Writing fanfiction can be an immensely rewarding activity, enabling you to explore and expand the universes of your favourite works. However, it can equally be a frustrating exercise, especially when your efforts attract critical reviews. Is there a way to cheat those reviews - to avoid, bypass, or manipulate them? This article will delve into various strategies you might consider. Remember, the aim is not necessarily to 'fool' readers, but to make your fanfiction the best it can be.
Understanding the Platform
The first step to cheating fanfiction reviews is to understand the platform you're writing on. Each fanfiction website has its own system for reviewing and posting fanfics. Websites like FanFiction.net and Archive of Our Own (AO3) are some of the most popular platforms. Familiarize yourself with their review systems, response mechanisms, and community guidelines. Knowing how the platform works will place you at an advantage when it comes to handling reviews.
Follow Canon Closely
Canon is the 'official' story or universe that the original creator has set. Following canon closely can result in more positive reviews. Deviating too far from canon can upset die-hard fans of the original work, resulting in negative reviews. To follow canon carefully, ensure you re-read or re-watch the source material and take detailed notes. However, there's room for innovations and tweaks as long as they're respectful to the original work.
Strong Characterization
Presenting well-drawn characters helps avoid negative reviews. Whether you're using characters from the original work or introducing new ones, aim for consistency, depth, and believability. Provide each character with a distinct voice and make sure that their actions and choices align with their personalities.
Improve Writing Quality
Focus on improving your writing skills each time you write a new chapter or story. Good grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style can set your fanfiction apart. Your readers are more likely to overlook a weak plot or out-of-character moments if they enjoy your writing style and find it easy to follow.
Use a Beta Reader
A beta reader is someone who reads your work before you post it and provides feedback. By working closely with a beta reader or several, you can anticipate potential critiques and turn weaknesses into strengths before your fanfiction goes live.
Ignore the Trolls
Every writer, regardless of the genre they write in, is bound to attract a certain amount of negative attention. Sometimes, this criticism comes from people who are trolling for the sake of it, rather than being genuinely interested in helping you improve. It's wise to ignore these individuals as engaging with them can be draining and utterly non-productive.
Engage with Constructive Criticism
While some comments may seem harsh, they might contain valuable insights into how you can improve your fanfiction. Don't dismiss them outright but use them as a means to refine your work. However, it's crucial to discern between constructive criticism and mere trolling.
FAQ
1. Should I ignore all negative reviews?
Answer: Not necessarily. It's important to be able to identify constructive criticism, which can potentially help you improve.
2. Do I have to adhere strictly to the canon?
Answer: Not strictly, you also have the freedom to create your own interpretation of the universe.
3. Can my writing style be enough to 'cheat' reviews?
Answer: Yes and no. While a good writing style can mask certain weaknesses, it won't hide a weak plot or a gross misunderstanding of a character's personality from a discerning reader.
References
Patrick, S. (2018). How to Write Fanfiction: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Fanfiction.
Billingsley, R. (2017). The Art of Writing Fanfiction.
Smith, T. (2015). Fanfiction 101: Your Guide to Writing Fanfiction That Doesn't Suck.
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