Fanfiction has long been a method for avid readers and viewers to engage more deeply with the stories and characters they love. Through the creation of alternate storylines, missing scenes, or 'what if' scenarios, fanfiction authors exercise their creativity while paying homage to the source material. Fifty Shades of Grey, despite its controversial perception, is no exception. It started as a Twilight fanfiction titled "Master of the Universe" before becoming a hashtag phenomenon, challenging societal norms, enlightening readers about erotic romance, and spawning a successful movie trilogy.

Origins

E.L. James originally wrote Fifty Shades of Grey as fanfiction of Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series. Under the pseudonym "Snowqueens Icedragon", James posted the story on various fanfiction websites, eventually removing it due to its explicit sexual content, which was prohibited on many sites. The fanfiction, originally titled "Master of the Universe", was wildly popular and drew a large following.

In response to the criticism, James removed her story, reworked and republished it with original characters, thus birthing the Fifty Shades trilogy. While the connection between Fifty Shades and Twilight is clear to avid fans—the intense, obsessive relationship, the innocent female protagonist, and the 'troubled' male hero—the stories have since diverged significantly, not least due to their adult content.

The Art of Adaptation

Adapting a fanfiction into an original work is a task many authors take on, but few execute with the same commercial success as E.L. James. While retaining the essential storyline and character dynamics, James transformed a story set in the supernatural Twilight universe to a more grounded, realistic one situated in our time. The shift from supernatural to real-world characters required tremendous creativity and skill.

The transformation also involved substantial character development and adjustments to the original plot. For instance, the lead characters were not merely renamed but were given distinct pasts and personalities that shaped their motivations, a significant shift from the original twilight-inspired characters.

The Impact on Erotica Genre

Fifty Shades of Grey has had a significant impact on the erotica genre. It has sparked discussions about sexual freedom, domination, and submission in relationships, themes that were not commonly discussed in mainstream literature. It has effectively brought these discussions out of the shadows, encouraging dialogue and exploration.

The trilogy's success has also paved the way for other erotic romance novels, encouraging aspiring writers to explore this genre. It has arguably enhanced the popularity and acceptance of the genre, even influencing other forms of media, including movies and TV shows.

The Growth of Fanfiction Platforms

The success of Fifty Shades also casts a spotlight on fanfiction platforms such as FanFiction.net and Archive of Our Own (AO3). It revealed the potential for aspiring authors to gain an audience for their stories, in some cases leading to publishing deals. These platforms are a great launching pad for writers, providing free access to millions of potential readers.

It's important to mention Wattpad, where the alternate universe theme is popular. Authors can take established characters and put them into different scenarios or careers while retaining their core characteristics. This idea of AU fanfiction offers an unusual pathway to discovery for emerging authors, like Anna Todd, whose One Direction fanfiction "After" also became a bestselling novel and a movie.

Controversies around Fifty Shades Fanfiction

The Fifty Shades franchise has sparked its fair share of controversy. Critics raised concerns about the depiction of primarily female readers' relationship dynamics, considering it glamorizing toxic and abusive behaviors. This drew a backlash from the fanfiction community who viewed it as a misrepresentation of the genre and trope of BDSM romance.

Additionally, some critics raised concerns about the copyright ethics of transforming a fanfiction into an original work. The legality and ethicality of this practice often intertwine, sparking heated discussions about the commercial use of fan-created content.

Q&A

Q: Was Fifty Shades of Grey a fanfiction?
A: Yes. Fifty Shades of Grey was initially a fanfiction of the Twilight series titled "Master of the Universe" written by E.L. James under a pseudonym. It was removed due to its explicit content, later reworked, and published as Fifty Shades of Grey.

Q: How did Fifty Shades of Grey impact the erotica genre?
A: Fifty Shades brought explicit, erotic romance into the mainstream, challenging societal norms and opening up conversations about sexual relationships.

Q: Are fanfiction platforms important for aspiring writers?
A: Yes. Fanfiction platforms, such as Wattpad and AO3, are excellent avenues for new writers to gain exposure and readership.

Conclusion

The saga of Fifty Shades of Grey's evolution from a fanfiction to a published series marks an important point in the evolution of fanfiction and self-publishing. It underscores the potential in fanfiction, showing that authors can, and should, reimagine and transform their works as they see fit. The journey of Fifty Shades offers a ray of hope for fanfiction authors and underscores the significance of fanfiction platforms and communities, bridging the gap between amateur and professional writing.

References

[1] "Fifty Shades of Grey." Wikipedia. Accessed September 28, 2021. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fifty_Shades_of_Grey.

[2] Alter, Alexandra. "Fifty Shades of Pay." The Wall Street Journal. Accessed September 28, 2021. https://www.wsj.com/articles/fifty-shades-of-pay-1397256778.

[3] Harmanci, Reyhan. "The Business of Fanfiction." Time. Accessed September 28, 2021. https://techland.time.com/2012/03/12/the-business-of-fanfiction/.

Explore your companion in WeMate