Register

Do your fanfictions have to be relateable to people

2024-05-10

I. Understanding the Nature of Fan Fiction

Fan fiction or fanfics are forms of writings that are a natural trajectory of a fan’s love and passion towards certain stories, artists or characters. It can come in different forms such as alternate universes (AUs), cross overs, and inserting original characters to the narrative, among others. But do these self-initiated literary pieces need to be relatable? Let’s explore this question in the context of different angles.

II. Popularity vs. Persona Depiction

In the fanfic universe, there’s an intense debate between creating a popular story and being true to your characters. Many would argue that in order to amass a huge following, relate-ability is key. Fans want to see their favorite characters in situations they can understand and resonate with. A Hermione Granger navigating college life, or a Dean Winchester learning about self-love �these are relatable narratives.

Do your fanfictions have to be relateable to people

On the flip side, scenes that resonate with readers may not always be true to the nature of the characters. This sparks the argument that fan fiction shouldn’t necessarily be relatable because it might distort the very nature of the characters their creators initially built.

III. The Creative Freedom

Fanfic writing is a liberating form of expression that allows writers to let their imaginations run wild. This freedom goes beyond needing to stick to a relate-able format, as the main intent is to explore uncharted territories of the narrative or the characters in depth. This creative space doesn’t always have to cater to the mainstream tastes or the conventional narratives.

IV. Understanding Readership

Just as with other forms of writing, understanding one’s readership is essential. Knowing who reads your fanfic allows you to maneuver themes, plots and characters towards what they relate to. This doesn't mean altering your story to suit everyone �rather, it's about finding the balance between your creative expression and your reader’s preferences.

V. Learning the Art of Balance

Striking a chord between relate-ability and maintaining character integrity is an art. It involves navigating the narrow path that neither distances the character from its original identity nor the fanfic from its reader base. Experience, practice and feedback from fellow fanfic writers and readers help in mastering this skill.

VI. The Role of Online Fanfic Communities

Sites such as fanfiction.net, AO3, and Wattpad facilitate extensive interactions between fanfic writers and readers. These platforms, while allowing the exchange of free thoughts, also provide pointers on what strikes a chord with the readers. This doesn’t mean you need to change your story to something generic, rather gives you ideas on how to mold it into a form that resonates with your audience while remaining true to your vision.

Platforms such as these serve as a benchmark for understanding the current trends and interests in fanfics - valuable information for writers wanting to connect with their readers.

VII. Q&A Session

Q: Do fanfictions need to be popular to be considered good?
A: Not necessarily. The quality of a fanfic depends on its cohesive plot, character development and writing style. Popularity may be an added advantage, but not the measure of its quality.

Q: Can fanfictions go against the canon?
A: Yes, they can. It’s the freedom that fanfic gives to its writers �the ability to take the story where the canon did not.

Q: Should I write fanfics based only on popular fandoms?
A: There’s no rule book when it comes to fanfics. It can be based on a popular fandom, niche, or even a lesser-known series. As long as it fulfills your purpose as a writer, you're on the right track.

VIII. Conclusion

To sum it up, fanfictions do not necessarily have to be relatable. They embark on a journey of self-expression, character exploration and creative freedom. It is perhaps about finding the middle ground between the writer’s imagination and tickling the reader’s curiosity. It's a delicate dance between the written word and the reader's interpretation. While relate-ability can enhance the audience's connection to the story, it's not an always necessary criterion.

“We all write for the same reason we read: to experience lives and emotions beyond our own,�sums up Albin Johnson, a known fanfic writer.

Explore your companion in WeMate