When I first started writing Chapter 17 of Blood Promise in Dimitri’s POV, I never realized it would just all snowball from that point. I was in a Starbucks café waiting for my bus when I finished the first one thousand words that will become Blood Awakening. In a careless offer, I promised this as a gift for Katerina, my bondmate and fellow LD sister as a birthday gift. It was the only thing that motivated me to continue writing about Dimtiri’s descent into being a dark, evil, twisted Strigoi.

True, there are moments when there are unpleasant moments to write that I’d rather not think about (but I have to!), but all in all the experience of delving into his head is quite one that I will never forget. Dimitri Belikov is probably one of my most favorite fictional characters ever--and surprise, it's not just because he is hot. Dimitri's every thought, move, motivation and action interests me. Good, strong, vulnerable, ruthless, brave, cunning… I can’t resist the irony of his personality.

So when I was already in the middle parts, I was very torn. I never realized that it would be so hard to depict Dimtiri evil. It’s a bit like defiling something that I love, and I have to destroy this spotless perception I have of him in order to bring his POV to justice (or close to it).

Initially, I was very apprehensive about publishing this in FF. I know a lot of readers hated Dimitri after he was turned Strigoi. Thankfully, no one has flamed me (yet), and I am very happy to have such open-minded readers who appreciate my work.

I’ve also said in my past A/Ns that Blood Awakening is my final fanfiction work for probably a long while. Unfortunately, I have many Real Life issues to face right now, and I feel I cannot handle writing canon fanfiction (it is tedious work, referring and rereading Richelle Mead’s books and writing style), writing my original fiction (I am now faced with the truth they need my love too) and writing for work (hopefully). I have to give up something.

I don’t think this is permanent goodbye though. I still have a couple of canon pieces I want to explore, as well as plot bunnies for some AU work. I still want to do them, but it will take time.

I’ve interacted with many VA fans who read my work, and each and every PM and review you’ve sent is with me all the time, especially when I feel down. I will cherish this fanfiction experience as long as I live.

Father and Daughter is a piece I’ve written out of a whim, and because I’m a sucker for father and daughter moments.

I wrote The Reward because I was dying to write a Rose and Dimitri one-shot that would showcase the push and pull quality of their relationship.

Point of View is what kept me sane throughout finishing my undergraduate thesis.

Trials is my venture into more action and also my frustration with my writer’s block at that time.

On the whole, fanfiction writing helped me overcome my worst writing fear: sharing my work. I know I do this still behind a username, but believe me, this is a big step for my confidence as a writer.

I may not become a published novelist someday, but I will know this in my heart that once upon a time, there were readers who truly enjoyed my work—the people who told me they laughed, cried, squealed, swooned because of my writing. Your kind words for me and my work brought me a smile each time, and I will remember them, always.

I will never ever forget any one of you.

Till the next time we meet,

Anya <3

Done by my talented loves, Nataliya and Lavrentiy :)