Fan fiction is a literary art form where fans write creative reinterpretations and new adventures of their favorite books, movies, comics, and TV series. It's a way to express passion for those beloved characters and storylines, extending their narratives or even completely imagining new scenarios. In this guide, we'll explore the essential steps to write an amazing fan fiction piece. From character development to publication, here are some essential tips to get you started.

Selecting a Fandom

Any story begins with an idea. In the case of fan fiction, it begins with a fandom. Choosing the right fandom is crucial to your fanfiction journey. It could be the Harry Potter series, Star Trek, Lord of the Rings, or any other universe that you're passionate about. The key is to select a world and characters you're familiar with and really enjoy.

In your selection process, consider the complexity of the chosen fandom. Larger, more detailed worlds like those of George R. R. Martin or J.K. Rowling offer more material to work with, but also require a deep understanding of the universe. Remember, your readers are likely to be fandom lovers as well, and will appreciate an accurate and respectful interpretation.

Understanding Characters

Good fan fiction stays true to the original character's personalities, even when placed in new situations. Fans love these characters just as they are, and drastically changing them can lead to disappointment or even backlash. Spend considerable time studying the characters and understanding their motivations, quirks, and relationships. It's important to find a balance between maintaining their essence and exploring new aspects of their personalities.

That being said, there's room for creative license. You get to decide how characters respond to your scenarios, just keep them consistent with their original characteristics. Remember, subtlety can be your best friend in character development.

Plotting Your Story

There's no stringent rule of thumb on how to plot your fanfiction. You can create an alternate universe, imagine the characters in different timelines, or simply continue from where the original story left off. It's important to ensure your plot is compelling to your readers, which typically means it should be nuanced and well-developed.

When constructing your plot, remember to keep it focused. Given the expanse of some universes, it's easy to get lost. Try to limit the scope of your story to one specific situation or event, especially for beginners. A focused story usually makes for a better and more satisfying read.

Setting the Tone

The tone of your fanfiction can greatly influence how it is perceived. It's a stylistic choice that should be consistent throughout your story. Do you want your story to be light-hearted or serious? Do you want to stick to the original author's tone, or venture on your own path?

When deciding on a tone, consider the characters and the situation you're placing them in. The tone should complement the plot and the character's responses to the situation. Consistency in tone serves to enhance the immersive experience of your readers.

Writing the First Draft

The advice 'write consistently' applies to any kind of writing, and fan fiction is no exception. The key is to keep the momentum going, even when you hit a roadblock. It's okay to write a less-than-perfect first draft, remember the famous adage - 'The first draft of anything is shit.' Don't stress about making it perfect the first time around.

Besides consistency, patience is a crucial part of writing. It's perfectly normal to encounter writer's block or feel dissatisfied with your story. When this happens, take a break. Sometimes, the best ideas come when you're not forcing them.

Revising and Polishing

Once your first draft is done, it's time to review and revise. Read your fanfiction as if you're a new reader diving into the story. Would you want to keep reading it? Does the plot make sense? Are the characters faithful to their original counterparts?

Revise patches of poor logic, unclear writing, and stilted dialogue. Pay attention to grammar, spelling, and other technical aspects of your writing. The revise-and-polish process is usually repeated several times, and it's worth the effort. Remember: the more effort you put into fine-tuning your fan fiction, the better it will be.

Publishing Your Work

Consider sharing your work on platforms popular among fan fiction writers, such as FanFiction.Net or Archive of Our Own. These sites offer a sense of community and provide a platform for constructive feedback. Remember to clearly label your story with the appropriate tags for the fandom, characters, and themes. This makes it easier for others to discover your work and enjoy it.

When posting your fanfiction, anticipate feedback and criticism. Expect your work to differ from its source material, always maintain respect for original creators and other fanfiction writers.

FAQ

Q: Do I need legal permission to write fanfiction?
A: Generally, fan fiction is considered a derivative work under law, which is technically illegal without permission from the original creator. However, most creators don't mind or even encourage fan fiction as long as it's not for profit.

Q: What if my fan fiction isn't well received?
A: It's important to remember that not everyone will appreciate the same things. Write for yourself before you write for others, and always aim for growth. Constructive criticism can be helpful, but respect your creative imagination.

Q: Can I publish fan fiction as a book?
A: Technically, fan fiction is still considered a derivative work and cannot be printed for profit without the consent of the original creator. However, some authors have, with enough changes, published their fan fiction as original fiction.

References

Thomas, Bronwen. (2011). What Is Fanfiction and Why Are People Saying Such Nice Things about It?. Storyworlds: A Journal of Narrative Studies, 3, 1-24.
Busse, K., & Hellekson, K. (Eds.). (2012). Fan Fiction and Fan Communities in the Age of the Internet. Jefferson, NC: McFarland.
Coppa, F. (2017). The Fanfiction Reader: Folk Tales for the Digital Age. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press.

Explore your companion in WeMate