Should Fangirls Read Fangirl? 

oh god, fanfics can totally be better than the books they're based on. I've read at least a dozen Scorbus fics with a better storyline than The Cursed Child

The Harry Potter mention reeeaaally bugged me. I had to put down the book for a minute and pretend it didn't happen.

Fanfiction is a form of creativity. It's a whole new world for writers to play with. Though there has been fanfiction for many years, only now has it become mainstream enough for books like this to be published. I even wrote a 6-page paper on just the language of fanfiction for my English final my freshman year of college. Previously, authors had to set up and create characters who were original and interesting. Now, because writers have a template, and an intimate knowledge of how that character works and reacts because of precious cannon, they can put this character into any story they want! This makes for some of the most interesting and well developed literature out there.

Also how great is it that you can go to Barnes and Noble and buy gay fanfiction??

I honestly don't know what I would do without fanfictions, they have become such a big part of my life, and an escape from reality, which I don't enjoy as much.

Of course fanfiction is a form of escapism, but it also helps you getting better at writing and developing a character in general. There was two stories that started out as fanfiction but I realized they had potencial as original stories, since they already diverted from the canon itself and the themes I explored were good enough as a standalone original story. I'm not talking about smut like 50 shades of grey (there is better smut than that out there), but when I look like at the way I wrote fics and the way I write now, I see more of a tendency to explore bigger things and try new things than just write my own version of a scene. Not saying I still don't do that, but it's become less... Fanfic y somehow. I think writing and reading fanfiction has helped me develop more than alcohol or drugs would do.

Carry On will ruin you (In a good way). It's one of my favorite books, as SnowBaz is also one of my favorite ships.

I love Fangirl and Carry On (though Fangirl better)! They're both on my bookshelf for my favorite books. I'm so happy you made this video! Also you didn't mention the definite Drarry subtext in Baz and Simon. Well, at least I saw it instantly when I started reading Fangirl and definitely when I read Carry On.

The whole "If Harry Potter exists why is Simon Snow popular?" question bothered me so much that I had to form an answer. My theory is that since Simon Snow was written after Harry Potter, in universe, it appealed more to a younger audience. The younger kids would have more access to the internet than the 90s kids reading Harry Potter, causing a fandom to grow quicker.

Fangirl is absolutely amazing, but Carry On is a masterpiece. Loved both of them, and Fangirl really warmed my contemporary-loving heart, but Carry On is unique in a way you don't see many books in the fantasy genre being.

I feel like a fandom is a community, but more than that, we are family, and it's indescribable how much love and support is out there through fandom. When in a fandom everything is kind of (for me) on a controllable level where you always have something to think about, or write about or draw or search and always have something and someone to go to of things are tough. There are always levels within the fandom and it's really taken over my life but absolutely in a good way. 10/10 would recommend

Is fanfiction a form of escape? Yes and no. An unexpectedly involved question. It serves a different role in every individuals life but since it's an interactive and interconnected culture leaving it at just that isn't adequate. I will say for me, when it comes to fanfiction, I am a more discriminating reader than most, that sshows up in my reviews, and that has offended or annoyed people in the past for a variety of reasons, some saying that reviews should only be positive otherwise they're mean, to "I'm not writing a real book here", to other commenters feeling it incumbent upon themselves to "stick up" for the writer. None of these resonate for me and I feel no shame in leaving constructive critiques where's it's called for but I think that just goes to show you that everyone's got a different view. I find that I only seek romance fanfiction. I only read stories centered around the romantic relationship of my OTP. I like it when there is more to the story (and it's gotta be slow burn), but the center of it has to be romance. Oddly, I avoid romantic centered work outside of fanfiction. I don't go to see romance movies unless there is some sort of larger hook, I don't read romance novels (but I do read novels with romance in them) and I don't go for shows based on relationship drama.

One of my favorites books ever. I'm a fanfic writer, fanfics to me are so important, I can't do this *runs away*

ooh look at me going back through your old videos! For me fandom was all about that "oh - I'm NOT the only one" feeling. The community that builds around it and the shared excitement over something that NO one in my real life actually gets. I liked Fangirl and it had it's moments. Sometimes I got emotional because it hit home quite a lot.

Loved the book. It was great, and very realistic, and relatable. There's also an amazing Fanfiction of its sequel.

I read fangirl with my book club and it didn't really take with me. I think it was just "too real" for me, not that the book was offensive or too intense, but that the story became frustrating because it was realistic and had these details that didn't fit with what I expected of the books realism. :\ Rowell's writing is great though, and many of the other book club members enjoyed it. In fact, I was the only person who didn't enjoy it. XD So if anyone else didn't love the book, just know your not alone.

I write and read fanfiction for escaping purposes as you had mentioned but also sometimes for quick entertainment when I'm bored. And Rainbow Rowell is probably my favorite author at the moment. Fangirl is phenomenal. Eleanor and Park is spectacular. Carry On... Omg don't even get me started. I could write paragraphs about my love for that book.

fanfic is one of my favourite things in the world. It's so much easier to find exactly what i want with fic than with "original" fiction. I love reading and it's definitely an escapism thing for me. Also i love that when you fall in love with certain characters, you can stay with them through fanfic instead of just having it all end when the canon does.

Fanfic is just a way for me to be creative, as well as escapist. And to project my own life and problems onto my favorite characters. I love Fangirl. It was finally a YA novel I could relate to.

I like to read and write fan fiction for fun and to find a way to not think about the stress of every day life. Fan fiction is a creative outlet that anyone and everyone can use to express their thoughts and themselves.

When I started writing fanfiction, I realised I had reached a new low. But it is good practice for actual writing, and there are some really great fanfic authors out there. Plus it's somewhere t put your ideas. Also yay! I loved seeing a wild MK Wiles appear in your video!

This book sounds very interesting for depicting a story of a fan writer and how it's portrayed. I should give it a look-see sometime. My fanfic reading started off a long time when I still didn't even know what it was, now it's a part of my life I can't imagine being w/o it! Sounds like an addiction but honestly it helped me out when I wanted a way cope w/ life in a stable way. So far it's worked out for me! This just helped reminded why I enjoy it so much. So thanks for the interesting vids! :)

I use fanfiction to feel like I'm not a failure. It makes me happy when people like my take and ask for more 😊

The original creator IS the only one with the authority to say what is possible for their characters... That's just the truth, guys...

I loved Fangirl! However, while the main character was sheltered within her fandom obsessions I didn't get into fanfic until I was in graduate school, so I didn't consider it something that I needed to outgrow in order to 'join the real world.' I'm an adult with a job and a life AND I love reading about fictional couples on the internet, totally possible!

I feel like FanFiction is a form of relief and healing things to me trust me when your home alone with a bratty sister the only thing you can run to for safety is the fandom itself

I loved Fangirl! On wattpad my fanfics ,maily one, has nearly 20K views in total and thats crazy! Due to this i really connected with Kat

I loved this book so much!! A classmate let me borrow it senior year, and it helped encourage me to finish a fanfic I had put off since my grandma died. I love all of your videos, even if I don't ship it. It's so amazing to get a new perspective on things. As a psych major, it's the best thing ever! Keep calm, and carry on with your videos 😍

The pressure to constantly update can be stressful when you have writer black.

God I screamed when I saw Dramione on the screen... The feels! Great video by th

I love this book literally more than anything! I had never related to a main character more than I did Cath.

I have yet to read the book. But fanfiction is a daily interest of mine. In fact, I actually read so much fanfiction by a certain author, I ended up having the weirdest relationship with her. Fanfiction is different in a way that it kinda touches base of course with my favorite pairings and how others depict their characters. Like "Heartstrings" for Miraculous Ladybug. Or "Somewhere Beyond the Sea" for Hetalia where Prussia is a merman and Canada a lonely light house keeper. BTW, will you ever explore AU? I'm in AU hell for Kylux.

I think fan fiction is the fans way of expanding upon concepts that we noticed didn't really get what they needed from canon. Sometimes there's too much content and one thing stands out to someone and people want to write about it.

could you possibly do a video on the idea/topic of genderbend characters and fiction

That's probably the best analysis I've heard for any book thus far. Awesome job, keep up the great work! - T.C.

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ This book was so cathartic (hah cath..artic) and relatable in so many ways. Reading it just felt normal because of how much Cath's life mirrors my own and it's the first time i think that i've been so relaxed reading about a teenager in college. It just felt real and available in ways that other stories haven't been. I like how it tackled mental illness and famoly dynamics without trying to shove its morals down your throat. It felt real without feeling dark. No needless drama, just the perfect amount. I'm kinda tored of teenagers dying and driinking and taking drugs and having fights with their significant others for no reason other than IT BE LIKE THAT Just... it's nice to know that it's possible to be happy without making huge sacrifices. You don't suddenly become an adult, you're just a slightly different version of yourself and you don't have to give up things that make you happy to get places in life. Also Levi is a sweetheart and deserves the world

i'm actually reading the boo right now and i'm really happy you made this

I take fanfiction as an alternative to what could have happened if some of the characters did what they didn't do in the canon and that's why I love fanfictions so much ahaha

I really liked this book! I can admit though I'm not a major "fangirl" myself, so I may not completely understand the everyday struggles or way of thinking of an actual fangirl/boy. The fandom universe however is very large, covering all sorts of people, including little fans as myself. So though I personally don't wright my own fan-fiction or committed in following one, I do understand what it is like to very much enjoy something others may not (I'm pretty sure EVERYONE has gone through that.) So in that logic, Cath is going though what everyone has before. And though there is no clear "solution" in this novel, I feel that is more realistic. Though many people may not enjoy that aspect of the book, I very much have because it isn't something to fix, but something to accept and balance with everything else that happens in life. I think this book is worth a read and though you may not be a fangirl/boy yourself, you can admit you have at least liked something before in life and faced with the decision to either grow up with it or to grow out of it.

Ohhh, I reads this! I bought this book at the airport and found that it really did put things into words that I couldn't.

I have never read Fangirl or Carry on, but from what I've heard and read here I think it would be a good book. I wouldn't mind reading it as fandoms sort of took over my life. (I didn't have much of a social life in the first place, so no need to worry)

My relationship with fanfiction?...well, it's both an escape and an outlet for me. Escape, for when I personally don't like how a series turned out, and the book series own facts get tossed out a window....or the book has blatant mistakes that huge fans of the series refuse to see. Not gonna mention which book series (multiple, not just one) I am talking about. Reading fanfiction for me is an escape, because I honestly think some fan-authors are really good at handling the characters. And outlet, for when I feel something should be added to a particular universe that is interesting. But the author hasn't explored it, so I kinda write it out and explore it myself. XD Or when I feel a book's universe had a good premise, but the author never...well I won't go into detail, I don't want to make this comment huge XD but anyway, I kinda see it as both haha XD

I think fanfics help us explore a fictional world as the original work, may it be a movie or show, has its boundaries.... For me it is an escape and also a good opportunity to learn new things!

You seem like a really cool person. Just thought I should mention XD

Haha I only bought the book because of the nerdy girl in the cover, but then I have been surprised to find I relate to the topic since at the time I was looking through the book store, it was my first year in college and I was slowly being sucked in the fandom community. Anyway... Fanfic Pros: * Increase in empathy and understanding when it comes to motivations, characteristics and personality * Increase understanding of mental illnesses * Great introduction to different topics (Earlier this day I was reading a Cherik Crack Fic wherein the mutants are various crustaceans. I am now unsurprisingly more interested with crabs and lobsters then I did yesterday. I can never eat a crab seriously again. I also binge read different stuff about that topic too. It's nice to figure out marine biology is not as boring as I thought it would be.) * Idea dump (There are a lot of beautiful original ideas generated because of the fandom.) * Teaching each other better grammar (Massively helpful especially for the non-native speaker like me) * Creating an almost no-hate community * Embracing differences and cultures * Encouraging LGBT community to step up * Stimulating and sometimes mind blowing discussions about morality and the grey area. (Depends on what fandom you're into, the pros and cons may vary.) Fanfic Cons: * Sometimes naivety and lack of realism (Life, sadly, is not like a fanfiction. It does not run smoothly and fluff is harder to find in this cynical world. Life is far more harsher and domesticity isn't always cute and rainbows. Plus, bills. Fucking bills.) * Expectations (Looking for friends that are cool and unique like the Avengers crew? Looking for a partner that's as righteous as Steve Rogers or as smart and kind as Charles Xavier? Looking for a sexual encounter that would rock your socks off? Worry a lot! Reality is not the perfect place to find all of that awesome stuff.) * Peers tend to think fandom is nothing but a group of horny teenage girls writing about "getting it on" and "fondue" * Shipping Wars * If you ship bandom and/or real people, please don't attack the person's actual love interest OR THEIR LIFE PLEASE. * The topic of "is this being disrespectful to the original content and the original author/ comic writer?" I have plenty more to add in the list of pros and cons but my hands are aching from typing in a small phone. I also probably have grammatical and spelling errors but what the hell.

I read Fangirl before Carry On was announced, and while I can't say I like it with the same excited fervor I do other YA books like the emotionally compromising TFIOS and the pleasantly gruesome Mockingjay, I will definitely say it was a read I couldn't put down once I got into it and still find memorable for how natural its portrayal of fan culture is in contrast to fan portrayals produced by outsiders trying to Pet The Dog. It's something I really appreciated after spending years handwaving away the light mockery in even the best and most fond of fandom portrayals in other stories. I'd recommend Fangirl to anyone in fandom, if only because it's interesting to get to read about the struggle of growing up as someone outside of standard youth culture from the perspective of someone like yourself for a change. Cath is a lovely character - hell, all of them are, in their own way, even if they aren't as dramatic as the more popular YA fare. Fangirl has a more down-to-earth feel about itself. It's nice, really. As for Carry On, I was actually pretty excited when it was announced that it'd be an actual thing on its own. The snippets you get to read of it in Fangirl are all very tantalizing and makes you wish you could read the actual Simon Snow series for yourself, so this? This was a treat. I didn't expect to like it as much as I did, but I must've missed the feeling of reading a new Harry Potter story more than I realized, because it sucked me right in. I haven't felt this at home in a story in a long time, it was... it was kind of magical, even if it derives from HP rather heavily. It's still its own thing where it counts, but it's still familiar in the best way. Also, a retrospective on fan portrayal in media actually sounds pretty interesting. owo

do Malec from Shadowhunters/ the mortal intruments!!! :)

I think fandom can be a form of escape, but as with everything it depends - on who you ask and even at what time in their life. I definitely retreat into reading fic sometimes, when IRL is a bit stressful, and I also find fanfic writing less stressful than original fiction writing. It reminds me why I love writing even though it's hard. But sometimes I'm just reading fic because someone recommended it, or as a reward when I'm trying to be productive (pomodoro technique: 25 min focused work, 5 min fic, rinse, repeat - that's worked well for me in the past!). Most common form of fandom escapism for me is lunchtime when I have a frustrating day at work: Having done both, I find 'UGH I'm so fed up, Imma read this ridiculous fake married AU that gives me life over lunch' is defintely better than 'UGH I'm so fed up, Imma go to McDonalds for lunch even though I brought in soup, and then have some redbull so I don't fall asleep at my desk post-burger'.

I haven't read Carry On yet, but I just read Fangirl this week. I thought it was a really cute coming of age story. As someone who reads a lot of fanfic but doesn;t write it I really enjoyed it.

Me: I really want to finish reading the A song of Ice and Fire novels, but I dont have the time :( Also Me: Wow did I just read Game of Thrones Fanfictions for 3 hours strait?

I luv Fangirl it explores so many subjects not usually touched on in young adult novels

I honestly loved Fangirl and the issues it discussed and how wonderfully real it was. I can identify with Cath so well, lol. I'd say it's a rather positive representation of fandom.

Did anybody else spot that Barakamon still? I just really appreciate that this channel also does anime lmao :)

I'm reading this book right now and it's AMAZING! If you're not reading it I really recommend you pick it up NOW and start reading XD

Eleanor & Park and Fangirl are amazing. I love Rainbow Rowell!

I literally live in the same town that fangirl was about. I literally cried when I knew where the places were.

I usually feel more invested in my fandoms and online communities than my real life XD probably not a good thing, but I love it

I have the special collector's edition!! I love it so much.

this video is so great just like all your others! will you ever do a homestuck video?

I loved this video and the two books. Honestly I'm going to buy the two other special editions. And I would lov we to see your thoughts on Carry On and the controversy surrounding it (I never heard or thought of this so called controversy xD).

may you do a percabeth video Percy and annabeth from the pjo.sires

Fangirl and carry on is literally the best books I've ever read

i've totally gotta read this book now

I've happened upon that book at our local library. I enjoyed it. A good role model to work towards with my fanfiction writing. But... it did have a straight couple be the main one. And I really usually stop reading in heterosexual romance stories. It's not like I have a couple to look up towards...

Sorry for commenting twice, but if you're still thinking about book ships could you do Nico/Percy (Nicercy/ Percico for some)from the Percy Jackson & Heroes of Olympus series?

I loved Fangirl! You guys should Carry On. ☺

I hated Fangirl. I could not relate to the characters what so ever. The main character was so robotic and I hardly saw any true emotion from her. Also I did not understand her relationship what so ever. I originally thought it was the authors style I disliked, but then I read Eleanor and Park and fell in love. I just don't think I could understand the characters or their situations well enough to appreciate it.

I'm a Fangirl and I've read Fangirl. It's my favorite book and it kinda reminds me of myself

I love this book regardless of the positive and negatives reviews. XD

I knew I wanted to read it before, but now I really do

Levi is the most adorable thing ever and i wish he was real, imo he made the book 10 times better!!!

I've read some publishing worthy fan fiction. It's just that the crap is the stuff that's actually published. I enjoyed both Fangirl and Carry On.

I loved Fangirl and I'm pretty sure I cried at the end... And then Carry On came out and I read it all in one sitting (I also cried during that)

I have read Fangirl and I really want to read Carry On. Fangirl was a great book

Does this remind anybody else about the whole flowerfell au debacle

Im reading this book right now. and its good. I highly relate to it. (yet Im not in college (yet) and I am intrested in relationships)

Please actually do Carry On and Simon and Baz (Snowbaz)?

Okay, but Carry On and Fangirl are so cute?? I love Snowbaz so much??

Hey girl when are y'all shipy videos I'm dying for it

i love fanfics and shipping!

Do something on bungou stray dog please!!!!!

have you ever read homestuck?if so could you do Dave x Karkat or Terezi x Vriska???

It annoys me when people act like being involved in fandom defines me. I'm not just someone who uses tumblr, I play the cello very seriously, play sports and try to do my best in school. But when people assume that since I have fanart on my phone or happen to be writ ting a fic that that defines me. It's just my gayness, it doesn't.

I find that, yeah, writing (especially fanfiction), can get your mind off of worrysome things and relieve stress. Follow me on Wattpad: AlsoKnownAsSophia

I was wandering whether or not to read that

I liked it, but it left a bit to be desired with some plot threads and the ending was clumsy.

_We'll get into it when we talk about that novel_ ....umm it's been over a year?

LOVE THIS BOOK AND CARRY ON MMMMMMMMMM

AAAAAAAAH MY FAVORITE BOOK!!!!

thank you! i loved fangirl

Aaaaaaaa I love Rainbow sm. It's so rare to see such a popular author come from Omaha lol, like seriously Nebraska is so boring I hate living here.

I watched this while writing a Fanfic for Hetalia

I read this, and it was awesome

love how I saw my killybear in the video 😍😍😍😍😆

Watching this while reading a Dramione fanfic lol.

UMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM YASSSSSSSSSS CUZ IT IS AN AMAZING BOOK, DUHHHHHH

Will you do carry on soon?

DO VISION AND SCARLET WITCH

I need to read this.

Ok ok ok I am the stereotypical fangirl, I am socially awkward and I read and write fanfiction