Mibba's Thoughts: Self-Insert

Self-insertion is a form of writing where the author inserts themselves as a character in their story. In this week's edition of Mibba's Thoughts, Mibbians discuss self-insertion.

I tend to subconsciously steer away, but I have found a few that I really like. Really, as long as it's not glamorising yourself, then it shouldn't really be a problem. Right now I'm actually writing a SI, a therapy one I suppose you could say, and I like it a lot more than I thought I would. I think the fact that I'm writing it myself now is making me more open to the idea.

-always infinite

I'm currently writing an SI story, and it's definitely one of my best active stories. The reason I like SI's is because I write to get away from my life, and when I put myself in that story, I can be whoever I want. I can look however I want, instead of the way I really look. I kinda use it as a way to feel a little good about myself, kinda like a 'hey I may not be pretty in real life, but I'm pretty in my story' type of mentality. Ya know what I'm saying?

-ZackyEffingVengeance

I find self insertions to be terribly awkward to read. I always cringe a little when I get them in story swaps or something. They just make me uncomfortable. I'd be fine with it, if I didn't know the person, but it's odd reading about a user having sex with a celebrity or something and associating that with their name/face.

-Kurtni

I really enjoy SI when done well and realistically. The thing that annoys me most is when authors won't admit to SI when it's ridiculously obvious. I mean, I understand that all authors write a little bit of themselves into each character, but when they do everything exactly the way you do, look like you, etc. and basically have no original aspects, just own up to it.

-engine

I write SI. I like non-glamorised SI and it's especially good to read if it's a therapy fic.

I don't like it when it's an SI and the person gives the character a personality different than theirs. If it's an SI, it's you. And that includes your flaws.

-drumonster

To join in on the conversation, visit the Self Insertion thread!

Special thanks to house of cards. and Formeldahyde. for editing!