i definitely think you need to read a mix. reading fic helps you understand what you like and don't like in fandom spaces, like interpretations of your little guys, jokes, themes, etc. but ultimately fic writers aren't (usually) paid professionals that are the most polished and perfect writers in the world. there's flaws and human error and stylistic stuff that's uncommon in novels, and that's what makes fic unique. that's why it's important to also read books you know, because these are vetted by editors and they go through publishing houses and they're fine tuned to be consumed and critiqued from a literary stand point. there's an element of trust that you can put into a published book that it will be professionally written and professionally executed, whereas there's a level of connection you can put into a fic writer that their fic will be personal and lovingly written because they love the characters in a way published work can't exactly provide

but i also think that you should read fic for fun, not because you want to study it or what not. of course you can sit down and read your favourite fics to get a firmer grasp on what kind of writing style you like, but ultimately i'm not going to tell you to read stray kids fan fiction for the purposes of becoming a better writer. just read skz fic because you want to, and if you become a better writer bc of it then that's all the better

rs isn't dead... not yet... don't say those words i'm gonna keep responding

i definitely empathise with you, and i get where you're coming from, but if you find yourself getting this frustrated/upset with someone, you really have to just block and move on. it seems like you've been holding this in for a while, and i definitely think talking about it to a friend helps, but ultimately you lose when you keep paying attention to this writer, whoever it is. just block or mute and move on, good fics aren't really worth this level of discomfort on your part. maybe it's a waste, maybe it's a shame, but really it's a waste on your part because you're wasting time thinking someone is gonna change when they seem set. there's other fics and writers out there to indulge in, don't get too hung up

it isn't that deep, but also it's twt and fic so it's the most important thing ever. i get it, trust. it's definitely weird and shady but what can you really do if they seem set? some people just suck and it's important that you take steps to make your space align to your tastes than it is to change the people that suck

i appreciate it very much 🥹 my favourite kunle clip is from that same live, where chenle is cutieful singing december 24 by d.ear while kun is rummaging in the background cursing out his shitty clothing rack. i've always loved that soft, understated kind of kunle dynamics, because kun gets so exasperated/frustrated/upset with chenle, but you can always see him take a deep inhale, then exhale and soften up for chenle, all while chenle is plotting how to mess with him next. exasperated and begrudgingly fond kun is my favourite kind of kun in all kun ships, and it pairs so well with stinky kitty chenle hehe. i miss them ough bring my beautiful gege didi pairing back together... also free love and marine turtle 🥺 how they both love classical music and piano... they're the perfect couple your honour...

your timing is really funny anon, because rn i'm going through the worst writer's block i've had since... maybe august of last year. i'm right there with you :')

especially recently, i think i've gone through a really intense bout of overthinking too. i stare at my wips and the fics i've posted recently and i can't help thinking "man, does anyone actually want to read this who even cares". my current wips are fics i was really excited to outline and plot out, but after finishing the outline and opening the doc, nowadays i just keep staring at the meagre amount i've written already and feel this overwhelming sense of wow i'm pretty sure no one will give a shit about this. which is frustrating, because i love writing. i want to write all the time too, and i think about writing all the time as well

i think it really depends on why you started writing in the first place. i started writing because no one was really consistently writing the ships i liked, and it felt valuable to contribute to my favourite ships and tags. but since then, now there's dedicated renle writers and more chenle ship writers than ever before and people that are so much better than me posting and i feel so daunted, like i don't really have a place in ficdom anymore. is that dramatic. LOL sorry. but to that point, "holy shit two cakes" you know, there's bound to be people out there that will enjoy your stuff. it's hard not to compare yourself to others, but i think about how some of my favourite fics are really unpopular and not really ships/fics people think about, and i think about how much joy i've gotten reading every single renle/chenle fic i've seen, regardless if it has 500 kudos or 5.

and ultimately, everyone says this but it's true, you have to write for yourself. you have to write because it's a hobby not because you feel a contractual obligation to add to x tag or x ship, you have to write because you like it. find some other writer friends who will glaze you, share your progress with people you trust, just remember ot have fun with it because ultimately writing is supposed to be fun. why isn't writing fun for you? what's the root of your frustrations? take some breathing space to dissect why you've lost motivation, and then work your way through that. let's get through the agonies together anon :)