The Chaotic Soapbox - Episode 7

What the Hell Is Fanfic?

If you’ve ever wondered why smart, grown women are out here writing 120 chapters of Jarlena angst, this episode is for you.

Rachael, Jenn, and guest Sion get into how fanfic pulled them in, the wildly specific internet rabbit holes that kept them there, and why soap fans started rewriting the stories they weren’t getting on screen.

They talk fluff, fix-its, AUs, porn with plot, and the emotional payoff fanfic delivers when the show absolutely refuses to. It’s funny, a little filthy, deeply fannish, and surprisingly heartfelt — especially when the conversation turns to writing as craft, community, and a very real creative identity.

Also: yes, the 90s were a different time, and yes, people really did email each other the spicy bits.