Reader Reflections

The Evolution of Fanfiction from Secret Hobby to Publishing Powerhouse Twenty years ago, the word “fanfiction” or “fanfics” was not in the lexicon of common media. Those of us who were around and reading fanfiction in the early 2000s were quiet about it, discreet. Flat out secretive. Like anime, it wasn’t something people talked about, and if they did, they were shamed for it. Luckily, times have changed, and the public awareness surrounding fanfiction has grown thanks to the

In Defense of Sciona Freynan (and Women Who Refuse to Apologize for Ambition) One of the most isolating feelings I’ve experienced in my short life has been moments when I’ve looked around a room full of women and convinced myself I was the only person who was fed up with the status quo. I was the only person who wanted more. I felt this often growing up in a conservative religious setting. I’m older and wiser enough now to know that perception isn’t everything – I’m sure ther

Because redemption means keeping authors accountable for their characters' flaws. If you’ve ever listened to the podcast Jac and I host, Book Talk for BookTok, then you know we are consistent: consistently critical of characters and their journeys. When we covered Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) and then A Court of Mist and Fury (ACOMAF), we were shocked at the outcry from our listeners who were appalled at our critical comments about Rhysand, High Lord o

Since the dawn of modern media, women have been taught to do everything necessary to “win the man,” including tearing down their sisters in arms.