It took me a long time to stop feeling embarrassed about fanfiction I wrote when I was younger — I think you hit the nail on the head when you point to some of the negative associations parents have of linking it to pornography. More recently I’ve come to realise the wealth of experience it gave me in terms of developing my writing, helping me find my own voice and avoid pitfalls such as clichés. I’m glad that you have had a similar realisation as to how useful it has been in informing your current career.