Fanfiction is a form of creative writing where fans write alternative universes, sequels, or other narrative transformations of their favorite pieces of art or pop culture. This includes books, movies, television series, comics, and even video games. To start over in writing a fanfiction, you first need to have a deep understanding of fanfiction.
Fanfiction can encompass a wide variety of genres and themes, and writers often play with canon events, characters and relationships. Understanding fanfiction requires a broad appreciation of its conventions, genres, and character types. Study popular fanfictions to understand trends within the community.
2. Choosing a Fandom
One key element to embarking on a fanfiction project is, of course, choosing a fandom. Here 'fandom' refers to the community of fans for a particular media franchise. The most successful fanfictions result from an intense fascination with a particular work or series. Your fandom selection will guide your creativity and shape your inputs, so it’s crucial to pick one that suits your writing style and interest.
Tread lightly as each fandom carries its own set of expectations and norms. It's best to delve into a fandom that you're familiar with. Being an active part of the fandom can provide key insights such as the fans' favorite pairings, character interpretations, and story tropes.
3. Knowing the Canon
The 'canon' describes the original work, characters, and relationships that exist within your fandom of choice. It's essential to have a thorough understanding of the canon if you want to write fanfiction that resonates with other fans. This involves understanding the characters, their relationships, canonical rules, and the world within which the work is set.
When starting over, you might want to revisit the canon. This helps to re-establish connections with characters and plot points, offers new insights, or even inspires new approaches to a story. Remember, fanfiction doesn't exist in a vacuum, it's a dialogue with the original work. So keep studying the canon, highlighting nuances and under-explored aspects for inspiration when starting afresh.
4. Considering Genre
Fanfiction can be as multifaceted as any other form of literature, and your choice of genre plays a critical role. Whether it's romance, action, or comedy, each genre carries with it a set of unwritten rules or expectations that can determine the reception of your fanfiction
Just like in planning a novel, the genre you choose has implications on the storyline, character development, and overall thematic content of your fanfiction. If you're looking to start over, you might want to consider utilizing a different genre or blend genres that contrast with your previous approach. Doing so could offer new dimensions and engagements with both canon material and the reader community.
5. Developing plot and characters
Whether you're writing a continuation, alternative universe, or retelling of the original story, you need to create a compelling plot and believable, dynamic characters. Re-examine the plot structure and character arcs of your previous fanfiction drafts. Is there room for improvement or new spin?
For a fresh start, consider exploring new character pairings, scenarios, and alternative universes. Infuse familiar elements from the canon, but do it with your unique perspective and creativity. This could reinvigorate your fanfiction writing flow and engage your readers in new and exciting ways.
6. Starting with a Clean Slate
Once you've dissected your previous works, it's time to start anew. Determine the areas of enhancement, conceptualize a new direction, and let the cognitive rewriting process begin. Starting with a clean slate doesn't mean abandoning everything from the past. Your previous experience, the characters, and the universe you've built are your stepping stones to chart a new path.
Also, forget about the negative criticism you may have received previously. Instead, use it as a source of understanding what readers expect and to improve your writing. Contrary perspective isn't an obstacle; it's a stepping stone to develop your unique voice.
7. Writing and Editing
Now, let’s get to the writing part. Start writing your first draft. Give your concept a form, let your characters breath, weave your integrated plot—the goal in this first phase is to get the groundwork settled. Refrain from editing while writing the first draft. Instead, focus on securing the skeleton of your fanfic.
Once the first draft is complete, take a break, let it sink in, and then begin editing. Precision is essential in the editing stage. It's about finding the right words, strengthening the narrative form, scrutinizing character consistency, and refining the plot. During revision, try to step into the readers' shoes to ensure your fanfic is well-paced and gripping as per the audience's expectations.
8. Sharing and Receiving Feedback
Armed with your revamped fanfiction, it’s time to share it with the world. Platforms like fanfiction.net and Archive of Our Own (AO3) are popular fanfiction repositories where you can upload your work and interact with the community. Both offer a range of fanfic genres and are host to numerous fandoms, along with providing a viewer rating and feedback system.
Feedback is the compass to calibrate your writing direction. Be open to it, whether positive or negative. It’s through the constructive criticisms and praises from your readers that you can detect areas of improvement and successes. Pay keen attention to comments on character portrayal, plotlines, and narrative techniques. Remember, it's ultimately your readers who drive your growth as a fanfiction writer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it legal to write fanfiction? Can I get sued for copyright infringement?
A: It depends on the jurisdiction, but in many countries, non-commercial fanfiction is covered under the legal principle of "fair use". Ensure to label your work clearly as fan-made and non-profit to avoid any potential legal issues.
Q: How can I get readers to my fanfiction?
A: Engage with the fandom community on social media, forums and fanfiction platforms. Encourage the readers to leave reviews, and be responsive to feedback. Posting regularly and consistently also helps in gaining a readership base.
Q: What are some tips to improve my fanfiction writing?
A: Know the canon thoroughly, think outside the box, and don't be afraid to experiment with characterization, plotlines, and narrative techniques. Also, good writing skills and grammar are vital to make the reading experience enjoyable.
References
[1] “Fan Fiction 101.�The New York Public Library, 29 July 2016, www.nypl.org/blog/2016/07/29/fan-fiction-101.
[2] “Fanfic: Why Fan Fiction Is Taking Over the World.�Wakefield Press. Samplers: Wakefield Press, 2021, www.wakefieldpress.com.au/blog/book/sampler/fanfic_why_fan_fiction_is_taking_over_the_world-onix/.
[3] “Archive of Our Own.�AO3, www.archiveofourown.org.
[4] “FanFiction.�FanFiction.Net, www.fanfiction.net.
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