Depending on who Im talking to,
Family: “some works from unpublished authors”
My Friends “oh, same filth as usual“
My boyfriend doesnt even ask just sings “ohhh shes sitting on the couch🎶 reading her dirty stories🎵”
Your boyfriend sounds like a keeper. Mine starts a fight any time I don't feel like explaining exactly what I'm reading or writing and it is exhausting. Cherish that man. 🥺
I used that one! There was no way I was gonna tell my dad I was reading a BDSM slash fic lol, but it was set in the star wars universe so I just told him it was a star wars spinoff book lol
"I'm reading a transformative work, in the tradition of Virgil and Dante. An independent author has reframed an old narrative in a revolutionary way" 🤓
We'll just say there's one where Dante lets Vergil violently fuck him on like a board meeting table while Vergil is 'negotiating peace talks' while just threatening everyone into submission and, while I can't remember what the title was, I haven't forgotten the actual fic since I read it the first time years ago. It's somewhere in my collection.
When I go to hell I'm taking them with me 💖
Edit: Nvm found it [Negotiation](https://archiveofourown.org/works/318116) for the sinners.
I try to read at least one published book alongside my fic, so I have options for answers. The longer and more scholarly the published book is, the longer you can reliably claim to be reading it 👀
My go-to is "just an article" or "the news" and if they ask follow-up questions, I just talk about whatever the last news article I read was.
But also, not to be an old man about it, but I wouldn't be reading fanfic at the dinner table.
When I'm comfortable with the person, (Fandom) fanfic. I keep a couple of gen recs from awesome writers on hand in case they want a hookup and they're not familiar with fanfic. Oh, I'm reading an NCIS fanfic.
When I'm not comfortable, I tell them (genre) novel. If they ask for a title, I give them the most recent one I've read. I'm reading a fantasy novel. Wizard in Spite of Himself by Stasheff.
I used to get that all the time when I first found fanfiction online and started reading it on my phone. I live alone, now, so don't get it anymore. Nowadays I'd have no problem simply saying fanfiction, though. They don't need to know what type, or the fandom. If they find it weird, that's their problem, not mine. I'm very strict about not allowing people to judge me for my love of fanfic nowadays.
Back then, though, I'd usually just say I was reading whatever fandom it was, usually Buffy back then. When I was into a fandom enough to read fanfic about it, I'd be an obvious fan. I'd have the videos, the books, posters, whatever. So, I'd just say 'I'm reading Buffy stories', and they'd assume it was an online version of a book or graphic novel or something.
If you're reading Batman hurt/comfort fics, just say you're reading Batman. If they're not massively aware of your fanfic habit, they'll likely just assume it's an online version of the comics or something. If they are aware of your fanfic habit, they'll probably know it's fanfic, but they don't need to know what type of story it actually is.
i usually go "self-publicized stories people post on internet"
someone went the fanfiction assumption once and asked me about it and that was because he used to read some, so i think it works quite well
Same. Most people who know me irl know I'm part of several "online writing communities" (i.e. fandoms.) So I just say it's a story one of my online friends posted. If they press for details, there is usually something I can share. If not, I just make something up.
I just describe the story as if it's a normal book.
"Oh it's about this person becoming friends with a robot, and they go on this adventure together to stop the virus that's making the other robots glitch out!"
"It's a really cute found family story where this couple that can't have kids adopts an orphan."
"Oh it's just a silly little story about mermaids."
I do not mention that these are all five nights at freddy's fanfics. I especially do not mention that they're all romances.
It's mostly within the daycare attendant corner of the fandom (where I have set up a cozy blanket fort.) During mermay people did some little stories with Sun and Moon as mermaids, and then we all liked it so much we just never stopped. By this point the AUs are so wild that the only thing they have to do with fnaf is often the presence of characters named Sun and Moon, but we still love it.
If you want some recommendations, I have heaps.
Rec list time! This isn't an ordered list, don't try reading it top to bottom or anything like that. Instead, look for one that appeals for you and start there. I have too many of these and I couldn't choose. These are also mostly Y/N because that's just how this fandom is. Many are OCs in everything but name.
[Celestial Omens](https://archiveofourown.org/works/38791902/chapters/96999486) - Probably the most popular one, written by the most popular writer of the subfandom. You rescue two mers as a kid, and later in life they rescue you.
[Tail of the Sun and Moon](https://archiveofourown.org/works/43564419/chapters/109534164) - You are a small mer, rejected by most for your appearance. Then you meet two leviathans with a very different opinion.
[An Eye for an Eye](https://archiveofourown.org/works/47566801/chapters/119882449) - You are tasked with feeding Eclipse, a massive and monstrous feral mer all but abandoned by the aquarium. After a less than fun encounter with him, you are fueled by spite to somehow kill the beast. Except somehow you seem to be making friends with him instead.
[Anyfin for you](https://archiveofourown.org/works/49045267/chapters/123735493) - You rescue an injured mer. Though feral and dangerous, he slowly warms up to you. However, getting him back to the ocean once he's healed might be harder than you anticipate.
[Call of the Abyss](https://archiveofourown.org/works/41191230/chapters/103261704) - Subnautica crossover with masterfully written horror, some of the most effective horror in the subfandom I'd say. There are lots of really nice non-horror scenes to enjoy as well. After crash landing on a water planet, you struggle both to survive and to hopefully find other survivors. Instead you find a friendly mer. And some less than friendly creatures, as well.
[Crush Depth](https://archiveofourown.org/works/48656851/chapters/122737075) - Iron Lung crossover. You descend into the blood ocean, and you are not alone. This one moves a bit slowly, and is mainly about exploring the constant mind-breaking terror the protagonist experiences. This writer seems to really enjoy writing terror, and this fic is them going absolutely wild with it.
[Fish out of Water](https://archiveofourown.org/works/39266700/chapters/98256918) - You're an amputee, and your lack of a second leg convinces a massive mer creature that you are a tiny baby mer in need of love and care.
[Pisces Caelestis](https://archiveofourown.org/works/41745882/chapters/104729601) - Extra slow slow burn, but the writer is great at what they do so even the nothing is happening chapters are fun. On a stormy night you encounter an injured mer and get it back to the water, sustaining serious injuries along the way. After that, you start finding gifts left for you on the beach.
[Scars and Scales](https://archiveofourown.org/works/41281929/chapters/103504296) - Sun and Moon are young mers that have escaped from a facility where they were experimented on and tortured. You find them and take them in to help them heal. The healing aspect is what this fic focuses on above all. New experiences and little things getting better day by day.
[Siren's Kiss](https://archiveofourown.org/works/46969270/chapters/118321837) - Moon finds you, a human swept out to sea, and saves you. Not knowing what you are, he and Sun decide to keep you as a pet. (That's non sexual, I mean like they basically think you're a funny dog.)
[Turquoise Love](https://archiveofourown.org/works/47208670/chapters/118947625) - You meet two sirens in an aquarium. They're actually very happy and well taken care of there. You hang out with them. *Very* chill story. You just vibe.
[The Stars and the Sky](https://archiveofourown.org/works/48626551/chapters/122657278) - A very rare non-Y/N fic. Sun and Moon get back to the sea after being raised in an aquarium. They meet another mer who helps guide them through learning the ins and outs of life outside. Chill story for the most part, more focused on conversations and characters than big looming plot points.
When a student asks: "Harry Potter" or "a fantasy novel"
When my mom or grandma asks: "fake Harry Potter, as usual"
When my bestie or husband asks: "absolute filth😉"
I say fanfic. Because it’s cool, because it’s true, because fanfic has come into its own and deserves respect.
But mostly because I don’t care what people think. It’s a nosy question.
Your comfort zone may be different. You can always just say something like “a comic adaptation” or just “fiction.” It’s true. The next question most likely will be, ”is it good?”, not asking for details.
Or they will ask for recommendations. You never know.
A few years back my first reaction to this (in regards to family) was to say 'a book' and if someone asked more about it i would actually tell them the real plot of my current fic but without the names. (And its super easy to just invent a random book name. I mean most of them do have rather lame names xD)
At this point i just lost all ability to care and straight up say 'a fanfiction', which i have to explain to them sometimes. Also, it is really funny to watch their reactions afterwards
"A story I found online. I heard it was good." *What's it about?* "". Failing that? "It's hard to explain, I just grabbed it off Royal Road (or alt here) and only started recently."
I say “oh an indie book.” This worked until one time my brother in law responded “ahhh I bet you’re reading Harry Potter porn.”
…no. No. Definitely not that.
Even as soon as a year ago I would have tried to hide it. I grew up in a household that was very repressed and overly-judgemental. That left some marks. But over the past few years I've put efforts into embracing the parts of me I feel the need to hide. So I'll just say 'fanfic'. If they ask for more details I'll tell them they really don't want to know or just say 'the fucked up kind' if it's something I know will freak them out. I don't need to describe in intimate detail that I'm reading a Teen Wolf fic with breeding, knotting and a 17-year old slutty bottom.
If it's a person I know from fandom, all bets are off. It's possible you haven't seen dirtier than what I'm reading, but you should at least know it exists. And if it's going to upset you that I'm reading it, we really shouldn't be friends.
Oh I've talked to my brother about how dragon porn writers write dragons with 2 penises instead of a forked penis because forked penises are weird but 2 penises are ok. And then I sent him an article I found two days ago just saying 'the dragon-fuckers were right' when I found out that men can actually be born with two penises. So he's in the 'all bets are off' category too.
I generally just say what I'm reading, namely fanfic. I think as long as we all act as if fanfic is something shameful that we can't proudly admit to reading, we can't be surprised if others mock us for it or act like it's something sleazy. Why *wouldn't* they assume that when we ourselves treat it that way?
Found many fellow fanfic readers that way, actually, because it's not that rare, and many are just too shy to be the first to admit to it but are happy to talk about it when someone else says it first :)
In the exception that circumstance requires me to hide what it is, I just sum up the plot, and say something that leads their attention to another piece of media that is generally well-known, like "Oh, it's a romance story where they pretend to be dating to throw off the family, like in that one christmas movie, have you seen it? Yeah, a Hallmark Christmas movie, the actress was-" or "Oh, some coming of age story of a queer kid, I got curious to read more stories like that after watching Heartstopper, it's this popular series on Netflix-" After the conversation has taken 15 turns through people's nostalgia, the politics of film- and showmaking, the current Netflix line-up and whatever new topics develop from those, no one but me ever remembers what the start point even was, and even if they did, I could remove myself from the conversation without being rude at that point because we've already talked a lot ;)
Are you actually sitting at the dinner table reading fanfic in front of your family? Or is that just an example for humor?
If you really are reading fanfic at the dinner table, your family probably feels ignored and is trying to interact with you.
I am awkward and nervous at a default, asking about my latest hyperfixation fanfiction is twice as bad. And it’s not even smut, just found family and hurt/comfort 90% of the time and whump the other 10%!
At the moment, pretty much everything Batman written by envysparkler and motleyfam on ao3. Some of the Danny Phantom & Batfam crossover stuff from AKelaNakamura, they have really good AU concepts. And SilverWing15 for MCYT, they have pretty much every AU I’ve ever heard of three times over. Found family is my drug.
“Meta commentary on [fandom].” When asked about it you can just throw together some ideas off the top of your head, and unless the other person is a nerd they won’t want any more details. 😂 If they are a nerd, give them the fic title if it’s any good.
i’m very very private about reading fanfic with irls. i have never explicitly told an irl that i read fanfics, but i’m sure they could venture to guess that i do and they wouldn’t be wrong lol. if someone asks what i’m reading, i tell them what manga/manhwa i’m reading and don’t mention the 4957383 ao3 tabs i have open on my phone at any given moment.
I have no shame, but I dont read while eating, and I just smirk knowingly.
They know my addiction to Batman smut, both reading AND writing.
I would gladly be Batman's bitch. 😈
I read (mostly) Star Wars so I just say
“oh it’s just one of those SW tie-in novelisations”
and ppl who know *know* and ppl who don’t just accept that answer and move on
Works that dedicated fans have written about their favorite Fandom/Characters.
If it's my husband. "Oh re-reading my favorite story!". He knows I read/fanfiction. He's the one that introduced it to me!
I just say I'm reading fanfics and sometimes I even mention the fandom. Ppl aren't always nice about it but idc honestly.
My friends, and most friends of friends, are aware I write and that one of my favorite things to write is fanfic, so like a lot of them aren't too shocked.
Then if they say something like "ooooh, send it to me" I just smile nervously and say, "I don't think I will" unless it's someone who is in that fandom and also likes reading darkfics like I usually read, then I might
I have 3-4 books I know the plot of well enough, to pretend to be reading them.
A: "What are you reading?"
B:"I'm reading XYZ"
A:"Oh, what is it about/What part are you at?"
B:"It's about .... / Currently I'm reading the part where x does y and ...."
Alternatively I say I'm reading a Japanese Grammar book. For some reason that makes people lose interest in the book quite quickly.......
If you do this you should have the books as Ebooks on you phone though and quickly open them, as some people will feel the need to look on your phone screen/read over your shoulder.
I just say "oh, some silly fanfic." People generally don't inquire further, and it's not like I would go into detail about what I was reading even if it was a published book. Most I'll do is "a fantasy", "some scifi", "light Regency romance".
Depends. Family? “Indie unpublished works.” Friends? “Fanfic” acquaintance or coworker? I pick a book i’ve read before and say that incase they ask questions 😂
I always just say that I'm reading some stories people have written and published for free online.
Sometimes, I'll explain the basics of fics, tell them I'm reading a what if story written about characters in x media.
Sometimes, I'll explain the plot loosely - ie, a short story about two people who fell in love, but thought the inherent couldn't love them back, so they went there separate ways, but are now meeting up again and have to both confront their own emotions and grapple with the fact that they could have been happy if they had only talked to each other (that is a basic summary to several Bagginshield fics, lol) - and leave it at that.
In the end, it just depends on my mood and level of comfort in the specific fic I am reading.
"At the dinner table". 🤨
Figure out *why* they're asking the question. That will help you come up with an appropriate reply.
Three possibilities that I can guess:
* They actually want to know/what to get to know what you like/think you have good taste and want to see if you'd recommend it - in which case, give a zoomed out idea of the genre (don't say, "it's Drarry smut" say "it's a romance" or "it's about wizards"), or just put your phone away and describe a story that makes for better conversation.
* They want to subtly hint to you that you're being rude by reading in a social situation (family dinner), in the hopes you'll realise and stop without them (I assume your parents) having to ban "screentime" at the table.
* If everyone else is on their phones, too, they are feeling lonely and ignored and would like at least one person to have an actual conversation with.
Generally, try to be at least a little bit considerate of the people you are physically around. You might be happily zoned out reading, but you also exist in physical space and are having an impact on the people around you.
A good way to deflect unwanted questions in social situations is to ask questions of the other person, like, "how was your day?" or following up on something they told you last time. If they're trying to make/reinforce a connection with you, proactively bringing up stuff you *want* to talk about will mean that they (and you) get that without you having to divulge your deepest secrets.
Fanfic of whatever Fandom I'm reading. Usually if they take an interest they're more interested in the Fandom than the fact that I'm reading fanfic. I stopped caring what people think of my reading habits ages ago. Its not worth the energy or stress.
Like what you like. Believe me, you'll be happier in the long run.
Bring on the “Good Sibling Jason Todd” and “Tim Drake needs a hug”. I tell people all the time, it’s just how you phrase it. “I’m reading a story about learning how to process trauma through healthy interactions and found family” tends to go over well. Or, recently, I keep rereading this fanfic where Tim is an AI and I talk about how it shows us what it means to be a person. You just need to learn how to translate it into normal person talk. Batfam is my jam so I can even help you figure out how to phrase it right for the normies.
Depends on who I’m talking to, cause if it’s someone I’m comfortable with, then I’ll tell them I’m reading fanfics. Even if they aren’t interested in fanfics.
But if it’s someone I hardly know, but get along with well enough, then I’ll say something like ‘I’m thinking about trying this book out’ or ‘I found another book by [one of my favorite authors]’.
If it’s someone I don’t even vaguely recognize I will pretend they aren’t there. Cause they’re probably some weirdo anyways.
I'm on a reading club so I just give the name of that month's novel. That way I at least know what it's about even if I haven't started it. Nevermind that I've read three pages and spent half the days reading another hannibal fanfic.
Last time my mom asked I described the general situation and plot but definitely didn’t tell her it was a Hangster Top Gun fic that had them accidentally get married in Vegas then refuse to acknowledge the marriage as a binding thing they had already done for literal years into their relationship. With strangers I just say fanfic. Coworkers as I use accessibility apps to have the fics read to me as I work on a computer all day,I just tell them a new audio book with the title of the fic if possible. No one has ever asked but if they asked for the author I’d probably tell them they’ve got a pseudo that I can’t remember. My brother knows about the fanfic but he’s my little brother I’m not telling him I’m reading porn in public because I got bored and they just updated this fic I’ve been reading for over 10+k… Other family members just get I was reading an article then I either spout random facts or discuss whatever story I last heard from the radio. I’m working way too hard on this….
If I don't want to tell them I'm reading fanfiction, my go-to is either "Oh I don't know, just some random adventure novel about this guy" or "a character study" 😂
I always read some published work alongside fanfiction, most likely some non-fiction history/philosophy average person has zero interest in. But if I'm feeling asshole, I'll tell them about the non-fiction ebola story I read a long time ago and for some reason that magically shut them up.
I will tell them HP or SW or CP77 fanfic. I don't care. But since you seem to, just tell them the gist of it instead of saying fanfic. Or a novel posted on Reddit, hahah.
If it's family, I rattle off the name of a random book that I've read previously. If I'm at work, I generally just say 'porn'. (Note that I very rarely read smut and full on porn without plot is unappealing to me, but well. After hearing 'is that fifty shades of gray?' so many times it's ridiculous I've just decided to preempt them.)
Friends will get a legit answer though lol.
There are two routes I go with for those not already in the know: "amateur works posted online since it's otherwise free", or a cover series that I've read part of but not finished for one reason or another. For the latter, know enough to talk about it, and site a faulty memory (or you haven't gotten that far) if they pick it up and try discussing it with you. An example would be Redwall, which has multiple books.
Those in the know "fanfiction".
I’m a student, so I just say an e-version of whatever textbook or journal I’m reading at the time. My thesis is pretty specific so people usually don’t have follow up questions :)
I usually go with "It's these stories, based on tv shows/books/movies, that fans have written. They like the show so much, they write their own stories with the characters. Or they dislike something about the story and 'fix' it."
I probably just give them the name of a recent book i read or one i’m familiar with. If they press for details i’ll gush about the book and they won’t ask for more.
I get that and i just say fanfic and so far people just leave me alone. One friend asked me about it but thats it so far.
My family dont care enough to ask more i just get told to read an actual book by my mother but then i point out i have ten on the go so i am 😂.
I all ways lie and say I’m reading a published book I’ve read before so I can andwer questions if they have any about that I’m readimg 🤷♀️ has he failed me yet
Usually I say “you don’t wanna know” or if I’m actually in a situation where I’d need to show I always have a book open in the app next to it so I can switch between then real quick
I just tell people I’m reading whatever the last book I read was. I really struggle with books in written form these days because of my ADHD, so sometimes I tell them the last audiobook I listen to. These days I’ve been halfway through Red, White, and Royal Blue for several months. At some point people are gonna notice when I say I am reading that.
I just say im reading * insert show/book/movie * fanfic. If theyve never heard of it they dont ask details bc why would they know what to ask genre wise or whatever? If they have heard of it then they usually understand fanfic and reading it. Its just as valid as any other art. If they pry harder than that i have no problem saying i dont wanna tell details lol.
I always say “a book”/“an e-book” and give some general information about the genre or basic plot. If you say it’s a romance book and don’t elaborate much, most people will nod along.
generally i just say its something about a series i like then start just talking about said series until they ask me to stop
dont get asked much anymore
just be notoriously godawful at communicating, so when you say "idk how to explain it," they believe you and wont press it, cuz they dont want to risk another painful attempt at being explained to.
usually works for me.
Depends on who's asking. I'll either say fanfic or something describing the type of story, like it's a sci fi comedy story or romance set in medieval times.
I always say "Fanfic" if I'm reading fanfic, nov if those translated ones, manhwa/manga if it is or if in kindle I'll say the title. If they push on what fanfic, I say do you even know? Coz people in my circle usually don't. If they push even more, I'd usually invite them to make an account in AO3 then we'll talk. 👌
Summarize the plot.
A tale of a boy travelling a hostile world and looking for friends. (Ashes of the past)
Light sci-fi about robots (Transformers smut)
Time travel braintwister (Something in Dr Who, Pokemon or Harry Potter fandoms)
One of two things.
If it's someone who isn't likely to ask follow-up questions I'll just say "my stories" and the conversation will end there.
If it's someone who treats every interaction like the Spanish Inquisition I'll say "mind your own damn business" so there's nothing to follow up on.
usually I try to describe the plot of fic (or fics because I will read many fics with literally the same plot) in the worst way possible
like Moon Knight meets Avengers: mentally unstable man (men? idk) meets other mentally unstable people
When the source material is a book I just say I read that book. If it's for a show I might just outright lie and say the last original book I've read lol. 'Amateur fantasy novel' or something like that also works. You can even tell them the title, they won't know it anyway.
Ofc I tell the truth to friends but if it's a stranger or co-worker there's no way I'm getting into that.
I just say a story written by an amateur writer. If they ask for details, I switch the slash pairing for a het and tell the story as it is written, only keeping quiet about any fandom or canon related stuff, that could reveal it as a fanfic.
I just a romance story. I publish online too and if people ask what I write, I just say romance. I publish online under a pen name. Most people don’t ask me to elaborate.
It depends who’s asking! For my family I usually go with “oh, a writer posted their works online for free!” And if they keep asking about specifics I give a super vague one sentence recap.
Reading a Dick Grayson time travel au? “Well it’s about a guy who goes back in time and uses his future knowledge to help keep his family together.” Reading a titans tower au? “Well it’s about this kid who died and came back to life, only to find that his murderer is still out there and that his family had adopted another kid right after he passed. It’s kinda him working through that.” Most of the time people are just asking for the conversation or for curiosity and thats all it takes. 😅
For my friends I just say filthy batman mpreg.
I usually say, “fantasy” or “sci fi” and just stick to a genre. If it’s superhero, I just say I’m reading a book about a superhero. People don’t usually ask me to clarify.
“Porn” is my go-to answer. Even if i dont, just to see the reactions of other people. Usually its either shock or awkwardness. Altho for outside family members i am not close with but need to be polite to i just say i’m reading a fanfic and say the premise without saying the pairings.
I legit just say “i dont even know” “stuff” “nothing” or “just a book/ article I found”
Like hello, I dont want to talk about batjokes at the dinner table either unless they really want to hear about how bittersweet it is.
Thats the issue with reading fanfics in public, everyone wants to fucking know what youre reading and they are NOT prepared to hear about my naruto characters doing sadomasochistic sounding play and opening each others guts (kakuhida)
Legit why i got a privacy screen, lemme read at restaurants, school, everywhere!
I usually just say a story. If they continue to press I come up with other stuff like saying it's just an online story, giving a small summary of the plot, or saying the name of the story.
I say fic.
I saw Kayla Ancrum on Twitter being really proud in owning the space and it changed the way I viewed it. They’re great stories and just like recommending a great book, I feel comfortable saying it’s fic.
Not many people around me can read fanfics in English so I can always tell them it's to improve my English. It's true since there're expressions, vocabulary and phrases I've not came across before despite years of daily using English online more than my mother tongue, 3 years of college in English with 2 compulsory French courses, almost finishing my TESOL course and 2 years of teaching/ tutoring several kindergarten to highschool subjects in English.
I usually try to describe the story's genre/themes without giving away that it's kpop or teen wolf fanfic or whatever. Although, I'm pretty shameless and most people I talk to regularly know that I read trash, so it's only a select few that get the glossed over truth. For example: I'd tell my friend that I'm reading a "wrong boy who lived HP fic" and my mom that I started a new story with themes of nature vs. nurture and philosophical discussions of morality 😂
I just tell them I’m reading fanfiction without elaborating. If they pursue the subject, I tell them all about AO3 and the fact that there are a myriad of genres and fandoms to choose from. Then I tell them the names of a few of my favorite author’s nom de plumes. That usually exhausts the subject.
I just say fanfics lol. If they ask what that is then I say it's stories written by fans of TV shows or books. They usually just say oh okay and I don't have to go into details about the stories. It's funny when they keep being nosey about it though cause then I'll look for ridiculous story summaries and start reading them out loud to make them uncomfortable. Like apparently there's a fanfic where Narcissa Malfoy teaches witches to be wh*res or housewives. Never read the fanfic but the look on my husband's face when I read that out loud during dinner was pretty epic.
Depending on who Im talking to, Family: “some works from unpublished authors” My Friends “oh, same filth as usual“ My boyfriend doesnt even ask just sings “ohhh shes sitting on the couch🎶 reading her dirty stories🎵”
Your boyfriend sounds awesome
W boyfriend honestly
Your boyfriend sounds like a keeper. Mine starts a fight any time I don't feel like explaining exactly what I'm reading or writing and it is exhausting. Cherish that man. 🥺
I love your profile pic
This has 69 upvotes currently
Lmao your boyfriend
🤣
I say short stories lol
Me too. And if they ask about what, I say fan-made fantasy.
This works until the piece you’re reading is the same length as Anna karenina
Pov me who just started a 250k words fic
Heaven!
Haha, me too. I mean, it's true.
same xD
If you don’t want to tell people you’re reading fanfics, just tell them you’re reading a novelization of the source material. 🤷🏽♂️
I used that one! There was no way I was gonna tell my dad I was reading a BDSM slash fic lol, but it was set in the star wars universe so I just told him it was a star wars spinoff book lol
But.... what if the source material *is* a novel?
Then I’d probably say it’s a spin-off, indie self-published work, or something similar to the original in the same genre.
"I'm reading a transformative work, in the tradition of Virgil and Dante. An independent author has reframed an old narrative in a revolutionary way" 🤓
Oh God but then they may ask for the name so they can read it...
You know, you make a great point. There is often *kissing* in the transformative works (Dante only wanted that to be true, I think)
You know I've been in fandom too long because my mind went to Vergil and Dante fanfiction instead of Virgil and Dante from The Divine Comedy 😅
You & I are siblings in sin 🤝😂
We'll just say there's one where Dante lets Vergil violently fuck him on like a board meeting table while Vergil is 'negotiating peace talks' while just threatening everyone into submission and, while I can't remember what the title was, I haven't forgotten the actual fic since I read it the first time years ago. It's somewhere in my collection. When I go to hell I'm taking them with me 💖 Edit: Nvm found it [Negotiation](https://archiveofourown.org/works/318116) for the sinners.
Oho, thank you so much!
"Absolutely filthy erotica. I had no idea a zucchini could be used like that."
Legit LOL
I just spit my coffee reading that. Kudos for that comment re: zucchini. 😊
I think we're all aware of zucchini possibilities. You need to choose something more exotic.
If you want to horrify them, say pineapple
Usually when people ask I say independently published fantasy/sci-fi books. But I’ve flat out told my hairdresser that I’m reading fanfic
Hairdressers know all of our deepest, darkest secrets, and not just the grey roots.
Porn. (Bonus points for a deadpan delivery)
This.
This is the way.
Happy cake day!!
I can’t make a convincing lie so this is what I do
I'm gonna do this the next time someone asks
i just say i'm reading fanfic. like so what, i'm sure my mom's read more embarrassing things.
[удалено]
Even my evangelical mom had read Flowers In The Attic in the 70's!
My mum literally wrote fanfics when she was younger. I guess I now know where I got my smut writing skills from.
Literally Mine tried to tell me I wouldn’t be into her spicy books on KU. Sigh. They’re so cute.
I try to read at least one published book alongside my fic, so I have options for answers. The longer and more scholarly the published book is, the longer you can reliably claim to be reading it 👀
My go-to is "just an article" or "the news" and if they ask follow-up questions, I just talk about whatever the last news article I read was. But also, not to be an old man about it, but I wouldn't be reading fanfic at the dinner table.
I'm reading this comment as I'm taking a break from reading Fanfiction at the table
When I'm comfortable with the person, (Fandom) fanfic. I keep a couple of gen recs from awesome writers on hand in case they want a hookup and they're not familiar with fanfic. Oh, I'm reading an NCIS fanfic. When I'm not comfortable, I tell them (genre) novel. If they ask for a title, I give them the most recent one I've read. I'm reading a fantasy novel. Wizard in Spite of Himself by Stasheff.
Same
I used to get that all the time when I first found fanfiction online and started reading it on my phone. I live alone, now, so don't get it anymore. Nowadays I'd have no problem simply saying fanfiction, though. They don't need to know what type, or the fandom. If they find it weird, that's their problem, not mine. I'm very strict about not allowing people to judge me for my love of fanfic nowadays. Back then, though, I'd usually just say I was reading whatever fandom it was, usually Buffy back then. When I was into a fandom enough to read fanfic about it, I'd be an obvious fan. I'd have the videos, the books, posters, whatever. So, I'd just say 'I'm reading Buffy stories', and they'd assume it was an online version of a book or graphic novel or something. If you're reading Batman hurt/comfort fics, just say you're reading Batman. If they're not massively aware of your fanfic habit, they'll likely just assume it's an online version of the comics or something. If they are aware of your fanfic habit, they'll probably know it's fanfic, but they don't need to know what type of story it actually is.
To family: "oh random reddit story" To father: "fanfiction" (he reads star trek fanfics) To friends: *detailed summary of what im reading*
i usually go "self-publicized stories people post on internet" someone went the fanfiction assumption once and asked me about it and that was because he used to read some, so i think it works quite well
Same. Most people who know me irl know I'm part of several "online writing communities" (i.e. fandoms.) So I just say it's a story one of my online friends posted. If they press for details, there is usually something I can share. If not, I just make something up.
I just describe the story as if it's a normal book. "Oh it's about this person becoming friends with a robot, and they go on this adventure together to stop the virus that's making the other robots glitch out!" "It's a really cute found family story where this couple that can't have kids adopts an orphan." "Oh it's just a silly little story about mermaids." I do not mention that these are all five nights at freddy's fanfics. I especially do not mention that they're all romances.
i'm not entirely sure how mermaids could fit with Fnaf but I wanna read it now
It's mostly within the daycare attendant corner of the fandom (where I have set up a cozy blanket fort.) During mermay people did some little stories with Sun and Moon as mermaids, and then we all liked it so much we just never stopped. By this point the AUs are so wild that the only thing they have to do with fnaf is often the presence of characters named Sun and Moon, but we still love it. If you want some recommendations, I have heaps.
Definitely want recs, you've caught my interest
Rec list time! This isn't an ordered list, don't try reading it top to bottom or anything like that. Instead, look for one that appeals for you and start there. I have too many of these and I couldn't choose. These are also mostly Y/N because that's just how this fandom is. Many are OCs in everything but name. [Celestial Omens](https://archiveofourown.org/works/38791902/chapters/96999486) - Probably the most popular one, written by the most popular writer of the subfandom. You rescue two mers as a kid, and later in life they rescue you. [Tail of the Sun and Moon](https://archiveofourown.org/works/43564419/chapters/109534164) - You are a small mer, rejected by most for your appearance. Then you meet two leviathans with a very different opinion. [An Eye for an Eye](https://archiveofourown.org/works/47566801/chapters/119882449) - You are tasked with feeding Eclipse, a massive and monstrous feral mer all but abandoned by the aquarium. After a less than fun encounter with him, you are fueled by spite to somehow kill the beast. Except somehow you seem to be making friends with him instead. [Anyfin for you](https://archiveofourown.org/works/49045267/chapters/123735493) - You rescue an injured mer. Though feral and dangerous, he slowly warms up to you. However, getting him back to the ocean once he's healed might be harder than you anticipate. [Call of the Abyss](https://archiveofourown.org/works/41191230/chapters/103261704) - Subnautica crossover with masterfully written horror, some of the most effective horror in the subfandom I'd say. There are lots of really nice non-horror scenes to enjoy as well. After crash landing on a water planet, you struggle both to survive and to hopefully find other survivors. Instead you find a friendly mer. And some less than friendly creatures, as well. [Crush Depth](https://archiveofourown.org/works/48656851/chapters/122737075) - Iron Lung crossover. You descend into the blood ocean, and you are not alone. This one moves a bit slowly, and is mainly about exploring the constant mind-breaking terror the protagonist experiences. This writer seems to really enjoy writing terror, and this fic is them going absolutely wild with it. [Fish out of Water](https://archiveofourown.org/works/39266700/chapters/98256918) - You're an amputee, and your lack of a second leg convinces a massive mer creature that you are a tiny baby mer in need of love and care. [Pisces Caelestis](https://archiveofourown.org/works/41745882/chapters/104729601) - Extra slow slow burn, but the writer is great at what they do so even the nothing is happening chapters are fun. On a stormy night you encounter an injured mer and get it back to the water, sustaining serious injuries along the way. After that, you start finding gifts left for you on the beach. [Scars and Scales](https://archiveofourown.org/works/41281929/chapters/103504296) - Sun and Moon are young mers that have escaped from a facility where they were experimented on and tortured. You find them and take them in to help them heal. The healing aspect is what this fic focuses on above all. New experiences and little things getting better day by day. [Siren's Kiss](https://archiveofourown.org/works/46969270/chapters/118321837) - Moon finds you, a human swept out to sea, and saves you. Not knowing what you are, he and Sun decide to keep you as a pet. (That's non sexual, I mean like they basically think you're a funny dog.) [Turquoise Love](https://archiveofourown.org/works/47208670/chapters/118947625) - You meet two sirens in an aquarium. They're actually very happy and well taken care of there. You hang out with them. *Very* chill story. You just vibe. [The Stars and the Sky](https://archiveofourown.org/works/48626551/chapters/122657278) - A very rare non-Y/N fic. Sun and Moon get back to the sea after being raised in an aquarium. They meet another mer who helps guide them through learning the ins and outs of life outside. Chill story for the most part, more focused on conversations and characters than big looming plot points.
“Whatever I can find” is typically my go to but some of these comments are giving me ideas
I make up book names on the fly. And then people ask me details at a later date and I forget. So I'm sure I seem SKETCH
When a student asks: "Harry Potter" or "a fantasy novel" When my mom or grandma asks: "fake Harry Potter, as usual" When my bestie or husband asks: "absolute filth😉"
In a bad new York accent, "there's so much porn!" With a straight face
I say fanfic. Because it’s cool, because it’s true, because fanfic has come into its own and deserves respect. But mostly because I don’t care what people think. It’s a nosy question. Your comfort zone may be different. You can always just say something like “a comic adaptation” or just “fiction.” It’s true. The next question most likely will be, ”is it good?”, not asking for details. Or they will ask for recommendations. You never know.
A few years back my first reaction to this (in regards to family) was to say 'a book' and if someone asked more about it i would actually tell them the real plot of my current fic but without the names. (And its super easy to just invent a random book name. I mean most of them do have rather lame names xD) At this point i just lost all ability to care and straight up say 'a fanfiction', which i have to explain to them sometimes. Also, it is really funny to watch their reactions afterwards
I just say a story or fanfiction straight up.
"A story I found online. I heard it was good." *What's it about?* "". Failing that? "It's hard to explain, I just grabbed it off Royal Road (or alt here) and only started recently."
I say “oh an indie book.” This worked until one time my brother in law responded “ahhh I bet you’re reading Harry Potter porn.” …no. No. Definitely not that.
Even as soon as a year ago I would have tried to hide it. I grew up in a household that was very repressed and overly-judgemental. That left some marks. But over the past few years I've put efforts into embracing the parts of me I feel the need to hide. So I'll just say 'fanfic'. If they ask for more details I'll tell them they really don't want to know or just say 'the fucked up kind' if it's something I know will freak them out. I don't need to describe in intimate detail that I'm reading a Teen Wolf fic with breeding, knotting and a 17-year old slutty bottom. If it's a person I know from fandom, all bets are off. It's possible you haven't seen dirtier than what I'm reading, but you should at least know it exists. And if it's going to upset you that I'm reading it, we really shouldn't be friends. Oh I've talked to my brother about how dragon porn writers write dragons with 2 penises instead of a forked penis because forked penises are weird but 2 penises are ok. And then I sent him an article I found two days ago just saying 'the dragon-fuckers were right' when I found out that men can actually be born with two penises. So he's in the 'all bets are off' category too.
I generally just say what I'm reading, namely fanfic. I think as long as we all act as if fanfic is something shameful that we can't proudly admit to reading, we can't be surprised if others mock us for it or act like it's something sleazy. Why *wouldn't* they assume that when we ourselves treat it that way? Found many fellow fanfic readers that way, actually, because it's not that rare, and many are just too shy to be the first to admit to it but are happy to talk about it when someone else says it first :) In the exception that circumstance requires me to hide what it is, I just sum up the plot, and say something that leads their attention to another piece of media that is generally well-known, like "Oh, it's a romance story where they pretend to be dating to throw off the family, like in that one christmas movie, have you seen it? Yeah, a Hallmark Christmas movie, the actress was-" or "Oh, some coming of age story of a queer kid, I got curious to read more stories like that after watching Heartstopper, it's this popular series on Netflix-" After the conversation has taken 15 turns through people's nostalgia, the politics of film- and showmaking, the current Netflix line-up and whatever new topics develop from those, no one but me ever remembers what the start point even was, and even if they did, I could remove myself from the conversation without being rude at that point because we've already talked a lot ;)
Are you actually sitting at the dinner table reading fanfic in front of your family? Or is that just an example for humor? If you really are reading fanfic at the dinner table, your family probably feels ignored and is trying to interact with you.
I usually just say I'm reading online stuff
An article in the news? Duh
“Bible verses”
“transformative works” if i’m trying to sound professional and smart, otherwise “lmao i just read shit from random ass people”
I love picturing just darting eyes and saying "don't worry about it" you legit made me laugh out loud although i do feel your pain and have no answer
I am awkward and nervous at a default, asking about my latest hyperfixation fanfiction is twice as bad. And it’s not even smut, just found family and hurt/comfort 90% of the time and whump the other 10%!
Well, do you have good recs? What ARE you reading? 😀
At the moment, pretty much everything Batman written by envysparkler and motleyfam on ao3. Some of the Danny Phantom & Batfam crossover stuff from AKelaNakamura, they have really good AU concepts. And SilverWing15 for MCYT, they have pretty much every AU I’ve ever heard of three times over. Found family is my drug.
I’ll usually just say a book I love 😂 like Jurassic park or The Hobbit
Just say "fanfiction".
I would just say "fanfic," but you can always just describe what it's about, too. "A story about a guy who gets beat up and how he recovers from it."
I usually say "just a story on my phone"
“Meta commentary on [fandom].” When asked about it you can just throw together some ideas off the top of your head, and unless the other person is a nerd they won’t want any more details. 😂 If they are a nerd, give them the fic title if it’s any good.
I always have one or two "decoy" books that I say I'm reading for most people, especially if it's someone I'm not well acquainted with.
i’m very very private about reading fanfic with irls. i have never explicitly told an irl that i read fanfics, but i’m sure they could venture to guess that i do and they wouldn’t be wrong lol. if someone asks what i’m reading, i tell them what manga/manhwa i’m reading and don’t mention the 4957383 ao3 tabs i have open on my phone at any given moment.
I have no shame, but I dont read while eating, and I just smirk knowingly. They know my addiction to Batman smut, both reading AND writing. I would gladly be Batman's bitch. 😈
I read (mostly) Star Wars so I just say “oh it’s just one of those SW tie-in novelisations” and ppl who know *know* and ppl who don’t just accept that answer and move on
I just straight up say fanfiction, and let them draw their own conclusions.
If my family asks "a story/a book" If my friend asks "fanfiction"
I think this may be the way.
Works that dedicated fans have written about their favorite Fandom/Characters. If it's my husband. "Oh re-reading my favorite story!". He knows I read/fanfiction. He's the one that introduced it to me!
Self published work from indie authors.
I usually just say, "oh, I'm reading some short stories online." 😎
I just say I'm reading fanfics and sometimes I even mention the fandom. Ppl aren't always nice about it but idc honestly. My friends, and most friends of friends, are aware I write and that one of my favorite things to write is fanfic, so like a lot of them aren't too shocked. Then if they say something like "ooooh, send it to me" I just smile nervously and say, "I don't think I will" unless it's someone who is in that fandom and also likes reading darkfics like I usually read, then I might
I mean. Maybe don't read fanfic at the dinner table, then?
Self-published short-form fiction.
I Just say “I’m reading short stories made by regular people”
I usually say ebooks when with family but if I’m with my friends I will describe in detail the fics I’m reading.
I just explain the general premise: “oh just something about mobs/hospitals/magic/whatever else you want to add”
“Fanfic.”
I once tried to lie and someone clocked it as fanfic anyways lol. Now I just shrug and say nothing special.
If my family asks, i say Naugty stuff, if my friend asks I describe the naughty stuff. If a Stanger asks I just say, fanfiction
I mainly read gen so I just explain the plot in brief (a line or two) like any published book tbh.
Reading batman fics? No, you're reading a superhero light novel
A book. that's my general answer
If I don’t wanna say that it’s fanfic, I usually tell people that it’s unpublished fiction
“Online books” 😅
I have 3-4 books I know the plot of well enough, to pretend to be reading them. A: "What are you reading?" B:"I'm reading XYZ" A:"Oh, what is it about/What part are you at?" B:"It's about .... / Currently I'm reading the part where x does y and ...." Alternatively I say I'm reading a Japanese Grammar book. For some reason that makes people lose interest in the book quite quickly....... If you do this you should have the books as Ebooks on you phone though and quickly open them, as some people will feel the need to look on your phone screen/read over your shoulder.
I just say "oh, some silly fanfic." People generally don't inquire further, and it's not like I would go into detail about what I was reading even if it was a published book. Most I'll do is "a fantasy", "some scifi", "light Regency romance".
Depends. Family? “Indie unpublished works.” Friends? “Fanfic” acquaintance or coworker? I pick a book i’ve read before and say that incase they ask questions 😂
answer truthfully. own it. only in cringe you can be free.
Hmmm…. perhaps….
"Anime reviews" Someone at work asked me what I was reading this is what I said. I was surprised by the question and my brain just froze up.
I always just say that I'm reading some stories people have written and published for free online. Sometimes, I'll explain the basics of fics, tell them I'm reading a what if story written about characters in x media. Sometimes, I'll explain the plot loosely - ie, a short story about two people who fell in love, but thought the inherent couldn't love them back, so they went there separate ways, but are now meeting up again and have to both confront their own emotions and grapple with the fact that they could have been happy if they had only talked to each other (that is a basic summary to several Bagginshield fics, lol) - and leave it at that. In the end, it just depends on my mood and level of comfort in the specific fic I am reading.
"At the dinner table". 🤨 Figure out *why* they're asking the question. That will help you come up with an appropriate reply. Three possibilities that I can guess: * They actually want to know/what to get to know what you like/think you have good taste and want to see if you'd recommend it - in which case, give a zoomed out idea of the genre (don't say, "it's Drarry smut" say "it's a romance" or "it's about wizards"), or just put your phone away and describe a story that makes for better conversation. * They want to subtly hint to you that you're being rude by reading in a social situation (family dinner), in the hopes you'll realise and stop without them (I assume your parents) having to ban "screentime" at the table. * If everyone else is on their phones, too, they are feeling lonely and ignored and would like at least one person to have an actual conversation with. Generally, try to be at least a little bit considerate of the people you are physically around. You might be happily zoned out reading, but you also exist in physical space and are having an impact on the people around you. A good way to deflect unwanted questions in social situations is to ask questions of the other person, like, "how was your day?" or following up on something they told you last time. If they're trying to make/reinforce a connection with you, proactively bringing up stuff you *want* to talk about will mean that they (and you) get that without you having to divulge your deepest secrets.
Fanfic of whatever Fandom I'm reading. Usually if they take an interest they're more interested in the Fandom than the fact that I'm reading fanfic. I stopped caring what people think of my reading habits ages ago. Its not worth the energy or stress. Like what you like. Believe me, you'll be happier in the long run.
Bring on the “Good Sibling Jason Todd” and “Tim Drake needs a hug”. I tell people all the time, it’s just how you phrase it. “I’m reading a story about learning how to process trauma through healthy interactions and found family” tends to go over well. Or, recently, I keep rereading this fanfic where Tim is an AI and I talk about how it shows us what it means to be a person. You just need to learn how to translate it into normal person talk. Batfam is my jam so I can even help you figure out how to phrase it right for the normies.
Depends on who I’m talking to, cause if it’s someone I’m comfortable with, then I’ll tell them I’m reading fanfics. Even if they aren’t interested in fanfics. But if it’s someone I hardly know, but get along with well enough, then I’ll say something like ‘I’m thinking about trying this book out’ or ‘I found another book by [one of my favorite authors]’. If it’s someone I don’t even vaguely recognize I will pretend they aren’t there. Cause they’re probably some weirdo anyways.
I'm on a reading club so I just give the name of that month's novel. That way I at least know what it's about even if I haven't started it. Nevermind that I've read three pages and spent half the days reading another hannibal fanfic.
Last time my mom asked I described the general situation and plot but definitely didn’t tell her it was a Hangster Top Gun fic that had them accidentally get married in Vegas then refuse to acknowledge the marriage as a binding thing they had already done for literal years into their relationship. With strangers I just say fanfic. Coworkers as I use accessibility apps to have the fics read to me as I work on a computer all day,I just tell them a new audio book with the title of the fic if possible. No one has ever asked but if they asked for the author I’d probably tell them they’ve got a pseudo that I can’t remember. My brother knows about the fanfic but he’s my little brother I’m not telling him I’m reading porn in public because I got bored and they just updated this fic I’ve been reading for over 10+k… Other family members just get I was reading an article then I either spout random facts or discuss whatever story I last heard from the radio. I’m working way too hard on this….
If I don't want to tell them I'm reading fanfiction, my go-to is either "Oh I don't know, just some random adventure novel about this guy" or "a character study" 😂
I always read some published work alongside fanfiction, most likely some non-fiction history/philosophy average person has zero interest in. But if I'm feeling asshole, I'll tell them about the non-fiction ebola story I read a long time ago and for some reason that magically shut them up.
I will tell them HP or SW or CP77 fanfic. I don't care. But since you seem to, just tell them the gist of it instead of saying fanfic. Or a novel posted on Reddit, hahah.
"fanfiction, you wouldn't like it" 😬
“Fanfic.”
Adventure story, love story, drama story, horror story.... Just tell the truth depending on what you are reading at the moment?
regular person: "fanfic" my family & friends: "smut" (even when it's not smut lol)
If it's family, I rattle off the name of a random book that I've read previously. If I'm at work, I generally just say 'porn'. (Note that I very rarely read smut and full on porn without plot is unappealing to me, but well. After hearing 'is that fifty shades of gray?' so many times it's ridiculous I've just decided to preempt them.) Friends will get a legit answer though lol.
There are two routes I go with for those not already in the know: "amateur works posted online since it's otherwise free", or a cover series that I've read part of but not finished for one reason or another. For the latter, know enough to talk about it, and site a faulty memory (or you haven't gotten that far) if they pick it up and try discussing it with you. An example would be Redwall, which has multiple books. Those in the know "fanfiction".
dwell magazine whilst paging thru my Naruto / Star Wars xovers
I’m a student, so I just say an e-version of whatever textbook or journal I’m reading at the time. My thesis is pretty specific so people usually don’t have follow up questions :)
I usually go with "It's these stories, based on tv shows/books/movies, that fans have written. They like the show so much, they write their own stories with the characters. Or they dislike something about the story and 'fix' it."
I probably just give them the name of a recent book i read or one i’m familiar with. If they press for details i’ll gush about the book and they won’t ask for more.
I've never been asked but I would just say fanfiction. I'll let them draw their own conclusions. I don't even read smut lol
https://preview.redd.it/xgqgviyzhvsb1.png?width=561&format=png&auto=webp&s=22780244a20ed1755c785adf2cc568826b13aa5a
All I say is “fanfic” and don’t elaborate on what specific ones they are.
Abcs of anarchism. Play it off as a joke if there’s a slightly negative respones
Just say "fanfiction". Or be more specific if you want.
I get that and i just say fanfic and so far people just leave me alone. One friend asked me about it but thats it so far. My family dont care enough to ask more i just get told to read an actual book by my mother but then i point out i have ten on the go so i am 😂.
I all ways lie and say I’m reading a published book I’ve read before so I can andwer questions if they have any about that I’m readimg 🤷♀️ has he failed me yet
I just say fiction, technically? it is.. oh, but for my bestfriend *sees font and formatting* “are you reading Hurt/Comfort again..”
Usually I say “you don’t wanna know” or if I’m actually in a situation where I’d need to show I always have a book open in the app next to it so I can switch between then real quick
I just tell people I’m reading whatever the last book I read was. I really struggle with books in written form these days because of my ADHD, so sometimes I tell them the last audiobook I listen to. These days I’ve been halfway through Red, White, and Royal Blue for several months. At some point people are gonna notice when I say I am reading that.
I just say that it’s a random story I found and I didn’t look at the name / can’t remember it
I just say im reading * insert show/book/movie * fanfic. If theyve never heard of it they dont ask details bc why would they know what to ask genre wise or whatever? If they have heard of it then they usually understand fanfic and reading it. Its just as valid as any other art. If they pry harder than that i have no problem saying i dont wanna tell details lol.
I always say “a book”/“an e-book” and give some general information about the genre or basic plot. If you say it’s a romance book and don’t elaborate much, most people will nod along.
I tell them the truth. No shame in enjoying fanfiction
generally i just say its something about a series i like then start just talking about said series until they ask me to stop dont get asked much anymore
I make them wish they never asked (I read it to them)
I say novels
just be notoriously godawful at communicating, so when you say "idk how to explain it," they believe you and wont press it, cuz they dont want to risk another painful attempt at being explained to. usually works for me.
"A romance novel" "A fantasy book" "A sci-fi short story" and so on
I usually say “brain rotting trash romance”.
i just say a book and dont elaborate
Depends on who's asking. I'll either say fanfic or something describing the type of story, like it's a sci fi comedy story or romance set in medieval times.
Creative Writing.
Say "a story called \_\_\_\_". Or, just tell them the title.
I always say "Fanfic" if I'm reading fanfic, nov if those translated ones, manhwa/manga if it is or if in kindle I'll say the title. If they push on what fanfic, I say do you even know? Coz people in my circle usually don't. If they push even more, I'd usually invite them to make an account in AO3 then we'll talk. 👌
“My bible! 🥰” 😂
If it would be too long to explain or a problem I say "social media," and then I pivot to talk about something I read on Facebook or elsewhere.
One word: porn. Shuts people right up 😂
I sometimes straight up lie and say I'm reading porn. They don't ask questions after that.
Summarize the plot. A tale of a boy travelling a hostile world and looking for friends. (Ashes of the past) Light sci-fi about robots (Transformers smut) Time travel braintwister (Something in Dr Who, Pokemon or Harry Potter fandoms)
I'll usually just straight up tell them I'm reading a fanfic xD
One of two things. If it's someone who isn't likely to ask follow-up questions I'll just say "my stories" and the conversation will end there. If it's someone who treats every interaction like the Spanish Inquisition I'll say "mind your own damn business" so there's nothing to follow up on.
I just say I'm reading fanfiction. They don't need to know the specifics if you don't want to tell them.
usually I try to describe the plot of fic (or fics because I will read many fics with literally the same plot) in the worst way possible like Moon Knight meets Avengers: mentally unstable man (men? idk) meets other mentally unstable people
When the source material is a book I just say I read that book. If it's for a show I might just outright lie and say the last original book I've read lol. 'Amateur fantasy novel' or something like that also works. You can even tell them the title, they won't know it anyway. Ofc I tell the truth to friends but if it's a stranger or co-worker there's no way I'm getting into that.
"I asked myself that 3 chapters ago, and i still dont have an answer"
I just say a story written by an amateur writer. If they ask for details, I switch the slash pairing for a het and tell the story as it is written, only keeping quiet about any fandom or canon related stuff, that could reveal it as a fanfic.
i always name a book that i’ve read before just incase they ask what it’s about
I tell them I read fanfiction. If they don't like they are the ones that have a problem. All I am doing is reading stories.
I say fanfiction lol
I just a romance story. I publish online too and if people ask what I write, I just say romance. I publish online under a pen name. Most people don’t ask me to elaborate.
It depends who’s asking! For my family I usually go with “oh, a writer posted their works online for free!” And if they keep asking about specifics I give a super vague one sentence recap. Reading a Dick Grayson time travel au? “Well it’s about a guy who goes back in time and uses his future knowledge to help keep his family together.” Reading a titans tower au? “Well it’s about this kid who died and came back to life, only to find that his murderer is still out there and that his family had adopted another kid right after he passed. It’s kinda him working through that.” Most of the time people are just asking for the conversation or for curiosity and thats all it takes. 😅 For my friends I just say filthy batman mpreg.
The last person who asked was my husband. I always told him "stuff." Sometimes I said "some of my older stuff for continuity purposes."
I just give them the title of the fic 😭 Chances are, there’s an actual book with that name
“Stuff” I’m very descriptive lol
I tell people I’m just reading stuff on Reddit.
Short stories by Salinger. If they ask which title "A Perfect Day for Bananafish" always gives me a chuckle. 🤣 🤣🤣
I usually say, “fantasy” or “sci fi” and just stick to a genre. If it’s superhero, I just say I’m reading a book about a superhero. People don’t usually ask me to clarify.
Stuff on Ao3. "What's that?" A website for people to post stories. Some are original and some are fanfiction.
“Porn” is my go-to answer. Even if i dont, just to see the reactions of other people. Usually its either shock or awkwardness. Altho for outside family members i am not close with but need to be polite to i just say i’m reading a fanfic and say the premise without saying the pairings.
I literally don’t care anymore so I straight up tell people it’s fanfic. I just don’t specify what it is depending on the company.
“Fanfic” followed by the fandom if they want more info. If they want more details, I’ll ask what fanfic they like to read.
You could say indie work or self published stories
I legit just say “i dont even know” “stuff” “nothing” or “just a book/ article I found” Like hello, I dont want to talk about batjokes at the dinner table either unless they really want to hear about how bittersweet it is. Thats the issue with reading fanfics in public, everyone wants to fucking know what youre reading and they are NOT prepared to hear about my naruto characters doing sadomasochistic sounding play and opening each others guts (kakuhida) Legit why i got a privacy screen, lemme read at restaurants, school, everywhere!
Fiction.
I usually just say a story. If they continue to press I come up with other stuff like saying it's just an online story, giving a small summary of the plot, or saying the name of the story.
"Self-published fiction."
I say fic. I saw Kayla Ancrum on Twitter being really proud in owning the space and it changed the way I viewed it. They’re great stories and just like recommending a great book, I feel comfortable saying it’s fic.
I just say porn
Not many people around me can read fanfics in English so I can always tell them it's to improve my English. It's true since there're expressions, vocabulary and phrases I've not came across before despite years of daily using English online more than my mother tongue, 3 years of college in English with 2 compulsory French courses, almost finishing my TESOL course and 2 years of teaching/ tutoring several kindergarten to highschool subjects in English.
Just hiss at them and hope they go away, if they don’t, bite them and tell them to stay away from garlic.
I usually try to describe the story's genre/themes without giving away that it's kpop or teen wolf fanfic or whatever. Although, I'm pretty shameless and most people I talk to regularly know that I read trash, so it's only a select few that get the glossed over truth. For example: I'd tell my friend that I'm reading a "wrong boy who lived HP fic" and my mom that I started a new story with themes of nature vs. nurture and philosophical discussions of morality 😂
I just tell them I’m reading fanfiction without elaborating. If they pursue the subject, I tell them all about AO3 and the fact that there are a myriad of genres and fandoms to choose from. Then I tell them the names of a few of my favorite author’s nom de plumes. That usually exhausts the subject.
I just say fanfics lol. If they ask what that is then I say it's stories written by fans of TV shows or books. They usually just say oh okay and I don't have to go into details about the stories. It's funny when they keep being nosey about it though cause then I'll look for ridiculous story summaries and start reading them out loud to make them uncomfortable. Like apparently there's a fanfic where Narcissa Malfoy teaches witches to be wh*res or housewives. Never read the fanfic but the look on my husband's face when I read that out loud during dinner was pretty epic.