How did I get into Ao3 fanfiction you ask? Well, it kind of started from the viral Ghost Call of Duty TikToks.
My journey with Archive of Our Own (Ao3 fanfiction) began in a rather unusual way. I was scrolling through TikTok one day when I came across a video of a Call of Duty edit for this character called Ghost. As someone who has a thing for men when I can’t see their faces (don’t judge me, there’s just something about not being able to see their faces that makes them so attractive), I was obviously immediately drawn to the video due to his iconic skull mask. Speaking of weakness for hot guys, if you are into attractive fictional men like I do, then you might want to check out this list!
This led me to start looking for more fan-made content related to the game to satisfy my cravings and “thirst”, and that’s when I finally caved and bravely dove into the world of fan fiction on Archive of Our Own (AO3). AO3 is a nonprofit, open-source platform that hosts fan fiction, poetry, and other forms of fan-created content. It has become one of the most popular and widely used fan fiction websites in the world and for good reason. It’s a place I’ve long avoided due to intimidating content and stigma against “fan-fictions”, but I have never been happier for finally checking it out.
At first, I was skeptical about reading stories written by amateur authors especially ones like AO3 fanfiction.
I had my doubts about the quality of writing and the overall legitimacy of fan fiction as a form of literature. I’ve tried Wattpad before and had a horrible time due to the lacklustre writing quality, so my expectations were non-existent. However, my tune changed when I read my first piece on AO3.
To my shock, the writing on AO3 was…excellent. The authors on the site were incredibly talented, and the stories they wrote were captivating and well-written. The ones for Ghost (what I went there for) had an intriguing plot and perfect pacing. The author had done an excellent job of capturing the character and the world of the game. The plot was intriguing, and the pacing was perfect.
As I continued to explore AO3, I discovered that this wasn’t a one-off experience.
I found myself reading more and more fan fiction, and eventually, I couldn’t get enough. AO3 became my go-to destination for reading stories, and it has since become an integral part of my reading experience.
One of the things that I love most about AO3 is the diversity of stories available. The site is home to fan fiction from all kinds of fandoms, and the stories cover a wide range of genres and themes. Whether you’re looking for a romance, an action adventure, or a mystery, you’re sure to find something that suits your taste.
AO3 has also become a community for me. The authors on the site are incredibly supportive and engaged with their readers. They respond to comments and feedback, and they are constantly working to improve their writing and storytelling skills. This level of engagement is something that you don’t often find in traditional publishing, and it makes the experience of reading fan fiction on AO3 that much more rewarding.
Another aspect of AO3 that I find unique is the level of creativity and experimentation that goes into the stories. Because fan fiction is not bound by the same rules and constraints as traditional publishing, authors have the freedom to take their stories in new and exciting directions. They can explore different characters, timelines, and universes, and they can push the boundaries of what is possible in their writing. This level of creativity is something that I find truly inspiring, and it keeps me coming back to AO3 for more.
Overall I highly recommend you to check it out, especially if you are starving for a certain kind of content not found elsewhere. My journey from being drawn to AO3 by a Ghost Call of Duty edit on TikTok to becoming an avid reader of AO3 has been a transformative one. The excellent writing on the site has opened my eyes to the potential of fan fiction as a form of literature, and the community and creativity of the authors have made it an incredibly rewarding and enjoyable experience. I highly recommend AO3 to anyone who is looking for a new and exciting reading experience, especially for those who are fans of the game like me, you may be surprised at how much you enjoy it.
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