"Red, White & Royal Blue", a novel by Casey McQuiston, has become a phenomenon in the literature world since its publication in 2019. The book, which tells the story of a romance between the son of the US President and the Prince of Wales, has been lauded for its unique and compelling premise, modern, witty dialogue, and engaging characters. But was it originally a fanfiction work, as some rumors suggest?

The Rise of Fanfiction

Fanfiction is a cultural phenomenon. Inspired by popular culture - films, TV shows, books, and more - fans write their own stories, either continuing the narrative, exploring alternate realities, or filling in the gaps of the original narrative. Fanfiction has become a well-recognized and respected form of expression and storytelling.

"Red, White & Royal Blue" captures the spirit of fanfiction, its ability to use existing narratives as springboards for new stories. The story, though using its original characters, reads like a high-quality, well-plotted fanfiction piece, mixing real events with its fictional story.

Casey McQuiston's Influence and Background

Casey McQuiston, the author of "Red, White & Royal Blue", has openly acknowledged that she comes from a fanfiction background. She was active in various fandoms, crafting and reading stories online before stepping into professional writing. This influence is visible in the way she depicts relationships, banter, and universe creation in the novel.

However, it is essential to clarify that "Red, White & Royal Blue" is not based on any particular fandom. It features original characters and storylines, and it is not a retelling or continuation of an existing narrative. The book is an original piece of work, although it bears the hallmarks of fanfiction's influence in its conception and writing style.

The Book's Unique Premise

"Red, White & Royal Blue" stands out with its unique story - a love story unfolding against the backdrop of international politics. It combines romance, drama, humor, and political intrigue in a manner reminiscent of many fanfictions, particularly those in the alternate universe genre. However, it needs to be highlighted that the book's premise is thoroughly original.

By creating a fictitious universe with an alternate political situation and blending it with authentic cultural references, Casey McQuiston brings a refreshing innovation to the genre of romantic comedy, borrowing elements of verisimilitude that are commonly used in fanfiction.

Was "Red, White & Royal Blue" Initially a Fanfiction?

Given the rich and detailed universe created in "Red, White & Royal Blue", the intimacy and vitality of the characters, and the author's fanfiction background, it is easy to understand why some might wonder if the book started as fanfiction. However, Casey McQuiston has stated that the novel was always meant to be an original work of fiction.

The characters, the plot, the setting, and the intricate blend of real-world and alternate politics were all initially created for the novel. As such, while "Red, White & Royal Blue"'s inspiration from fanfiction is evident in its style, structure, and themes, it is incorrect to categorize it as fanfiction.

Common FAQs

Q1: Was "Red, White & Royal Blue" a fanfiction before it was published?
A1: No. Although the author Casey McQuiston is influenced by her fanfiction writing experience, she has confirmed that the novel was always intended to be an original work of fiction.

Q2: Is "Red, White & Royal Blue" based on any existing fandom?
A2: No. "Red, White & Royal Blue" is not based on any existing fandom. The characters, setting, and plot are entirely original.

Q3: How has fanfiction influenced "Red, White & Royal Blue"?
A3: The influence of fanfiction on the novel is identifiable in its unique narrative style, character relationships, and the integration of real-world events with a fictional universe. The novel shares many similarities in tone, structure, and theme with fanfiction.

References

McQuiston, C. (2019). Red, White & Royal Blue. St. Martin’s Griffin.

FanFiction.Net. (2021). About FanFiction. https://www.fanfiction.net/

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