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October 2, 2026   SELF ‘I Don’t Talk to a Single Soul in Real Life About This’ Steamy fan fiction is enjoying a mainstream moment. For some writers, it’s a strange new world. By Brooke LaMantia Photo: Tonje Thilesen In tenth grade, I clicked “publish” on a One Direction fan fiction and waited for judgment. Somewhere between volleyball, student council, AP classes, and dates with an objectively terrible boyfriend, I’d found the time to write a Harry Styles–centered short story, in which Styles saved me from Texas and took me to the big city. (Naturally, we kissed in an airplane bathroom.) When I decided to drop the piece on Wattpad, a popular online platform for these stories, it was thrilling but also terrifying, and more than a little vulnerable. For a moment, that fanfic made me, a lustful 15-year-old who wanted nothing more than to be a writer, feel legitimate. I look back on that time with an equal mix of affection and cringe. I would have never willingly admitted to writing steamy fan fiction when I was actively doing it; you’d have had to blackmail the information out of me. But recently, a fascinating phenomenon has taken over: I have found myself discussing fanfic with my friends over dirty martinis, the same way I’d dish about my dating life or family drama. None of them shamed or teased me. In fact, they weren’t surprised — a few even recounted their own experiences writing similar stories. READ MORE   Celebrity News Gossip, revelations, and timelines. Anne Hathaway should be organizing every red carpet. Halle Berry’s ex-husband accused her of abusing their son. Jim Carrey is married? Ashley Tisdale French says PPD wasn’t great for her marriage. Kelly Clarkson is "obsessed" with AI.   Today’s Top Stories The biggest drag at Paris Fashion Week is all the talk about who’s potentially leaving a brand for a better gig and maybe who ought to leave. READ MORE Romance author Lyla Sage writes today’s “Spice Diary,” in which an antiques-shop owner navigates intimacy with her new boyfriend. READ MORE On October 3, Venus — the planet of love, beauty, and values — goes retrograde. Here's how to prepare. READ MORE Artist Alex Katz, photographer Harry Benson, and actor Miles Caton on how Grandpa’s style has inspired their own. READ MORE Subscribe now to get unlimited access to everything New York, including subscriber-only newsletters, exclusive perks, the New York app, and more. Subscribe Now   ADVERTISER CONTENT   The Mini Cut Shop For more shopping advice, sign up to get the Cut Shop newsletter every Friday. How to Shop Early October Prime Day Beauty-Device Deals Like a Beauty Editor My favorite LED devices and de-puffing tools are marked down. Le Labo Makes Incense Now — Here Are Our Thoughts At $48 a pack, is it worth it? The Fashion Basics and Fall Essentials a Shopping Editor Buys During Prime Day From a woven tote bag to a funnel-neck jacket. READ MORE FROM THE CUT   ASTROLOGY Your Daily Horoscope by Madame Clairevoyant After a tense morning and afternoon, Mars and Neptune could bring some relief this evening. Read your horoscope.   ADVERTISER CONTENT   Sign up for Personals A newsletter about sex and relationships. SIGN UP follow us on instagram • tiktok • twitter • facebook unsubscribe | privacy notice | preferences This email was sent to you@example.com. Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up now to get this newsletter in your inbox. View this email in your browser. Vox Media, LLC 1701 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036 Copyright © 2026, All rights reserved