Wattpad is the world's largest social storytelling platform where you can write, share, and read stories about topics that interest you. In the realm of Wattpad, fanfictions have become a preferred genre where fans can express their devotion and passion to their favorite fictional characters and storylines. Writing a fanfiction on Wattpad may seem complicated at first, but once you have a grasp of the necessary measures, it becomes a thrilling adventure. Let's delve into 10 vital aspects that can help you script your first or next Wattpad fanfiction epic.

1. Selecting Your Fandom

The first and most crucial aspect of writing a fanfiction is choosing your fandom. Select something you truly adore and know well. Passion fuels creativity, so the more you enjoy your fandom, the more imaginatively you can alter the plot line, the perfect blend of familiarity and novelty.

You may decide to base your fandom on a book, a film, a series, or even a person. In fanfiction, nearly anything you're passionate about can become your fandom. Moreover, successful fanfictions cover well-known and universally recognized fandoms; this assists in attracting a greater reader base.

2. Establishing Your Plot and Characters

A good fanfiction has a captivating plot and well-developed characters. Even though fanfiction permits you to build upon existing characters, adding your personal touch keeps them engaging and more realistic. Ensure your plot is attractive and capable of holding the reader's attention through its course.

Developing side stories can further enrich your fanfiction. These could involve romance, hidden secrets, character flashbacks, or alternate universes. It's essential to make sure they resonate with the main storyline without overshadowing it.

3. Writing Your Story

Once the plot and characters are decided, you can plunge into writing. The initial draft might not be perfect, but that's okay. Consider your first draft as the skeleton of your story, which you can later perfect in the subsequent drafts.

Using the right mood, setting, and dialogues play an important role in creating a captivating aura for your fanfiction. Be descriptive but avoid overdoing it. The right balance between showing and telling needs to be maintained.

4. Incorporating Realism

While fanfiction is all about exploring the world of fictional characters, incorporating elements of realism into your story make it more relatable for readers. If you're dwelling into life events, relationships, or adventures, ensure they have a tinge of real-life experiences.

For example, if you're writing a Harry Potter fanfiction, you can incorporate Muggle life elements or describe the magic in realistic ways to make it more intriguing and engaging.

5. Accuracy in Depictions

Writing a fanfiction requires a deep understanding of the selected fandom. The accuracy in depiction of characters, settings, and events makes your story credible and appealing to the fanbase. Incorrect details can be a turn-off and might result in losing followers.

Research meticulously about the lore, history, character attributes, and specific events of the fandom. Be aware of the fandom's popular theories, sentiments, and controversies before you start writing.

6. Originality in Alterations

Fic writers have the creative freedom to alter the fandom's facts, but just changing the character's names or locations and rehashing the original plotline would not be intriguing. Creating unique concepts or digressing from the original storyline creates intrigue and excitement amongst readers.

Your original alterations must make sense! Don't diverge too radically from character features or introduce far-fetched unrealistic elements just for the sake of originality. The main challenge of a fanfiction writer is to achieve a balance between the original work and your creative additives.

7. Regular Posting

Maintaining a regular posting schedule helps in keeping your readers hooked to your fanfiction. Unpredictable posting can result in losing followers. Choose a posting schedule according to your comfort and to ensure updating your fanfiction won't become a stressful task.

Don't pressurize yourself in maintaining a rapid schedule. Instead, focus on producing quality content. Announcing updates on author's notes or social media can keep your readers informed about your posting schedule.

8. Engaging with Your Audience

Interacting with your audience not only helps in gaining followers but also provides valuable feedback. It helps you understand what your readers like or expect from your fanfiction. Responding to their comments or questions builds reader-writer rapport.

However, avoid responding to hate messages or trolls as it can negatively impact your enthusiasm. Remember, everyone is entitled to their opinion, and the focus should be on constructive criticism.

9. Proofreading and Editing

Proofreading is an instrumental phase in the writing process, ensuring your fanfiction is seamlessly written, free from grammatical errors, typos, or plot inconsistencies. Multiple rounds of editing can enhance your story quality, making it more readable and appealing.

You can use online proofreading tools or ask someone to proofread your work. Remember to remain open to feedback, as it only steers your fanfiction towards betterment.

10. Learning and Improving

Writing is a skill that improves with practice. Analyzing your previous fanfictions, acknowledging errors, and learning from them crucial. Seeking guidance or learning from successful authors can also help in improving your writing style and techniques.

Participation in writing contests or workshops on Wattpad can promote your visibility, apart from honing your skills. It can also provide an opportunity to interact with fellow writers or readers, establishing essential networking.

Common FAQs

1. Can I write a fanfiction about any topic on Wattpad?

Yes, you can write about any topic, as long as it adheres to Wattpad's content guidelines.

2. Is it necessary to maintain canon elements in fanfiction?

No, it's not necessary. You have the liberty to alter canon facts according to the story requirements, but it's important to retain the fundamental essence of the characters or the world.

3. Is it okay to use vague outlines for fanfiction?

While some writers find organized outlines helpful, if you work better with vague outlines, that's perfectly fine. The ultimate goal is to provide engaging content for your readers.

Conclusion

Wattpad offers a promising standard for fanfiction writers. Whether a beginner or an accomplished writer, following the above aspects can help you draft an enticing fanfiction that resonates with your reader base. Remember, the key to a successful fanfiction is not only about maintaining the accuracy of the fandom but also the creative alterations you introduce. Happy writing!

References

1. Wattpad's Official Guide: How to write fanfiction - https://support.wattpad.com/hc/en-us/articles/115006070068-How-to-write-Fanfiction-101

2. Fanfiction Writing Tips by Well-Known Authors - https://www.wattpad.com/user/StevenBrandt

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