There are many theories about the talents of musician Taylor Swift. Some say she’s been secretly writing poetry under a pseudonym, while others have theorized that she co-writes more popular songs than fans realize.
The latest fan theory taking the internet by storm is the theory that Taylor is somehow the author of popular Harry Potter fan fiction All the Young Dudes (ATYD).
Did Taylor Swift write ATYD? Here’s everything you need to know about the popular fan fiction taking TikTok, Tumblr, and Twitter by storm, and whether Swift is involved in its popularity.
Did Taylor Swift write the fan fiction ‘All the Young Dudes’?
The term “fan fiction” refers to fictional writing by fans based on an existing work of typically fiction (including but not limited to film, video games, novels, etc.), but occasionally non-fiction as well. The stories aren’t written for money or fаme but to express appreciation, or in some cases, “correct” canon as the authors see fit. Technically, fan fiction falls into “fair use” categories, but sometimes copyright holders have responded with legal action against such endeavors.
The term “fan fiction” has appeared in print as early as 1939, but the concept has existed since at least the 1700s, according to The Atlantic. Some could аrgue that works of Shakespeare, including plays such as Romeo and Juliet, The Winter’s Tale, Othello, and more, were based on other plays at the time by different authors, thus making them fan fiction.
Since it was first published in 1997, Harry Potter has been the subject of many fan fictions to varying degrees of popularity. One of the most recently popular fan fictions is called All the Young Dudes after the David Bowie song and follows what fans call the “Marauders era” characters as they attend school.
The “Marauders” in the books are a nickname for Harry’s parents and their friends, most of whom are deceased by the time Harry attends school. This cast of characters includes James Potter, Lily Evans, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew. The Marauders are arguably some of the most popular fan-fiction subjects due to author J.K. Rowling neglecting a backstory for their youthful friendship in-universe.
According to Slate, the fan fiction spans 500,000 words and 188 chapters in total. It began in March 2017 and concluded in 2018. The fic was written by a user named MsKingBean89, who some fans on Twitter and TikTok are now suspecting is … Taylor Swift.
Many of those who see similarities between the author and Taylor Swift point to the use of “89” in the username; 1989 is the year Taylor was born and the title of one of her albums.
Thankfully, one Reddit user is clearing up the rumors once and for all. The user states, “Oh this is just an inside joke amongst the ATYD fandom because so many of her songs like fit their relationship so well. So it kinda snowballed from ‘wow Taylor must have written this song just for Wolfstar’ to like photoshops of Taylor secretly being MsKingBean89 and writing ATYD at the backstage of the Reputation tour and s–t like that.”
Another user chimed in, “People eventually found like a bunch of other connections, like I think the chapters lined up with when she was on break from touring or something .”
It’s safe to say that Taylor Swift is likely not publishing fan fiction in her spare time!
Fans Think They’ve Figured Out Who “Question…?” Is About on Taylor Swift’s New Album
At midnight on Oct. 21, 2022, Taylor Swift dropped her newest album “Midnights” — and Swifties all over the world basically pulled an all-nighter as they listened to and analyzed the 13 new songs. Or, rather 20 new songs. That’s because in typical Taylor fashion, sᴜrprise music was released just three hours later in the form of “Midnights (3 a.m. Edition),” adding seven more tracks to the lineup.
Among the “Midnights” songs fans are trying to figure out is “Question…?”, which is track No. 7. Who is it about? Let’s take a deep dive into its meaning.
What is the meaning of Taylor Swift’s “Question…?”
The first verse of “Question…?” paints a picture of Taylor’s past. She’s the “good girl” to the “sad boy” in a “big city” making “wrong choices.” She describes their romance, declaring that she doesn’t “remember who I was before you,” and that the feeling it’s a “color I have searched for since.”After that, Taylor blames “f***in’ situations, circumstances” and “miscommunications” for their breakup.
And now, she wants an explanation.
That’s when the chorus drops:
Can I ask you a question?
Did you ever have someone kiss you in a crowded room
And every single one of your friends was making fun of you
But 15 seconds later they were clapping too?
Then what did you do?
Did you leave her house in the middle of the night? Oh
Did you wish you’d put up more of a fιght, oh
When she said it was too much?
Do you wish you could still touch her?
It’s just a question.
Who is Taylor Swift’s “Question…?” about?
For those clamoring to know who “Question…?” is about, the good news is there is already a couple of solid theories floating around. Swifties have taken to social media to share their thoughts — and one name that keeps popping up again and again is Harry Styles. This wouldn’t be the first song Taylor has (presumably) written about her famous ex. Let’s take a look at the evidence.
Many fans have pointed to her lyrics about kissing someone in a crowded room and have connected it to when Taylor and Harry kissed on New Year’s Eve in Times Square.