Fanfiction is a place for the imagination to reach its full potential, and Archive of Our Own (AO3) is at the zenith of this subculture. Here we have “I Bet on Losing Dogs,” which is about Tommy Shelby and fans of Ao3, and ranks highly among the stories available in AO3’s cathedral of a library.
This literary work is ideal for most people, especially the fans of Peaky Blinders and Tommy Shelby as well as fans of tommy shelby.
This blog will analyze the works, the craftsmanship, and the story and its characters ‘I Bet on Losing Dogs’ and try and answer the question – in this case, why it is so appealing to the audience.
You do not have to be an enthusiastic follower of AO3, or a passionate fan of Peaky Blinders, or someone who is soaking in the many otaku cultures, this post will definitely help to broaden your horizons.
What is “I Bet on Losing Dogs”?
In its essence, “I Bet on Losing Dogs” is a fanfiction devoted to Tommy Shelby character and available on the AO3 website. The title of this tale was inspired by Mitski’s mournful ballad ‘I Bet on Losing Dogs’ – it is not surprising that the narrative combines motifs of loss, love, loyalty and risk.
All of those themes combined seem to match perfectly with the persona of Tommy Shelby, a man with a sharp brain, complex emotions and a love for betting, both literal and figurative.
The narrative does not only showcase Shelby’s more sinister character, who operates in the criminal underworld, but also has the audacity to showcase less portrayed moments of fragility in Peaky Blinders, making it much more relatable to its audience.
The phrase losing dogs is in fact both an homage to the dispossessed and to underdogs, as Tommy feels the burden of his own choices.
Themes and Narrative Appeal
1. Betting as More Than a Game
For Tommy Shelby, betting is not just a hobby; it is a life. Apart from placing wagers on horse races or lottery numbers, this piece attempts to flesh out the intangible worth that comes from investments made in people, relationships and trust.
It is as if Tommy salts the earth for the sake of his family and for himself — his whole life, similar to a “I Bet on Losing Dogs” and other works, in which certain characters seem to be professional betters, Tommy placing stakes on his heart, wagering his ever proverbial emotion on forlorn bets. The plot dissects these wagers, juxtaposing Shelby’s penchant for thrill with some self-awareness.
2. The Love of the Dogs and the Underdog; Handling of an Established Trope
It is not enough to merely observe that the dog motif in the story on both the literal and figurative levels is quite aptly integrated into the storyline.
Here dogs are the unconditional love that Tommy so cruelly lacks in his relationships with people, and does not disappoint being the focal point of loyalty and forgiveness.
The images of Tommy and his dogs do not make readers put them on the periphery and forget them, as it were – the pets portray Tommy’s incendiary character and offer some solace from time to time.
The love for underdogs doesn’t end with the analogy to dogs. The characters (as well as the readers) understand what it feels like to be an underdog—an outcast struggling to be accepted, feigning confidence, winning against all odds, or trying to fit in the cracks.
3. Ups and Downs of Human Intercourse
This particular fanfiction is also peculiar in its daring to depict ruined love, broken family ties, and even bonds of friendship that are to be celebrated in the course of this work.
Like everything else, the author possesses all of the emotions in interaction or attachment inter densely and vividly developing the portrait beyond just a mere crime fiction.
How ‘I Bet on Losing Dogs’ Resonates With AO3 Audience
AO3 audience is known for being very selective in what they read, this is clearly not the case with the reception of this fanfiction. What makes this piece resonate with so many readers?
1. A Different Approach
Most of the Peaky Blinders fanfics are about Tommy being reckless as expected and at times, in love. The portrayal of his internal strife and such moments of self analysis are however, rare. ‘I Bet on Losing Dogs’ is such a piece.
Seeing Tommy the way he is allows the story to take a new direction, one that compliments the show and the depth of Tommy’s persona.
2. Poetic Style of Writing
This way of writing has some raw elements because of where the inspiration comes from, which opens many doors to the reader and allows for great visuals and numerous feelings to remain.
It’s quite hard not to read the entire story in one sitting as each scene feels like a beautiful song that can’t be cut off. The clever and subtle nuances in the symbolism as well in the dialogues allow the readers to expect the story for a second, and even third time.
3. Community and Collective Experience
One of the strong points of AO3 is the active community of readers and writers that this platform has. The comments on “I Bet on Losing Dogs” provide some background to its very relatable themes of loss, struggle and the search for solace in brief and chaotic moments.
Others provide their own experiences which many fans of the AO3 concept love creating the sense of community.
Now Let’s Turn Our Focus To The Fans
The fans of “I Bet on Losing Dogs” have taken to AO3 in droves. Many comment on the story and mention how the character growth and development arc was captivating, as well as the narrative’s development.
Some say “I absolutely went through all of Tommy’s victories and losses as if they were my own” or “This broke me emotionally but in a cute way”.
But it does not stop at AO3. Even Peaky Blinders fans have discussed this story further on reddit where the narrative has been analyzed in the context of what else Tommy Shelby could have done.
Betting as Intensity and I Bet on Losing Dogs
The trope of betting depicts risk in books, as well, which doesn’t have to always be present in the characters, it could also be present within the plot itself. However, it’s hard not to think about risk if your name is Tommy Shelby. For him, everything is all about making the best risk.
Dostoevsky’s The Gambler, or even romance dramas of nowadays, the need to risk everything for a little bit of money or love is something that people appreciate.
Such feeling is present in “I Bet on Losing Dogs” which also combines it with a more personal approach of including elements of trust, vulnerability and gambling of emotions itself.
Advice for Future and Experienced Fanfiction Writers
Have “I Bet on Losing Dogs” influenced you and you want to do something of your own? Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Research the Audience
Communicate with the target audience of the fandom you are writing for. What are their motivating factors and incorporate such elements in your story in order to root the story.
Character Depth is Key
Dig deeper into the characters and not their physical attributes alone. For instance, what are your main character’s fears, regrets, and deepest desires? These dimensions can actually turn a good story into a great one that people will remember forever.
Use Symbolic Writing for Your Story
Besides dogs and betting, another central idea in I Bet on Losing Dogs is that of symbolic layers, and incorporating these into your story could be useful.
Ensure You Recognize the Target Emotion
Note that fanfiction is built around emotions and it focuses on creating a play with the target emotions in mind. Write scenes to elicit laughter, tears, and emotions that are raw.
Get Involved with the Community
Post your writing, receive comments, and participate in AO3 activities. Strong community encourages creativity.
Are you thirsty for more? Join the lovely Communities of AO3
“I Bet on Losing Dogs” is not simply a narrative; it is a fanfiction that connects worlds by providing profound to character, emotional experience and a plot which is relatable.
If you have seen the whole Peaky Blinders series or just entered Tommy Shelby’s universe, this story is an exemplary of the storytelling at AO3’s best.
Investigate the treasures of creativity housed by AO3 serenade and interact with other readers and writers and who knows, even begin writing your fanfiction masterpiece! There’s never a shortage of stories at AO3.
