Ever since the internet's inception, people have found ways to use it to share creations, and one such expression is fanfiction. Fanfiction, or "fanfic" as it is commonly referred to, involves fans creating their own fictional stories based on existing characters and universe from movies, television shows, books, and more. This article aims to explore all facets of fanfiction, particularly towards its application as creative writing in a 'new home'1.
1. What is Fanfiction?
Fanfiction is a way for fans to engage with their favorite series on a deeper, more personal level. It gives them an opportunity to explore backstories, relationships, and alternative universes that are not shown in the original narrative. It helps to flex their creative muscles - constructing dialogues, designing plots, and scripting fantastic worlds �that can motivate budding authors to hone their writing skills.
From the genre perspective, fanfiction can be found for any piece of media, from Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and more. It can range in length from short one-off stories or drabbles to hundreds of thousands of words spread across multiple chapters or sequels.
2. The Community and Culture
The rise of the digital age has boosted the fanfiction community �replacing notebook passing in corridors with users sharing their works on fanfiction websites. Websites like Fanfiction.Net and Archive of Our Own (AO3) are famous platforms that showcase a diverse range of fanfiction stories from a wide variety of genres and fandoms. Each site has its own rules and culture, but they all encourage creativity, inclusivity, and respectful discussion.
As with any community, both positive and negative aspects can be encountered in the fanfiction world. On the one hand, feedback from readers can be encouraging and often helps writers refine their skills. On the other hand, unconstructive criticism or 'trolling' can also occur. It is essential to remember that fanfiction's primary aim is for self-expression, creativity, and fun.
3. Legal Aspects of Fanfiction
Fanfiction's legality is a gray area. On the one hand, it could be seen as a violation of copyright law because creators are using someone else's characters and world. On the other hand, fanfiction could be considered a transformative work �creating something new and original from the existing source material. Many creators and companies don't pursue fanfiction writers legally as they see it as a free form of advertisement for their works.
In most cases, as long as the fanfiction is not for profit, it remains a harmless and enjoyable hobby for many. However, it is essential to respect the original creators' wishes. If they are not comfortable with fanfiction, it's best to refrain from creating it based on their works.
4. Educational Value of Fanfiction
Fanfiction has considerable educational value. It provides a platform especially for young writers to practice their writing skills. Through feedback from readers and self-reflection, these writers learn to recognize their strengths and weaknesses, improving their skills accordingly.
Moreover, as most fanfiction involves deriving complex characters, plots, and themes from an original source, it promotes critical thinking skills. Writers need to understand the original characters and settings deeply before they can convincingly write an alternative narrative about them.
5. Proliferation of Fanfic Apps
In the era of smartphones, several fanfiction apps have emerged to facilitate readers and writers. Apps like Wattpad, FanFiction.Net, and AO3's unofficial app provide convenient platforms for uploading and reading fanfictions.
Wattpad's intuitive interface, ease of use, and accessibility make it a favorite app for many. FanFiction.Net, on the other hand, is more of a traditional veteran with a vast selection of fanfictions across a multitude of fandoms. Meanwhile, AO3, with its expansive tagging system and emphasis on inclusivity, has gained popularity among a more adult demographic.
FAQs about Fanfiction
1. Is writing fanfiction a waste of time?
No, writing fanfiction is a wonderful way to practice and improve writing skills. It also encourages creativity and critical thinking.
2. Is fanfiction legal?
As long as the fanfiction is not for profit, it usually falls into the fair use category. However, it is always wise to respect the original creators' wishes.
3. Which app is the best for fanfiction?
The 'best' app tends to be a matter of personal preference and depends on the specific needs and wants of the user. Wattpad, FanFiction.Net, and AO3 are popular choices.
References
1. Jenkins, H. (2006). Fans, bloggers, and gamers: Exploring participatory culture. NYU press.
2. Tushnet, R. (2007). Payment in credit: Copyright law and substitutable fan fiction. The University of Colorado Law Review, 78(1), 101-161.
3. Annetta, L. A., Vallett, D., Fusarelli, B., & Parsad, A. (2014). Literacy from Classic Literature to Contemporary Comix: An Exploration of Graphic Novel and Game Based Learning in the Classroom. International Journal of Gaming and Computer-Mediated Simulations (IJGCMS), 6(1), 86-97.
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