/reader fics

[u/Icy-Specific986]

Not sure how to start this post, so I guess some context might be the way to go.

I like some really niche, small fandoms. Unfortunately that means that my options, especially when it comes to pairings and just overall romance, are often very limited. Because of that, I usually give everything a try, even fics that usually wouldn’t appeal to me.

But one thing I could never really get into are /reader fics (I’m I writing this right? Is there another name for it?). The whole “you did x” and “you held y’s hand” kind of thing never sort of clicked with me, because it feels like I’m being personally and directly addressed by the author and… that’s just sorta weird?

But like I said, by my own sins (aka liking tiny fandoms) I’m running out of reading material. So I’m just wondering if maybe I’m reading and/or interpreting /reader fics wrong? Like, is there some sort of “mentality” or “view” that you have to have to properly enjoy them?

And just to be clear, I’m not complaining about /reader fics or anything like that. I genuinely want to try to read them, but I never quite manage to because of the reasons above, and want to change that.

Sorry if this post doesn’t make any sense, I could barely make it make sense to myself in my head, much less trying to explain to other people.

[u/cc-chct_]

I first read something written in second person, like forever ago, and I remember it sounded weird. it's OK and it's not disrespectful to be startled by it lol

it's just because you're not used to seing "you" in writing without it being directly addressed to you - really you, so it reaaaally feels like a letter. if you stick with it a bit though, you'll gloss over the pronoun like you do most pronouns. (I actually prefer it now, because there's less he and she everywhere)

I haven't read something in first person in a while, so I get a bit shocked by it now, even though it's a classic. it's all a question of habit. so yea if you want to read them, read them, you'll be fine in a few chapters.

also xreaders are vague, usually, so you don't have to imagine it's you. it's kind of half and half on people who read it as if it's happening to them and those who imagine an OC as the main character. I've read some by an author recently who writes them, second person with the you pronouns, but from the POV of the canon character! it was soooooo good, kind of like bending the narrator around while they're describing what happens, I had never seen that before and i had such a good time (unfortunately it was in a niche little place so I can't say more or both the author's ao3 account and my own would be rrly obvious)