Fanfiction has both been celebrated as a creative outlet and rebuked as a medium for lacklustre writing. For the uninitiated, fanfiction cultivates stories about characters or settings from an original work of fiction. These works are written by fans rather than the original creator. Or as most would say, a realm of storytelling where the outrageous, unexpected, and absurd thrive. With this in mind, let's delve into the question, "Am I a writer of shitty fanfiction?"

1. Understanding My Motivation

First and foremost, my intention signifies whether I write shitty fanfiction or not. Do I write to explore characters further, build on the original world, or simply to geek out on my favorite series? Do I aim to improve my writing skills, or am I merely in for cheap thrills and erotica? Purpose inclined towards creativity and improvement certainly gears towards better output.

Does my love for the characters or series propel my writing? Am I motivated by a desire to contribute to the fandom? If yes, then they serve as a solid foundation, signing that my fanfiction is not shitty but a passionate product of love for the original work.

2. Understanding My Writing Skills

Crucial is the quality of my language and storytelling abilities. Am I able to effectively communicate my ideas? Is there artistic value in my writing, or is it full of grammatical blunders, poor sentence structure, and limited vocabulary? Writing skill goes a long way in determining whether I impoverish or enrich my material.

It worth noting that everyone has to start somewhere. Less than perfect grammar or lacklustre prose doesn't necessarily designate a shitty fanfic. Not every story is flawless from the get-go. It's through practice and continuous learning that a weak writer becomes stronger.

3. Relationship with my Readers

Feedback from readers is a valuable asset. How favorable or critical are they? Are they generous with praise, or do they constantly mention numerous errors and problems found in your writing? The opinions of those who consume your content are a fairly consistent indicator of fanfiction's quality.

On the flipside, feedback can be skewed. Some readers may have personal biases or differing tastes. It's also worth remembering that not all readers are good critics. So while public consensus can provide a general idea, it's not the end-all-be-all of determining your writing quality.

Comparison with Other Fanfiction

Comparing my work with other fanfiction helps me assess the quality of my work. Is my writing on par with others, or is it below standard or exceeds expectations? Comparison often mirrors our weaknesses and strengths.

However, comparison should not be used as a tool of self-deprecation. Every writer has a unique voice with diverse creativity. Therefore, it is important to make use of comparison wisely.

Common Questions

Q: How can I improve my fanfiction writing?
A: Skilful writing takes practice. Understanding the basic principles of creative writing, such as plot development, character formation, and more, and incorporating feedback, are some ways to improve.

Q: If my fanfiction is shitty, should I stop writing?
A: Quality writing takes time. Continue writing as practice makes perfect. Don't let negative feedback deter you. Use it as motivation to develop your skills.

Q: Do popular fanfics necessarily entail they are good?
A: Popularity doesn't always correlate with quality. Sometimes a fanfic becomes popular because it is centered around popular characters or themes, not necessarily because of superior writing.

Conclusion

In sum, whether or not I am a writer of shitty fanfiction depends on multiple factors. From my motives, my writing skills, the relationship with my readers to a comparison with other fanfiction. Yet, above all, self-awareness and constant commitment to improvement signify the true gear that shifts me from a shitty to a reputable fanfiction writer.

References:

[1] Jenkins, H. (2013) 'Textual Poachers: Television Fans and Participatory Culture', Routledge.
[2] Thomas, B. (2007) 'Fan fiction and fan communities in the age of the internet', McFarland & Co Inc.

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