Meet Mia! Known as ‘Insomiak’ or ‘Chairmanmeow-and-Church,’ she is a 25-year-old fanfiction author from Canada.
How long have you been writing?
Technically, since I was seven, but I think a better answer is 11. I wrote my first real story at age 11.
How did you get involved in the Shadowhunters fandom?
A friend of mine read the books in high school and she loved Malec but told me they weren’t the focus. So, when the TV show came out, I thought I’d check it out. Honestly, I watched it for a laugh because it looked really cheesy, but then I loved it.
What is the appeal of fanfiction to you?
Firstly, people will read my writing if I write fanfiction, and it’s nice to have that conversation and to read others’ works and continue that conversation. Secondly, it’s a good way to practice and to stay motivated to practice without the same pressures of trying to write publishable material. And third, it’s a space where you can see or show all kinds of different people and ideas, not just where the typical straight/white/male perspective is explored and pandered to.
What character or aspect of the Shadowhunters world makes you want to write?
Magnus’ immortality. Alec’s inability to put his own personal needs and wants ahead of his responsibilities. Malec being dads. Isabelle being amazing. Luke as a father figure.
What emotion do you most like to write and why?
Pining/wanting something or someone. Wanting is a result of really being alive, and is what drives humans to do things, as does needing, but needing is out of necessity, not passion. If you want something, you’re really feeling life!
What is your favorite fanfiction trope?
Coffee shops!
What ships do you ship, and why do you love them so much?
Jimon, because I did read some of the books, and the ‘I would have let you’ scene got me. Malec, because Season 1 had this tragic poetry thing going on – wanting each other and both of them knowing it and Alec not letting himself have it. I could watch them dance around each other for 12 seasons (I am not exaggerating, as long as the reasons for them not getting their act together were good). Clizzy: battle girlfriends! And the way they support each other.
What has been the best part of your fandom experience so far?
Talking about writing with other people. Jaimie (@sarcasticlightwood) and Anna (@woodsbane) helped me stop being afraid to share my writing. It’s been a transformative year.
Like what you see? You can read Insomiak’s fanfiction on Archive of Our Own or follow her on Tumblr.
