Fanfiction, often denominated as FanFic, is a narrative written by fans based on a pre-existing work, usually fictional, and may carry on the storyline, add new elements, or even completely revamp the original context. Although it seems simple on the surface, writing fanfiction could turn complicated when approached without a well-structured plan and understanding of fanfiction ethics and copyright laws. Hence, it's essential to adhere to certain steps and techniques to write an appealing fanfiction story.
Before jumping into the writing process, understand your motives. Are you doing it purely out of your love for the original work? Or do you see it as a way to practice your writing skills for something more substantial? Understanding this can help you determine the direction of your fanfic and the effort you're willing to put in.
2. Choosing Your Fandom
Start by choosing a "fandom". Fandom refers to the community of fans for a particular book, tv show, game, or any other form of media. It's important to choose a fandom you're passionate about since writing requires a thorough understanding and enthusiasm for the content. Be it Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, or Sherlock, ensure that your fandom piques your curiosity and pushes you to explore it in depth.
If you are a part of multiple fandoms, you might be tempted to choose the most popular one, but that's not necessarily the best course of action. It's always best to write about something you truly love and know about, rather than selecting something popular but unfamiliar. Choosing something you don't genuinely enjoy can make the writing process laborious instead of fun.
3. Understanding the Characters
Your next move should be understanding the characters. Keep the characters' personalities, quirks, weaknesses, strengths, and its relations consistent unless you decide to take a completely new spin. Remember, fans have existing emotional attachments to these characters and changing them too much without a good narrative reason can be off-putting.
Try and delve deeper into the characters, understand their thoughts and emotions. Be sure to master their dialogues and mannerisms as this goes a long way in making your story believable. If possible, come up with backgrounds or side stories that could further enrich the characters.
4. Crafting the Plot
A fanfiction hinges on its plot. While the fandom provides a solid foundation, you need a captivating plot to build on that foundation. Think about gaps in the original storyline that you found intriguing, plot threads that weren't fully resolved, or possible future events. Brainstorm ideas and choose a plot that you find most engaging.
Ensure that the plot is interesting and complex enough to keep readers hooked. It has to have a clear starting point, interesting conflicts or challenges, a climax, and a resolution. However, it is equally important to ensure that your plot stays true to the essence of the original work.
5. Detail and Realism
A good fanfiction pulls the reader into the world of the fandom with realistic details and authentic interactions. This means not only understanding the physical aspects of your fandom's world but also its cultural, societal, and historical aspects. Your story should seamlessly integrate with the world of the fandom. Every situation, location, and detail must make sense within this world.
If you're writing a fanfic based on a show or film, watch it multiple times to understand the nuances of this world. If it's based on a book, reread it to absorb the author's style and world-building techniques. The more you know about the world you're writing in, the better you'll be at describing it and creating a sense of realism.
6. Respect for the Original Work
Respect for the original work is crucial in writing fanfiction. Even as you add your contributions and interpretations, strive to honor the source material. After all, it's the love for the original work that brought you to write fanfiction in the first place.
Always credit the original author and respect the copyright laws. If you post your fanfic online, be sure to disclaim the original work, stating that the characters, setting, and other elements of the story are the property of the original author. Try to avoid monetizing your fanfiction until you have the necessary permissions to do so.
7. Review and Feedback
Don't be afraid to solicit feedback. Family, friends, or fellow fandom members can offer valuable insights. They can help you identify weak spots, plot holes, grammar errors, and inconsistencies in your work. Admittedly, criticism can sometimes be bitter to swallow, but it's fundamental to the growth of a writer. Embrace it.
Post your fanfiction on platforms like Wattpad or FanFiction.net. These platforms foster a community of passionate writers and readers who can provide useful feedback. Remember that every review, whether full of praise or constructive criticism, is a step towards refining your writing skills.
8. Writing Style and Consistency
While no one expects you to mimic the writing style of the original author perfectly, maintaining a level of consistency is beneficial. Your writing style should blend well with the world and the characters but still carry your unique touch. Experiment, find your voice, but always maintain a balance in order not to sound alien within the context of the fandom.
In terms of consistency, it's not just about the writing style, but also about the world you're inheriting and the characters. A consistent setting and characters help the readers to immerse themselves into the fanfiction smoothly.
Common Questions Related to Fanfiction Writing
Q1: Where can I publish my fanfiction?
There are many platforms like Wattpad, FanFiction.net, and AO3 (Archive of Our Own) that specifically cater to fanfiction writers and readers.
Q2: Can I sell my fanfiction?
Generally, it's frowned upon and might lead to legal complications. However, there have been instances like "Fifty Shades of Grey" that started as fanfiction and later transformed into original work and became commercial hits.
Q3: What is a Mary Sue/Gary Stu?
These terms typically refer to a character in fanfiction that are too perfect and lack real, relatable human flaws. Such characters are usually not well-received by the readers.
Q4: How can I deal with negative feedback?
Take it as an opportunity to learn and improve. All criticism helps you grow as a writer. Don't take it to heart but rather use it constructively to better your work.
Q5: Can I include explicit content in my fanfiction?
Yes, you can, although make sure to include proper warnings and restrict access to appropriate readers. Remember to respect the rules and guidelines of the platform you're publishing your work on.
Conclusion
Fanfiction is a fantastic avenue for amateur writers to practice their craft, express their love for a fandom, and engage with like-minded individuals. While it does require commitment and effort, the journey of writing fanfiction can also be immensely exciting and rewarding.
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to crafting a shared-world narrative that is thrilling, engaging, and maintains the spirit of your chosen fandom. Embrace your creativity, respect the original work, and most importantly, don't forget to have fun in the process!
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