I came to that conclusion shortly after poring through Aven's forums, and there are just so many different experiences and preferences that I did feel a lot freer with my intentions and choices. I actually got quite excited over what I learned over there. Basically, the possibilities are endless, and I knew then that there would be some ace's that I wouldn't map to. It took me a while to stop spiraling through all the countless plot bunnies and settle on just the one, but the eyes are still there. Watching.

Even if they do, it will either be or not be simply his or her experience of asexuality.

I think that trying to be all things to all people is how a lot of fics go off the rails. Or, what Amy said.

The first rule of writing: You can't please everybody all the time. Better to try and please yourself.

This is true, but it's hard not to hope that what pleases you will please other people. At the very least, I'd like to get them thinking. Even a scathing critique (that is not simply nastiness for the sake of being nasty, a la TWOP) would be a sign of some kind of engagement with the text.

Complete left turn: Does anyone know what happens if you get arrested for hustling/hooking when you're an adult? Like, is there actual jail time involved?

This is true, but it's hard not to hope that what pleases you will please other people. At the very least, I'd like to get them thinking. Even a scathing critique (that is not simply nastiness for the sake of being nasty, a la TWOP) would be a sigh of some kind of engagement with the text.

Oh, absolutely. But I think first you should always write what turns *you* on, not what you think the market will bear, or what the most people will comment on.

And I agree wholeheartedly with what you said about critique -- a YA blogger reviewed Cold Kiss and mostly loved it, but she was so funny and dead-on about the things she didn't like, and why, I was cheering through the whole thing because she obviously thought about it, and really engaged with the book.

Amy, would that depend on the state?

I think that what really scared me was the idea that since I had asked a question, I suddenly felt the fic being threatened (not really, just in my crazy brain) to turn into some afterschool special, and I think my research is doing a good enough job at that.

It would, but I'm thinking in general, or most states.

Amy, it looks like there is a fine and a probationary period: [link] although other links (California) seem to indicate some jail time.

Thanks, Julie!

Okay, Julie, I read the rest of apokteino's trilogy, and it's not what you're thinking of. But it is massively fucked up. And I checked the warnings--possible dub con. Yet? In the story? Seems so aware of being messed up and complicated.

I mean, it's different from the Cas-fellating-Colt story because we actually get a number of different POVs, but it seems pretty clear in the story that Cas is the only one that doesn't think there are consent issues. Weird.

Julie, you're brave to write asexual in fandom, but, yeah, in the end you gotta tell your story, not the possible story of everyone reading.

Thanks ita.

And to respond to your first post that outed me (bitch, I have an ulcer now, even though I feel much much better) I am delighted to hear that you're unsure what to root for! I think that was one of the nicest comments I've gotten. I still can't believe the fucking fluff I'm writing. . .

Actually, no, the nicest thing you said was that after being unimpressed with the D/C out there, you singled out mine. I'm fucking flabbergasted.

Am now reading apokteino's third fic because of you, damnit (still not seeing how it relates to the other two).