I was going through my D’s browser history earlier and found that she has been spending a lot of time on websites called “archiveofourown” and “fanfiction”. After a bit of research, I have learned that these websites are used for reading and writing this thing called “fanfiction” where fans of things write stories about the characters or something. All of this just sounds like a waste of time to me, and I keep trying to tell my D that she should only be dedicating time to things she can put on a college application! I don’t know what to do! How do I stop her from participating in this “fanfiction” while she should be doing more important things that will help her get into college? I’d try to take away her computer, but she claims she is doing homework.
Fanfiction is merely a new outlet for a practice of literary appropriation which stretches back to Shakespeare, at least. You’re upset that your daughter is spending her time reading and writing creative work?
What you should do is,allow your daughter to continue using a creative outlet. Not everything they do should be geared towards getting into college. Want your kid to tune out, drop out and burn out? Stop her from having time to do what she wants and needs to do. Nothing wrong with fan fiction.
And as far as college-preparatory activity goes, there is a lot more to be said for reading and writing as a hobby than there is for, say, tennis or football. Nothing against sports, but those activities are in a lot less demand than language skills and a fertile imagination.
My kids love fan fiction. Reading it, trying their hand at writing it. Leave her alone. If she has pretty good grades and other interests, she is fine. And stop reviewing her browser history.
Why would colleges object to students using their free time to read, write, and search out places where they can submit what they’ve written and offer suggestions to other writers? She sounds like a creative, self-motivated student. I’d encourage both of those traits.