Torchwood and (by extension) Doctor Who devotee, honorary member of the Grammar Police, a lover of books, music, and cats, because, cats. “Time spent with a cat is never wasted.” ― Colette

Fan fiction is something I never thought I’d read, certainly never take seriously. Then I discovered the Torchwood TV series and fell in love with it (well, maybe not so much Miracle Day, although the concept was intriguing, and though it broke my heart and in spite of some story line flaws, Children of Earth, is probably one of the finest miniseries ever produced). I've fallen in love with other series, but I was never, ever tempted to read fan fiction. Now I’m addicted.

Why is Torchwood so appealing? The characters just clicked with me – their struggles, the poignancy of their very flawed heroics and failures, the angst that there are stories yet to tell that may never be told – except here (like Alice Carter’s – there’s so much potential in that complicated character, and I clearly feel a connection). It’s been said that “When reading, we don’t fall in love with the characters’ appearance. We fall in love with their works, their thoughts, and their hearts. We fall in love with their souls.” I’m in love with the souls of these incredible characters.

Few of the novels and audio-books have gripped me as much as certain fan fiction stories have. Some authors have such incredible insight into the characters, such imagination in going beyond the familiar story lines and deepening our understanding of the characters and their world. Or alternate worlds, as the case may be. Some struggle to find their voice and express it adequately, but deserve praise for risking themselves by posting here and emerging as writers. And this is a powerful community for developing writing skills through practice and validation. (After all, didn't Dickens write in serial format for newspapers?) I have not found that courage, but my favourite characters can live on through the strong voices of others. This is so much more than a guilty pleasure.

“Books! The best weapons in the world.”

- Doctor Who, “Tooth and Claw”