drink, while the rest of ‘em are swarmin’ his dad’s boat like they need eight guys to take down one asshole. Maybe they do. JJ doesn’t know.

All he can see is Deputy Shoupe barking into a radio, glaring hard at JJ as whatever crackling voice talks at him from the other side. Someone’s asking JJ questions, maybe, but his whole head’s ringing and he’s not really sure which way is up.

He finally finds it, laying flat on his back as the stars dance and swirl above him. JJ’s pretty sure they’re not supposed to do that, but then Deputy Shoupe’s handing him a rescue blanket like the guy hasn’t hated his guts for years, so what’s any of this mean anyhow, huh?

He’s shaking, maybe, tremblin’ like a leaf as Old Susan liked to say. He tries to tell the cops he ain’t high, that his cousin bashed his head open, but that makes him think of Tev all gasping on the floor and JJ’s words won’t string together right. So he stays right there on the bottom of the police boat and shakes all the way back to shore. He might be cryin’ again, maybe, what with goin’ back home ‘n all. But he’s quiet about it, so no one bothers him until they pull up to the dock.

Then the noise and bustle JJ can’t clear out his head goes loud and shouty. Then John B’s crashing onto him, full body, right there in the bottom of the police boat with God and all the cops watching. He’s sayin’ something, and Sheriff Peterkin’s saying something else all sharp and bossy and shit.

JJ gets his fingers curled around the back of John B’s neck, shaky and frozen and soaked through. Then JJ passes the fuck out.

[a41-i-finally-caved]

hey, so I wrote this whole ramble thing but deleted it on accident, it's so frustrating omg! Sorry if this is bit incoherent but I'm really trying to regain my train of thoughts here.

First of all, your the best obx writer hands down, and one of the best writers on this website. I've been a fan of your work for months, and I cannot possible describe to you just how MUCH I adore everything you write. I honestly tried to look for flaws but found none, it's perfect. Litterly. I read all your fics atleast 3 times, and 3 times more. Your writing is genuinely so fucking beautiful. Like, holy shit man. Like, evey scene you write I feel like I'm, like, THERE. And evey feeling you describe just hits, I feel it in my damn soul. Personally, your just straight up my favorite writer hands down, like on all fronts. I don't even know how you come up with shit! Every single time a read a chapter um just left, jaw-dropped, staring at the screen in disbelief because, like, fuck. I can't even describe it, I've even tried to analyze your writing style once and I still can't pin this shit down. How do I even say this? You rock?! Idk, man. I'm still speechless.

I know your stepping away from obx as a whole, and I 100% understand that. Same thing is happening to me. Season 4 just killed my spirit so fucking hard, like crushed it, stepped on it, then spat on it. So I totally understand you just wanting a breather because god it's so fucking frustrating. Me, after I finished season 4 spent a whole week dejected, feeling like I've actually lost someone close to me, when their not even real!

Jj's genuinely such a beautiful, deep, complex character, and what happened to him only can be described as pure utter shit. Words can't describe the disappoinment I feel. So, yeah, just wanted to say you really are valid with that. And I read your post talking about season 4 and I felt so fucking validated, felt like I wanted to scream. Just, every. Single. Word. You said.

But, I'm curious to ask, (and you totally don't have to answer this), if your thinking about working on thoes fic ideas you have pinned. You really don't have too, I've just read the tiltles and their so fucking interesting.

outer banks also inspired me to write, I used to hand write the script back in 2021 and try to like, expand on it. I was that obsessed, but I realized I can't write for shit. But jj inspired me, like, for a different character, an original character, thats kinda like a jj in a different font, in a different part of the world, with different friends. Like a novel, I guess? Jj's just such an interesting character and I feel like there's so much potential there for different shit, (I'm also very attached to jj and I can't let him go, lol. So I'm holding on to him anyway I can.) I have so many fucking ideas but have to idea where to start. Like, how do you even start a novel, y'know? How do you make the relationships convincing, realistic, and complex? How can I like pit all these chapter with all these momments, and details, and have them add up. And I read in Another comment that your also working on a novel, so do you have any tips? Maybe? It's totally fine if you don't I'm just really lost here. And since your my favorite writer ever, I thought I'd get my advice from the best.

Sorry for the rambling, and if I repeated myself. All I can say is that your truly a a fucking awesome, talented, human being. I; random person on the internet, hope and wish you the very best, or whatever people say. Just thanks for all your work on that website, truly.

Hey! Sorry to keep you waiting on this, I've had some personal stuff going on that had me down for the count.

I can't even tell you how happy it makes me to hear how much you've enjoyed my stories! This whole writing thing started as something to do while bed-bound and I think it really grew into something wonderful :) So thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your kind words... they mean the world <3

Season 4 pretty much killed my interest in the show... and I know I'm not the only one there. (I'm glad my post gave you some validation!) As for the fics... it kind of depends? I'm definitely finishing WTK and I have at least one post-WTK one shot ready to publish when I do. I'd like to continue with Founding--that ties into S4 a lot, and I feel like I have some unprocessed thoughts/emotions there lol The Topper and JJ friendship fic will probably never see the light, it's too tied into what I liked about the show originally. The supernatural one will probably come out in sporadic one shots. I still love my Peterkin takes in the boys idea, so that'll probably be a I wrote this in a blur last weekend kind of a thing lol I also have bits of a S4 fix it rattling around my head (and in MS Word) But basically, how much I write depends on if I can get my excitement for the characters back up divorced from my anger at the show.

In terms of your writing though! Congrats!! Starting a new project is always amazing and exciting and a little overwhelming too :) The best advice I can give is probably two things:

1) Play. A lot of times when I write, the first thing I put down won't work. Keep messing with it until it feels right. Sometimes that means going with the 'just get words on the page method', sometimes it means taking your time to work a sentence over until it launches you in the correct direction. Either way, don't be afraid of your backspace key.

At first, deleting out a sentence can feel like the worst waste of words in the world, but as your skills get better, there's a relief to cutting the parts that don't serve you as an author. Remember, words are cheap and you can always make more of them :)

2) Causality. You asked how to make relationships convincing, realistic, and complex and how to ensure your entire story adds up. Causality is the answer.

Most concepts only have meaning in their relation to something else. Characters, plot, they all build the same way. This happens because of that which causes XYZ. If you find you have a major element that doesn't connect with the pieces around it, cut or rework. Play around until you find something that does lock in, something that shoves your story forward without any effort.

A concrete example to get us out of abstract-land: 'A kid goes on a treasure hunt' doesn't mean anything.

'A kid goes on a treasure hunt because he's tied finding the treasure with finding his missing father' is better.

'A kid goes on a treasure hunt because he's tied finding the treasure with finding his missing father which drives him to act increasingly reckless and to inadvertently repeat the same mistakes that caused both his father's disappearance and their strained relationship?'

Now you're cooking.

The same concept works for plot. Take any well written movie or episode and you can track the because of-s and which-s tying it together. A Knight's Tale is really good at this technique with both plot and character while staying self contained and simple, so something like that might be a good place to start :)

I definitely have more thoughts on this/writing in general, but this answer's already getting super long lmao So no apologies ever needed for rambling! I (clearly!) do it too :) Thanks so much for the ask and for your patience! Best of luck with your writing, I hope you have a blast <3

[a41-i-finally-caved]

Hey this might sound so stupid, but thank you for writing. I was in a really shitty place when I found Way To Know, and it really helped. I found myself feeling the exact way JJ did which really shocked me. Reading him get support gave me such an odd cathartic feeling. I resonated with your writing so much that i went and read the rest of your obx fics and they were so incredible. They helped feel a little happier in a dark place. Thank you so much for sharing your talent because it helps so much more than you could imagine. Your an amazing person and I hope your taking care of your mental health as well

-a fan

Hey, not stupid at all :) I'm glad WTK helped--in my mind that's always been what stories are for: you, me, and whoever else needs 'em. I hope you are getting through that shitty dark place, I hope you have people who come up beside you, and I hope you never ever feel guilty or stupid about the things you use to claw yourself outta there. As someone who's been there, and as someone who's come through it, you will be alright. Keep holding to your 'little happier's, and keep being kind.

Thank you for your wonderful words, they mean the world

-A41

[a41-i-finally-caved]

Hey,

I absolutely love all your works. I go back and binge them all whenever I need some comfort JJ because I love my John B x JJ and you write some of the best in the ship. Way To Know is an absolute masterpiece, btw, and I hope you're as proud of it as I am freaking obsessed with it.

I 100% understand why you're stepping back from the Fandom after season 4, what happened with JJ was a shit show. I know you said you were going to finish your current fics, but I also completely understand taking a break from the Fandom for a while before continuing.

I was just wondering, and I hope this doesn't come across as nosy or prying, what Fandom you might be writing for? Or what you're into right now? I love your writing style so much and I was just curious about where you're heading next with it.

Hi Anon!

I'm going to be completely and embarrassingly honest, I always get so flustered when anyone tells me they love my works. It's honestly the best feeling, even if I'm never quite sure what to do with it lmao But thank you so much! I'm so so glad if you enjoy it even half as much as I do :)

Yeah, the OBX canon has very much been soured for me. Any interesting symbolism or characterization bits I'd noticed in S4 seem kinda stupid to talk about now? Like okay, this was a cool arc set up, but the curtain's been torn down on how much care and attention the showrunners are willing to give those so. What's the point, right?

BUT! That doesn't mean I'm ditching the fics I've already started. The Fumbling verse is admittedly a little in flux right now as I try to figure out what to do with the JJ Shit Show as you called it lol Following S4 part 2 even before we hit E10 would make it a LOT darker/heavier than I'd originally planned. Which is not necessarily a bad thing, but one I've gotta weigh out, y'know?

And no, don't worry! That's not nosy or prying at all :) But for an answer: so uh, writing for a new Fandom is always a surprise for me? Like, WTK was in my docs as "Outer Banks, Apparently?" for a solid chunk of my first draft lmao so I can't really give you a clear idea here fandom-wise.

But! And this is a big but here lol:

I have promised myself that my next big project after WTK will be writing an original novel. Writing, editing, querying agents, the whole nine yards. Will that ever actually go anywhere beyond my few online friends I'm gonna send it to? Who knows. But I know I can do the writing part, and the rest of it is outta my hands :)

So that's pretty much where writing is going next for me lol Thanks for the ask anon!

[a41-i-finally-caved]

When I found your fics a couple of months ago I devoured them. Now I get ridiculously excited every time I see a new update to ANY of your stories. You are an exquisite writer, and you have given such depth, grace and nuisance to JJ’s tale. In particular, WTK is so special. And I often re-read it. I wanted to let you know that, because as the credits rolled on season 4, one of my first thoughts was I hope A41 doesn’t abandon their stories. I could understand why you might. What the show runners did was heartbreaking and horrible. I still cannot comprehend how anyone could create JJ and then do what they did to his character. I don’t plan on watching the show again, but I will always read you fics, as long as you continue to publish them. You really are a remarkable writer, and I hope you continue to explore JJ’s story in whatever form it inspires. Thank you for loving JJ and for choosing to share your wonderful work.

Aw thank you so much! I just checked out your blog and you are spot on with your take on JJ, S4, and how it fits into the larger experience of the viewers/fans. Well said :)

"I hope you continue to explore JJ’s story in whatever form it inspires"--haha oh gosh I shouldn't laugh, but I've been literally haunted by a S4 fix-it fic concept that I've been too pissed off to write down. So safe to say the inspiration for new fic is still there, even if I've still gotta hash some emotions out with myself first. That said, I won't be abandoning any of my started stories. It'd feel unfair to myself, you guys, and--as dumb as it sounds--to JJ lmao

WTK is still my baby... and honestly one of the best things I've done in a while lol. It's been amazing and kind of wild to have so many people going full 'hell yeah' with me on it. I'm so glad you've enjoyed it! Really makes all the time and investment worth something <3

[a41-i-finally-caved]

So, this is another OBX-centered ask. Just thought I'd put it out there in the first line, so you only read the following text, if and when you're in the mood for it.

I just wanted to say that the writers of the show are absolute and complete nincompoops (Yeah, I said it! And honestly, on top of everything else, it's just a plain dumb idea to kill off the most beloved character in your tv show, but that's not the point right now.)

The point is that reading your fanfics and scrolling through your tumblr, you seem to have so much love and excitement for the characters. I hope you keep your joy for writing in this fandom, and not just because I love to read it (because I do! obviously), but because nincompoops shouldn't have the power to take these things away.

F*** them.

PS. On a very personal note: Thank you for sharing your universes!

I know people who have struggled with childhood abuse. It's not something I've talked to them about a lot for a myriad of reasons, but reading some of your fics, have made me think about it a lot and encouraged me to have more honest and indepth conversations about these things than we have had earlier.

I really want to thank you for that.

I also love your fluffy bits, btw. Because it's really lovely worlds to be in, and that's really important too.

PPS. Supernatural, Teen Wolf - inspired OBX fic? That sounds so fun.

PPPS. This 'ask' is in dire need of some kind of question. I see that. I just don't know how to formulate one right now. You don't have to answer, either.

Thanks for the consideration anon! Very sweet of you <3

So leading up to the Part 2 drop, I had a friend warning me like 'no, this is from an actual source, they're gonna kill JJ' and I was just sitting there like 'okay I hear you but it'd be SO STUPID???' and did not believe them, the more fool me lmao. So I'm with you anon, absolute nincompoops

And of course <3 These fics were definitely written for me first and foremost, but posting 'em is for whoever decides to read. The idea that people I will never meet in my actual life can get something outta what I wrote? That is wild and amazing and also keeps me posting on a (somewhat) consistent schedule lol

Thank you for reaching out; I know say it a lot but I really do love hearing from you guys <3

I know you said this doesn't have a question but "Supernatural, Teen Wolf - inspired OBX fic?" looks like one to me! I've got a very small (sub 2000 words) doc for it that I will probably jump into again this weekend. Because God if it isn't the most ridiculous fun nonsense I've written in a while lmao

JJ is a werewolf who's not very good at the whole werewolf thing. Sure the books say he needs lots of physical contact from his pack, but since his dad's the only family he's got, that's off the table for obvious reasons.

Kiara's got a whole selkie thing going on with her parents locking away her seal skin. Mike and Anna were a forbidden love story so expect lots of extended Carrera family drama there

Pope will probably be the plot driver. He finds a diary from his ancestor: the great alchemist Denmark Tanny, which sends the kids on a wild quest to recreate his transmutation process, the key to wealth, health, and eternal life.

John B has some sort of luck manipulation going on, courtesy of his dad. He also may 1) die 2) come back different and 3) be hopelessly in love with his best friend (because I cannot help myself)

Sarah and Cleo will also be there, I just haven't solidified how yet lol Right now I only have the thinnest threads of plot or cohesion, but I'll see what I cook up :)

[a41-i-finally-caved]

"I can fix him" not in a "I can make him into a better person" way but in a "if he was my character I would've handled his story better" way

[a41-i-finally-caved]

Oh my god, where do I actually start. I love your works so much. I only started outer banks when the hype for the fourth season started, and I got hooked on the first season. The characters and the feeling of the show was just so perfect. It did sort of start to fall off as it went and too much started to happen, but I still enjoyed up to the 4th season. JJ was always the character I related to the most, just because I understood where he came from. After ep.10 I actually wanted to scream (in a bad way). He shouldn't have died, at all. It is a slap in the face to everyone (me included) who struggle, who doubt if they are even needed or would be missed. He had those thoughts and lashed out, and the writers thought that meant that death was the only option for him?? And then they said it was the plan all along? Really, the plan for the character struggling with abuse and just wanting to run away all show was to kill him for being "reckless".

I felt that way for a couple days until I discovered your fics. JJ and JB have my heart and the way you write them actually made me cry the first time I read Way To Know (in a good way). And yeah the first time, I think I'm on my 3rd read. Its definitely a rarepair and your fics are the first that explore them in a deeper way, including the not so nice aspects. I love their relationship and how you explore every aspect of why JJ is how he is, for better or for worse. Because I think that's what the show should have done, explored the grey instead of the black and white. I know that a lot of your fics are cathartic for you and hold meaning, and that just makes them so much more amazing.

I know you said you're going to stop posting in the Fandom after you finish your projects and it's 100% justified after season 4. But I hope you know that your first really had an impact. I didn't know why I was so choked up over OBX until I read your work and realized that it was because I had the same thoughts of recklessness. Even the fluffier stuff says so much about their characters and I'm just so happy I found your work .

This is such a long message, but I just wanted to let you know how amazing your writing is, as fangirly as it sounds.

Hey anon! Sorry this took me almost a month :)

I went to respond to this several times and ended up rambling wayy too much to send back lmao, but I think I finally figured out what I want to say: "He shouldn't have died, at all. It is a slap in the face to everyone (me included) who struggle, who doubt if they are even needed or would be missed." You know what's wild? Despite the ineptness of writers/showrunners/whoever made this call... JJ is still missed. Horribly so, by a ridiculous amount of people, and he doesn't even exist. And I think that just proves the point of what a bad call this was. People will miss you, you specifically, whoever is reading this, the same way people would miss me. Or JJ. We deserve to live, even when other people can't see why or how, or when we can't see that for ourselves.

So yeah, I think S4 took something special, some little accidental magic and killed it in the name of... shock value?? Plot twists? Honestly, I still can't figure it. They also managed to deftly imply an absurdly terrible message. What really drives me crazy? The message--I cannot reiterate this enough--isn't true. All that burned and buried potential for a lie.

God, I hate when people think the only way to make a story real or meaningful is by throwing tragedy at the wall. Like Christ, have you never lived? There is so much good in the world: hard won, gritty, painful real good.

Sorry, I said I wouldn't ramble lol

Thank you for your lovely words about my fics. They mean so much to me and having you guys show up and tell me that they mean something to you too?? Insanely humbling. Amazing, overwhelming, and a ton of other words I can't seem to string together quite right.

Writing-wise, I'm not really sure where I'm headed (other than finishing WTK) but I do know it's not something I'm going to give up on. I think JJ and JB still have some depth I haven't poked at yet and as long as there's some new angles for me to dig into, I'll be sticking with it :)

I don't think I kept to my avoiding-rambling goal, but that's what I got for you my friend lmao Thank you for your message, it means the world <3

[a41-i-finally-caved]

"Yes. Soften it as they would, their hearts were lighter. The children’s faces, hushed and clustered round to hear what they so little understood, were brighter; and it was a happier house for this man’s death! The only emotion that the Ghost could show him, caused by the event, was one of pleasure."

So so sooooooo happy this happened in December because I think this might be the most A Christmas Carol thing to ever fucking happen

[a41-i-finally-caved]

Hey i saw the last submission and wanted to say Ive also been obsessed with your obx fics! I adore your writing style and youre one of the only John B/JJ writers who I think really captures them well (also one of the only John/JJ writers in general lol). I hope you keep writing for them even after part 2 😭😭! Thanks for all the work you do! <3

Hey thank you!! I'm glad so you are enjoying them :) JJ/JB is definitely still very much a rarepair, but a few more folks have jumped in on writing them recently... always exciting to see!

Part 2 kinda crushed some of my motivation for certain projects, so I'm gonna take some time while I finish up WTK to sort through which ones will still be fun to write, and which ones I should just let rest. But overall yeah, you'll still be seeing some JJ/JB from me :)

Of course! <3

[a41-i-finally-caved]

I thought about writing this in the comments on the latest chapter of wtk but i felt bad writing a long comment and not saying anything related to the chapter + im really really bad at commenting so here it goes- sorry in advance for blabbering:

I love LOVE your writing, u have no idea how amazing u are like wtk is my baby i love reading it so much it brings so much comfort to me even tho sometimes my heart clenches reading some of the sad parts but like in a good way always in a good way

Like i dont understand how you get the characters and the vibe of the show so so well everyone feels so in character and you are amazing at writing the relationship dynamics between all of the pogues not just jj and john b. Your twists and scenes alterations from s1 and your very realistic and very careful dive into mental health and abuse and how it’s not all black and white and all of its affects on the victim is so UGH i cant stop talking about it

Reading it was as addictive as watching season 1 sometimes even better and it’s perfect cause i cant get enough of obx but sadly everything felt so different after s2 but that’s okay i still have this

Im not even into jj and john b as a ship (im more of a jiara fan) and yet u still had me giggling and kicking my feet reading some of their moments only your fics have that kind of affect on me

I remember discovering it two months ago, i was on a vacation with my family and i immediately downloaded it after reading chapter 2 and couldn’t put my phone down for on second. My parents and i were visiting jaw dropping museums and i remember trailing after my parents barely paying any attention and just reading chapter by chapter Manically (and you have no idea how much I enjoy culture and history) and then i kept rereading it on the way back home on the plane lmao.

Im honestly so sad to see that it’s almost finished cause i srsly cant get enough but hey no regrets whatsoever.

Btw this doesn’t apply only to wtk but like all of your fics ALL OF THEM i love each and every single one of them ur writing never ever disappoint im just fangirling over wtk cause the fleshed out healing journey really got into me ya know?

Anyways sorry again for blabbering i just wanted to show u how much I appreciate and adore you especially after the mess that was s4 so yeah thank you so much <3

Hey man, thank you!!! Never apologize dude, I love chatting writing and shows and such :)

It makes me so happy to hear how much WTK has meant for you...I love all my fics but that one's definitely my baby lmao I really wanted to get out all my feelings about the character/show in one place, and WTK was that for me. I'm glad you've still been enjoying it despite the ship difference! I really didn't want it to be strictly ship focused for that exact reason.

I'm glad it gave you some company on the plane... those poor museums!! lmao

And yes, while WTK is drawing to a close (finally!! This thing is so damn long lol) I'll still be putting out a few more one shots in that verse, either as follow ups or precanon events some readers were interested in, so no need to say goodby quite yet! But I think that overall, the timing's going to be just right. And I couldn't be happier with how it finishes up <3

Once again, no apologies :) I get real nervous about other people seeing my thoughts and emotions on things, but when y'all reach out like this, it's such a great reminder of why putting your voice out there is always worth it <3

[a41-i-finally-caved]

Hey I hope this isn't too parasocial or anything but I've been reading all your obx fics lately and you've made it clear that they're very personal for you. I haven't actually watched part 2 (and I'm not going to) but I had it spoiled and it immediately made me think of you and I'm just so sorry. I feel like this show had so much potential with this interesting concept and this amazing cast and the writers just consistently nerf it at every turn. Which is probably why I enjoy your writing so much, you take the characters they created and give them a depth the show writers could never hope to. But I just wanted to thank you for sharing your creativity and skill, and I hope that watching that wasn't too triggering for you.

Hey thank you so much for taking the time to reach out, it means a ton. I'm glad you've been enjoying my little (or not-so-little!) stories. It was definitely a little triggering, it always is when you realize how many people, through malice or carelessness, don't respect other's perspectives, experiences, or existence. But there's plenty more people who look outside themselves and that will never stop being humbling and amazing :)

From the writing side, it's borderline comical to see them nerfing that insane amount of potential so badly? The concept and the initial character setup was, pardon the pun, pure gold... it almost feels like they never identified why people liked their show. Because it certainly wasn't the plot. And yet with every new season the plot got more and more elaborate like they felt pressure to one-up themselves? Idk lmao

I really appreciate the note--at this point I'm happy just focusing on Way To Know. JJ will get to finish his arc in some form, even if it's not anything we'll ever see on screen <3

[a41-i-finally-caved]

Thank you for your emotional essay on JJ. It really put things into words.

Something I can share from myself: I accidentally stopped at E9 thinking it was the last episode before finding out the worst on Tumblr. I can recommend stopping at 9 and simply ditching the final episode. I happily enjoyed the rest and I hope others can, too.

To me, there's profound hope in episode 9.

That even though Poguelandia had been theirs for a brief time, now there's the hope that if they did it once, they can do it again.

That even though they're out questing for riches again, it doesn't really matter because they're all together sitting in the desert around a campfire and that is enough.

That even though JJ faced his darkest hour on that boat, he beat it by his very redeeming qualities: By being loyal to his friends, by knowing the sea like the back of his hand, by being a wiry bastard.

That John B & Sarah are pregnant and JJ is going to be the godfather. Brothers for life.

That Rafe keeps his sweet fiancee.

That the profound S1 vibe that kiiinda returned with the surfing and the murder stuff and the Twinkie still bravely sputtering along and the storm and all. ... and the banger themes in the credits...

...that that was worth it.

Hey thanks man! I'm glad it made sense :)

That's definitely what I'll eventually do. I keep complaining to friends that I actually liked episodes 1-9, but everything tastes a little too sour for me to enjoy them right now. But I'm so happy you've found something that works for you!

I think for me, I'll find my peace with it in my fics; finish the arc I thought they were sending JJ on, let him live and want to keep living, and understand down to his bones that he deserves every second of it <3

Thanks for reaching out with your beautiful thoughts, there's a lot of hope in helping out a fandom stranger too :)