Game of Emotions: Writing Slash as Gamification

Research into fanfiction is understood and conducted in a narrow academical context
consisting of media and social studies. Methodologies are drawing on psychoanalysis,
ethnography, and text analysis. While these examine the relationship between fan, text, and producer in various ways, research into the writing process itself is scarce.
Elements of gamification and emotions can be found rather articulated within fans' writing communities, especially concerning the genre of slash fiction. Little research has been done in identifying and addressing these elements.
Understanding the gamification process found in slash fanfiction can give a deeper insight into motivation, support, and creativity in other, related situations outside of fandom. This concerns both the understanding of the writing process as well as a broader understanding of the possibilities within gamification.