A Birthday Wish for My Writing and the Future of My Stories

Hey everyone! c:

Today’s my birthday (yeeey! 🎂) and I wanted to use this day to finally do something that’s been on my mind for a while now.

When I first started writing “Sophie”, none of this even existed. I just wrote the stories I wanted to read myself. I love stories with depth, drama, shitty humor, romance… but also with my own personal preferences mixed in. These days, I guess you’d call it “New Adult,” but back then it was just “my kind of stuff” xD. Still, it’s kind of nice to finally have a somewhat fitting name for it.

My first chapters actually went up on Wattpad on June 18th, 2023—back then, still in German. After a while, I discovered DeviantArt, and that’s where I started translating everything into English. So, almost two years now. Holy shit. What a ride it’s been.

Now there are over two thousand of you here (wtf, how wild is that?), and honestly, I still can’t wrap my head around how many people care about my stories. I’ve been through a lot myself in that time, too. I finally beat my depression, figured out what’s “wrong” with me (spoiler: ADHD), and found so much more joy in my life again. My world and my little queer ass got even more colorful and I fucking love it 🌈

That’s why, lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about how I want to move forward here. The truth is: I absolutely love writing, I’m always experimenting, and I get a million new ideas every night as I’m trying to fall asleep. And yes, it’s just as fucked up as it sounds xD Sleep is for the weak!.. Or so.

But lately, all of this has had a growing downside: monetization. Of course, as a creator, there’s nothing better than having your work valued—also financially. If your art is your job, that’s even essential.

But for me, it started to become a burden. I felt like I had to deliver, or else subscribers wouldn’t get their money’s worth—and every time someone canceled their subscription, that feeling just got stronger. At some point, I had to ask myself:

What’s all this for?

I’ve wrestled with that question from the very start. I always wanted everything to be free4all, but that little devil on my shoulder kept telling me I’d be “giving my work away for nothing.” The idea that you should be allowed to charge for your art—of course you should, no question.

But honestly, it just doesn’t feel right for me. Not here on DeviantArt. So, as a little birthday present to myself—and to all of you—I’m making a change:

I’m getting rid of the subscriptions.

All my content will be free, you can read everything without needing a sub. Writing is my passion, but it’s also my hobby. And honestly? I’d way rather chat with you about the characters, or guess what might happen next, or whether there’s some drama coming up… than worry about making money off it.

One thing’s really important to me: To everyone who’s supported me financially so far—you’re amazing. Not only have you supported my stories, but you were willing to spend your hard-earned money on them, too. You’re crazy (but you probably already know that :3). Thank you for everything! <3

Alright, I’m off to have some cake, celebrate my birthday, and maybe write a little more. Who knows, maybe I’ll even post something new today? Heh :3

See you in the comments,

your writing mess Sophie