Dreamwidth Fandom Snowflake Challenge - Day 5

[teddy_radiator]

In your own space, talk about your fannish origin story. How did you come to fandom, why did you choose your fannish name, do you have more than one secret identity? Leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so.

It's really amazing how these things happen. I had always written, mostly original stuff, but I had once dabbled in some Highlander fanfiction (back in the days when people were not only encouraged to write fanfiction but actually got paid for it), but I hadn't written anything much in the past few years.

My husband and I owned a tea room, and because of it met the amazingly gorgeous and wonderful kmhmd and her husband and family. We had been friends for awhile when she told me she was reading this amazing story called For The Potions Master's Amusement. At first I was like, "Wha-? Hermione Granger and Severus Snape??" But it was the subject matter that intrigued me, because I had spent some years in a similar lifestyle as the story described. I read three chapters and I was hooked completely. Then I went and read every fanfic I could get my hands on.

From there, I started writing my original novel, and was looking for some visual inspiration when I ran across Sempraseverus' amazing art. I befriended her, and one day she drew a piece and challenged me to write a story based on it. I wrote it in two days.

Teddy Radiator is how I am known everywhere; I don't have any other aliases, and I'm not sure I will even publish my novel under my own name, which I have never liked. The name originate from a family friend's young son, who was told he could name his new bunny rabbit anything he wanted, so he named it after his two favourite things - his teddy bear and the heater that kept his room so cozy in the winter. I thought it sounded cool, like the lead singer in a jump jive band, or something like that.

Comments

[mimimanderly.livejournal.com]

Teddy Radiator is so you that I just cannot call you by any other name! When I've sent stuff to you and used your "real name" to address the envelope, it felt kinda weird.

[teddyradiator.livejournal.com]

It feels weird to me, too! I once told my mother I would change my name legally if it weren't so much palaver, and she said, "Yes, it suits you." I guess that's a good an endorsement as any! ;)

[alisanne.livejournal.com]

How interesting. I thought your name would be related to Teddy Lupin in some way. :)
Shows what I know.

[teddyradiator.livejournal.com]

LOL, You'd think so, but actually, I was Teddy Radiator before there was Harry Potter. ;)

[akatnamedeaster.livejournal.com]

I'm sure I know the answer to this, but my mind is mostly swiss cheese so, were you already into the books when you got introduced to fanfic or did fanfic lead you to the books?

[teddyradiator.livejournal.com]

I had read the books in England and really loved them (the step kids were huge fans) and I had all the movies, but for some reason it never occurred to me to write fanfiction. I am a real late-comer to the whole fandom phenomenon. Up until that time, my fan loves were really personal and I didn't dream I could contribute to the ideals of the stories, much less write about the characters. I was a babe in the woods in that respect ;)

[diabolica.livejournal.com]

Fascinating! I didn't know you had dabbled in Highlander fic. You're just full of surprises, dear. :)

When did you start writing, as a child or as an adult?

[teddyradiator.livejournal.com]

I've always loved to write. I wrote my first adventure fantasy when I was around 16 - it was about two sisters who rules neighbouring providences. I still kind of like it. I've thought about taking one Nano and really molding it into shape.

Yes, I loved me some Methos ;)