How the Suburban Housewife Escapes, Or Why I Love Supernatural
How the Suburban Housewife Escapes: Or, Why I Love Supernatural
Please note, this is an open letter to my dear friends who just do not understand (or may not even know about) my SPN obsession. Permission granted liberally to use this text to explain it to your friends, too.
Friday nights are mine. No, I’m not talking about going out on the town. I am talking a cool glass of wine (or steaming tea, depending on the season), and I hunker down on the couch. Darling husband knows enough to read stories to our daughters and tuck them into bed, no questions asked.
Supernatural is on.
Most of you probably don’t know the show. And when I explain it, it’s going to sound, well, ridiculous. But I’ll try.
There are these two brothers, Sam and Dean. Did I mention they are incredibly good looking? Well, anyway, their mom got murdered by a demon when Sam was a baby, and their father took the boys on the road to chase after it. Along the way the boys grew up, began finding other monsters, becoming “hunters”. They share a deep bond as brothers, connected by tragedy and faith. They eventually get that demon and –
Well, now that I got you involved, I don’t want to give out any spoilers.
But here’s the thing: the show is incredibly well written, the acting is very good, and the storyline is quite riveting. But with anything nowadays, it’s not just about a show. I was online a few months ago, chatting with some knitters (okay, welcome to my world of total GEEKDOM) and they mentioned Supernatural. Turns out a few of them had written stories involving the characters, and posted them up on FanFiction.net.
Whoa.
Now let me defer to a moment, if I may, to discuss myself. I am a well-educated, savvy, kind, compassionate mom of two lovely girls, ages 5 and 7, and married to a successful, loving husband. Formerly I worked as an environmental consultant, directing cleanups of hazardous waste sites throughout the state of Maine. I quit my job when my first daughter was one year old, and have been home ever since. In that time, I have kept busy managing a local knitting group, running 5K’s, and working for the business that my husband and I own (I am 51% owner).
As a child, I was an avid reader, and I think that’s what eventually led me to writing. I have old binders bulging with songs, poems, stories, and story ideas that I wrote pre-kids and career. I have always yearned to pick that back up, to get those rusty gears turning, to get that vocabulary back up to speed, and to tap the keys on my laptop rhythmically. It hasn’t been easy.
But when I logged onto FanFiction.net, I was home. The level of creativity of the writers on the site was outrageous – and truly inspiring. So I started writing stories with Sam and Dean and their demon collective, even participating in weekly 100-word story challenges called “drabbles”. Then I vomited out a book – literally. In a matter of two months, I wrote a 54,000-word book based on the series. Turns out Supernatural has a series of books out already, so it sent mine off to the publisher *gulp,* hoping to get my story in the series (still waiting to hear!).
Meanwhile, between watching the show, following its actors and writers on Twitter and Facebook, a thought occurred to me: I am obsessed? Shouldn’t I be drilling multiplication tables into my kids instead of writing a drabble that is required to contain the word “temper”? Why am I tweeting Sam (Jared Padelecki) asking him when he wore a hoodie in Episode 5.13, what did that represent?
Truth is, it’s not that bad. Of course my real life, picking strawberries with my daughters, sharing a rare night out (not a Friday, for goodness sake!!!) with my husband, are much more important. The show and its characters are an escape. As indignant a label as it is, I am a housewife, and if I can think of my next storyline to post on FF.net while meticulously separating the laundry, what’s the harm? Someday the show will be over and all this frenzy will pass, and I will enjoy reading what I wrote at the time. It’s becoming a real time capsule for this time in my life. I’m turning 40 soon, and finding that this person that I am – and still becoming – well, I really like her. Once the conciliatory peace-maker, I am standing up more for myself and my kids, one of which has ADHD and a speech delay. I have attracted a circle of friends who are supportive, fun, and knitters, ha! But it’s true – when you truly become comfortable with yourself, you attract like-minded people to you – and there is no greater assembly of girls that I would rather be with.
Well, didn’t I start this out by talking about a television show?
Ultimately, the show has led me down an interesting path at this point in my life. The show gives me an hour a week to escape. The writing has built up my confidence which has bled into other parts of my life – stronger friendships, for example. Appreciating the real time I spend at the beach with the girls, sharing a cold beer with my husband, for other examples.
And Supernatural just got renewed for its seventh season.
You can find mainegirlwrites’ stories at FanFiction.net under her pen name.
I am so pleased to see someone else have a renewal in writing because of this show.
I earned a BA in Creative Writing back in 2006. I then ended up in retail, where I have been ever since. It wasn’t until I started to get into this show—and it’s meta—that I rejuvenated my love for writing and got back into my passion.
Now I’m looking to get into freelance and working on my own fiction. It’s amazing how this show can help one transform themselves just by watching it and getting that beautiful message from it: you don’t know until you try.
And yeah, those who don’t understand might think us obsessed, but that’s only because they’re probably jealous. Not of our love of the show, but because they don’t “get” it.
I’m so glad you started writing again! Its one of those important creative outlets. And, “you dont know until you try” – so true! Thanks!
Hi Mainegirl,
Are you my missing twin sister, or just another kindred spirit?
I loved your article because it was like reading about myself!!!
We share much in common: two daughters (although mine are just a touch older – 9 and 7), my husband is very understanding of my obsession too, and Supernatural has brought me into contact with a wonderful circle of interesting, and supportive people (pretty much all of them through the WFB!)
Plus, just like you, it has inspired me to write again. And I’m loving it! I haven’t ventured into fanfiction yet.. Okay. Confession time. I have written tons of fanfic in my head. It’s just none of it has been written down. Maybe someday!
But I have been enjoying writing here at the WFB. (Check out my article Why Happily Married Women Love The Winchesters, and you’ll see why I think we share a wavelength!)
Congratulations on your “vesuviated” novel. I hope it gets published. And I don’t think you need to feel too geeky about loving knitting. One of my co-workers is a phenomenal knitter, hooked (there’s a pun!) up to all kinds of website. I am the lucky recipient of scarves and an amazing tea cozy because of her passion.
Thank you for your article! It’s been fun chatting.
P.S. I love that you run 5 km. That’s my preferred distance because it keeps me healthy, but doesn’t destroy my already old, creaky joints! 🙂
I checked out your article as you suggested…OMG. Twins..you are right! Hope to keep connecting with you over this wavelength!
Ummmm, how did you creep inside my head when I wasn’t looking! (Wow, that just brought back memories of The Third Man!) You are right on the money! I have never actually put “out there” the things I have written, but since I started watching SPN and reading the FanFics, I have written a handful of drabbles for FanFiction. I have more percolating and frequently think of storylines while waiting in the carpool line! I know no other local people who shares my rabid fascination for the show, so I have to get my fix on Twitter and Facebook! We are out here!!!!
Thank You so much for this.
I am just a touch older than you and that has worried me for a long time in regards to my feelings about Supernatural.
I feel so at ease now and will check out the Fan Fic’s site you mention.
Thank You x 😀
I love Fanfiction.net. Who knew there were so many other people out there like me who had idea’s about episodes and decided to write them down. Its a pleasure I’ve enjoyed since season 1. Too bad my muse up and left me last May. I haven’t written a thing in over a year and didn’t even finish the one I was working on at the time to my shame. You’re right, the level of creativity is astonishing. Some people are so talented they put anything I’ve written to shame.
My family knows as well that Friday nights I am not to be disturbed during Supernatural or face dire consequences. Heads will roll if I miss my hour with the boys. I don’t apologize for my behavior. I know I’m a middle age woman (close to 49) but a girl has to have a hobby and SN is mine. I’m not doing drugs or hanging out on street corners. I’m laying on my bed clutching my pillow like the total fangirl that I am and screaming at the tv “Hug your brother! Hug your brother!”
Nobody in my house understands. I’m glad I can come online and find people who do.
sn_chills, its important not to be intimidated by the talent that is out there. You are probably better than you realize – and remember, writing, like anything, gets better with practice. Keep going!
(Sheepishly looks at feet, meekly raises hand).
Fluffy2001 at fanfiction.net. I was a fanfic writer before a blogger. I had a huge following too, but with House. I’ve written some Supernatural stories, but some of them are way too elaborate and never got the following that I got with House.
Um…I actually have a House/SPN crossover that I haven’t posted anywhere (my other stories are at Supernaturalville and Dean Damage as Nachuma.) It was just too tempting to get those characters together, but I didn’t know if anyone else would appreciate it!
Just nodding along as I read . . . isn’t it amazing — what this little show unlocks in terms of creativity?
I totally agree. It has given me the confidence to go back to school and pursue my dream of becoming an attorney. 😀
Hi Maingirlwrites
I have read some fanfiction and found most that I have read to be very well written and enjoyable.
I don’t doubt that there isn’t one person who hasn’t had their creative juices awaken by this show. I too had become inspired and written some poems based on this show.
I haven’t written any stories though as I couldn’t write to save my life. Hey if you don’t believe me just ask my Grade 12 English Teacher, I believe her exact words were ‘ You have the unique ability of writing a hundred words of saying nothing’. Of course this was the 70’s and Teachers didn’t have to be constructive in their criticisms.
What is it about this one little show that is able to inspire the creativity in it fans, whether it be by short stories, poems, songs or other artistic talents.
What is it about this show that has been able to reach deep into our hearts and souls and make us care so much about the lives of two brothers.
I believe Kripke is behind all this, in all his research on Urban Legends he must have found some kind of spell that once someone watched this show they would become totally obsessed and consumed.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful article.
You’ve presented an eloquent explanation of what Supernatural means to a lot of us obsessed fans. Thank you!
**blushes**
This is a wonderful article. I love how you show what the show means to you but also what it inspires you to do. I have to admit I’ve written fanfiction, but not for SPN. I have, however, been inspired to write essays and actually writing the essays on SPN has helped me in developing ideas in my dissertation. It’s a great show with a talented, dedicated, and creative fandom.
Thank you for this.
Thank you so much for your article. I’m not a writer, but I used to be a pretty good artist, I love to draw faces. And SPN makes me want to take up my drawing pencils again, starting with Jensen Ackles’ beautiful features.
I think it’s really cool that there are so many people “obsessed” with this show. I love my Friday nights with the boys. Although I don’t have a hubby that needs to vacate the room, but my cats need to behave themselves and not bother me before 10:00 comes rolling around! I’m actually thinking of renaming them Sam & Dean (just kidding). They already have the names of heroes, Lancelot & Galahad.
I’m a runner too, maybe more like 4K, but I’m getting there. And my colleague is a fabulous knitter, I’ve also inherited some beautiful shawls and scarves. I turned her on to SPN, although she’s not quite as obsessed as I am. But she knows when I quote something it’s from SPN!
I thought I was the only one inspired to do something with myself creatively and here I’m finding that it’s made everyone feel that way.
Sure, people can argue with you that “it’s just a TV show” but it’s so much more to those of us who get the inspiration from it.
It made me get back into my fiction writing. Hell, I actually sent in a letter to the show after those addresses were provided just to tell them thanks.
Isn’t that the beauty of this show, really?
Wow, thank you all for your gracious comments! Its amazing how this show has made the world a smaller – and better! – place! Hope to write again for this website again, and feel free to follow me on twitter: mainegirls. Thanks again!
The same thing happens to me. Supernatural is my escape. I have an Obsession. The difference with you is that I’m older, I have children of 16 and 12 years and I am separated and unemployed. so I’m more obsessed than ever! FAN die!
Hi, loved your article and also I love reading all the comments. I have Supernatural Obessed Disorder and am so glad to have found a home, (this site) to be with like minded people. I have been working on my friends, but, alas no one has joined me in my obsession yet. Thanks goodness my husband enjoys the show and is willing to watch all the seasons over and over again. I am glad you wrote the article, I may use it with my girl friends.
Thank you Jily4 for naming the disorder that I know I suffer from. I was seriously considering consulting someone, maybe Jasminka? But now I don’t have to! I think a lot of of suffer from the same disorder. I have to watch at least one show a night from any season before I go to bed…. I kid you not, it’s a real disease, but a good one.
I hope you do use it with your friends! I actually sent it to my mom!
Mainegirl,
I really enjoyed your article. I wish I could explain my obsession with Supernatural as well as you have; most of my friends are into reality tv.
Bravo on getting your creativity flowing and good luck with your book. It is inspiring me to hook up with my creative self.
(It’s not creative, but I have lost 60 pounds this last year on my Supernatural-inspired diet and exercise plan.Isn’t it amazing the influence this show can have on lives?)
Verowinchester – My kids are 35 and 37.I am a really over-the-hill fan. I wish you good luck with that job hunt, my son-in-law is in the same boat.
Jily4, I love the term Supernatural Obsessed Disorder- may I use it?
I really enjoy reading everyone’s posts. It makes me feel part of something; not a lone wolf fan.
Hi, It is okay with me if you want to use the phrase, but I am thinking I got it from one of the Supernatural facebook pages. I am also an over-the-hill-fan, and I am delighted to find others as old. It is truly hard to understand myself, and explain to others this obsession, and I’ll keep on trying. . .
A friend of mine once wrote, “the best cure for obsession is immersion.” I’m all for that!