The Psychology Behind Emotional Investment in Fandoms and the Drive to Create Fan Art and Fanfiction
Have you ever wondered why people become so emotionally invested in their favorite fandoms to the extent that they create fan art and fanfiction? The answer lies in a complex interplay of emotions, creativity, and the desire for connection. In this article, we will explore the intricacies of why fans pour their hearts and souls into their favorite fictional worlds and characters, often leading them to create their own works of art.
Introduction
While some might attribute a fan's deep emotional investment in a particular fandom to boredom or a quest for an audience, there is much more to it. Emotional investment in a fandom, and the resulting creation of fan art and fanfiction, stems from a deep desire to connect on a personal level with beloved characters and stories. This connection can range from simple nostalgia and enjoyment to deeply emotional engagement shaped by trauma or other personal experiences.
The Power of Fiction in Real Life
For me, the journey began not with a desire to express myself creatively, but with a deep emotional connection to the fictional characters and worlds I loved. Reading became my primary hobby from a young age, with a book like Tintenherz: Inkheart being a turning point. The idea of a man able to make fictional characters real through reading struck a chord with me, and for weeks, I attempted to make characters from my favorite books come alive. My longing for these characters to be real was intense, but it ultimately didn't work.
The Impact of Realization
When I realized that these characters would never really come to life, a new desire shone through. I wanted to create a story that would evoke the same emotions in others as the characters in my beloved books had in me. At just ten years old, the idea of becoming a writer seemed like a natural progression. Through my journey, I've faced many other aspirations, from being a rope dancer to a supermodel, but the desire to write stuck with me.
Early Steps and Limitations
My first characters were far from perfect, and my early stories were, to put it mildly, atrocious. I created a character who was selfish and overpowered, with no story to accompany her. Writing was a struggle, and my early efforts were in German, which helped me avoid a wider audience. My practice was rough, with fanfiction being a safer avenue to explore my imagination. Over time, my stories improved, and I began writing in English, primarily for fandoms like Ace Attorney. Today, my writing is slowly forming the foundation of a proper book, The Seven Sins and Sinners.
Connection and Inspiration
The process of creating fan art and fanfiction is not just about escapism; it is about deepening the connection to these beloved works. By analyzing and understanding the stories and characters of my favorite fandoms, I have gained insights into how stories are constructed and how characters are crafted. This has been invaluable in my pursuit of writing a book of my own.
Conclusion
Emotional investment in fandoms and the creation of fan art and fanfiction are more than just derivations of creativity. They are a form of self-expression, a means to connect with others, and a way to explore complex emotions and experiences. For fans, these activities serve as a therapeutic outlet, a creative outlet, and a way to find community among like-minded individuals. Whether through fan fiction, fan art, or other forms of creative expression, the journey of a fan's emotional investment can have a profound impact on both the individual and the broader fandom.