How not to fuse fanfiction
The realm of fanfiction takes fans into a universe where they can wildly use their imagination to formulate new storylines or relationships within their favorite fictional world. Fusion fanfiction is a unique subgenre, as it's essentially a crossover that combines elements from different works. But, just like any creative enterprise, mistakes can be made. Here are some tips on how not to fuse fanfiction.
1. Specify Your Crossover Characters Clearly
In fusion fanfiction, you're bound to introduce characters from different universes. To avoid confusion among readers, it's crucial to clearly specify your crossover characters. Avoid introducing your characters in a jumble as this can be overwhelming to the audience. Each character should be introduced gradually, with a clear indication of their origin.
Steer clear of dumping all complex information about your characters at once. Instead, reveal information about them gradually through your storyline. This allows your readers to learn about your characters at a comfortable pace and keeps them intrigued by your plot.
2. Consistent Tone and Style
One of the common errors in fusion fanfiction is mixing tones or styles of different universes improperly. Each original work has its unique aura, which captures a specific audience segment. Mixing these indiscriminately can lead to an inconsistent, confusing narrative which detracts from the overall reading experience.
The art here is to maintain the essence of the original tone while creating a harmonious blend with the other. This requires a deep understanding of both universes involved and a balanced approach towards writing.
3. Respect Original Canon
Fusion fanfiction still needs to resonate with the original canon to maintain integrity. Drastic modifications to vital canon components can alienate avid fandom members. It's crucial to respect and uphold the essential values, rules, and character relationships of the original works.
However, this doesn't mean that there is no space for creativity. Imagination should be used to expand the universe or foster an alternate reality, not to distort the fundamental canon elements.
4. Avoid Unbridled Amalgamation
While fusion fanfiction is about combining elements, it's essential not to go overboard. It's the art of subtlety and careful crafting, not haphazard conflation. Too many storylines or too many characters from different universes can confuse your readers.
Identify the elements from both universes that blend well together naturally. Determine how best they can be woven into your narrative seamlessly and avoid shoehorning conflicting elements together.
5. Utilize Reliable Platforms
Platforms like AO3 (Archive of Our Own) and FanFiction.Net are popular for publishing fanfiction. Before publishing, browse through similar works on these platforms to understand what resonates with your target audience. Make sure that you use their tagging systems appropriately to attract the right readership.
Both platforms have unique strengths. AO3 allows unlimited tagging and has a more robust search system, making it more flexible. FanFiction.Net, however, has strict categorization, ensuring stories don't get lost in an abyss of tags.
6. Engage in Constructive Criticism
Feedback is crucial for improvement. Engage with your readers and seek their input. This can be attained through comments or through platforms dedicated to reviews, such as Critique Circle.
However, remember to take criticism constructively. Be open to improvement but also discerning enough to filter out unhelpful criticism.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is fusion fanfiction?
Fusion fanfiction is a type of fanfiction where elements from two or more different works are combined and fused into a unified narrative.
2. What are some good platforms for publishing fanfiction?
AO3 and FanFiction.Net are reliable platforms for publishing fanfiction.
3. How should I introduce my crossover characters?
Introduce your characters gradually and clearly, indicating their origins, and try to reveal complex information about them gradually through your storyline.
4. How can I ensure consistency in tone and style in my fusion fanfiction?
Encapsulate the essence of the original tone from both universes and blend them harmoniously to create a consistent narrative.
References
1. “Archive of Our Own��An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works. AO3.
2. “Fan Fiction��The world's largest fanfiction archive and forum. FanFiction.Net.
3. Bennet, M., & Booth, P. (2016). Seeing Fans: Representations of Fandom in Media and Popular Culture. New York: Bloomsbury.
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