A study in sherlock fanfiction

It's no secret that Sherlock Holmes is one of literature's most influential characters. He's been adapted, reimagined, and rewritten in numerous formats, from books to movies to TV series. However, one facet of Sherlock that often gets overlooked is the franchise's thriving fanfiction community. Fanfiction, for those unfamiliar, is a literary subgenre where fans write stories involving characters from an existing work, offering new twists on established narratives or exploring uncharted territories. Let's dive into the captivating world of Sherlock Holmes fanfiction and study its many fascinating aspects.
Origins and Evolution
The Sherlock Holmes fanfiction community has been thriving ever since the character was introduced in the 19th century. Early fanfiction often took the form of pastiches or parodies, published in magazines and occasionally even in book form. With the advent of the Internet, fanfiction found a new home online, where it has continued to flourish.

Today's Sherlock fanfiction encompasses an astonishing range of genres, themes, and variations. It includes everything from rewriting stories from the viewpoint of different characters, filling in gaps in the narrative, to creating new adventures that could potentially fit into the canon. The evolution of Sherlock fanfiction reflects the adaptability and enduring appeal of Sherlock Holmes as a character.
Platforms
The most common platforms for Sherlock fanfiction are websites like FanFiction.net and Archive of Our Own (AO3). FanFiction.net, established in 1998, is one of the oldest and largest fanfiction archives on the internet. It features millions of stories in numerous categories, including a robust selection of Sherlock Holmes fanfiction.
On the other hand, AO3 is a newer platform launched by the Organization for Transformative Works in 2008. It distinguishes itself by being more author-friendly, employing a tagging system that allows authors to have more control over how their works are classified and found. Both these platforms have played an instrumental role in providing fanfic writers a space to share their work and readers a treasure trove of stories to explore.
Genres and Themes
The genres and themes of Sherlock fanfiction are as diverse as the authors who write them. There are light-hearted comedies, suspenseful mysteries, heart-wrenching dramas, and even fantastical tales that transport Sherlock and Watson into the realms of magic and mythology.
One notable subgenre within the community is "Johnlock" fanfiction, stories that explore a romantic relationship between Sherlock Holmes and John Watson, a subject left unexplored in the original Conan Doyle canon. Whether you're looking for a touching character study, a thrilling whodunit, or a speculative alternative universe, there's a Sherlock fanfic out there for you.
The Impact of BBC's Sherlock
The BBC's modern retelling of Sherlock Holmes, simply titled 'Sherlock', has made a significant impact on the fanfiction community. This version of Sherlock, portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch, and John Watson, played by Martin Freeman, has inspired a new wave of fanfiction.
Fanfictions based on this series tend to delve deeper into the complex relationship between this modern Sherlock and Watson, exploring settings and themes not found in the show. The influence of BBC's Sherlock has further expanded the diversity and creativity within the Sherlock fanfiction community.
Reviewing and Feedback
One of the unique aspects of the fanfiction community is the culture of peer reviewing and feedback. Readers frequently leave comments on stories, offering encouragement, constructive criticism, or just sharing their thoughts and reactions.
This interactive dialogue between authors and readers fosters a sense of community and can be immensely helpful for writers seeking to improve their craft. It also encourages writers to continuously produce better work as they get real-time feedback on their stories.
Common Questions About Sherlock Fanfiction
1. Is fanfiction legal?
Yes, fanfiction is generally legal as long as it's not published for commercial gain. Fan works are seen as a form of transformative or derivative work, which falls under fair use.
2. Can I write my own Sherlock fanfiction?
Absolutely! Anyone can write fanfiction. It's a fun and creative way to engage with the characters and stories you love.
3. Where can I find Sherlock fanfiction?
Websites like FanFiction.net and Archive of Our Own (AO3) are great places to start looking for Sherlock fanfiction of all types and genres.
Conclusion
Sherlock fanfiction is a testament to the enduring appeal of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's beloved detective. It showcases the diversity and creativity of its fanbase, offering endless perspectives and reinterpretations of the character through a multitude of lenses. For both writers and readers alike, Sherlock fanfiction is a wonderfully engaging and enriching aspect of the Sherlock Holmes phenomenon.
References
1. Jenkins, H. (2006). Fans, bloggers, and gamers: exploring participatory culture. New York: New York University Press.
2. Jamison, A. (2013). Fic: Why Fanfiction is taking over the world. Dallas: Smart Pop.
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