Whether it's filling the gap between seasons of your favorite TV show, exploring a unique spin on your favorite book characters, or crafting an entirely new world based on the rules of an existing one, fanfiction offers a way for fans to engage with their favorite media in a much more personal way. Found in various corners of the internet, these communities of amateur writers have cultivated a vast archive of short stories, novellas, and even novel-length works of fiction. Let's delve into the best websites for fanfiction, providing character development, story arcs, and plot twists that can rival and even outdo the original work.
Fanfiction.net
Fanfiction.net is one of the oldest and most extensive fanfiction websites on the Internet. Established in 1998, the site hosts millions of stories across all genres and has a massive fanforce globally. They offer user-friendly navigation, comprehensive categories for different fandoms and genres, and a reliable review and rating system. There is even an app available for easy on-the-go reading. Despite its popularity, it does not offer the tagging system used in other, newer platforms, which could be a downfall for people trying to avoid specific triggers or find particular storylines.
Whether you're just getting started with fanfiction or you've been reading and writing it for years, this site is an excellent starting point for newcomers and veterans alike for its sheer volume and diversity of content available. However, its somewhat dated website design might not appeal to some users.
Archive of Our Own (AO3)
Archive of Our Own, also known as AO3, is a fan favorite. Created by the Organization for Transformative Works (OTW), it has a modern, clean interface that provides a comfortable reading experience. AO3 is notable for its exhaustive tagging system, which allows readers to quickly find the content they're looking for, and avoid anything they'd rather not read. There's a great degree of freedom when it comes to posting explicit content, as well as a generally accepting atmosphere for all types and genres of work.
This site is ideal for those who prefer a more organized and detailed approach to sorting their stories. It might take a while to understand the tagging system, but once you get the hang of it, you'll find this website an absolute goldmine for both fresh and established fanfiction works.
Wattpad
Wattpad offers a unique take on fanfiction with its app centering around the concept of storytelling, explicitly designed for phones and tablets. It encourages reader engagement by allowing votes and comments directly on the page, making it feels like a social media for readers and writers. It has a diverse crowd with an abundance of fanfictions, as well as original works. Content quality might vary due to the large number of young, amateur writers, but unique gems can be found amongst the masses.
This platform also stands out due to its annual "Wattys" award, where writers can gain recognition for their works, providing encouragement for budding authors. Wattpad is recommended for those who enjoy engaging with the story and writer directly, and those who prefer reading on their mobile devices.
Quotev
Quotev is an underrated fanfiction site that also offers quizzes, surveys, and original stories. It provides ample room for readers to indulge in choosing which specific fandom or genre they want to read. Compared to other platforms, Quotev might not have the largest catalogue, but it still offers good quality pieces if one looks around. It's a platform that's more suitable for a younger audience, offering a straightforward approach to writing and sharing stories.
With its quiz feature allowing readers to test their fandom knowledge, Quotev provides an interactive take on the fanfiction experience. Its pleasant, user-friendly interface and varied content make it an entertaining alternative to the other platforms mentioned.
FanFic Pocket Archive Library
FanFic Pocket Archive Library is a mobile application available for both iOS and Android devices. It allows users to download stories from various sources online, including Fanfiction.net and AO3, and read them offline. This application provides great flexibility for readers, especially those who want to catch up on their favorite stories while commuting or during times with no internet access. It also includes a handy bookmarking feature and a night mode for comfortable late-night reading.
Harry Potter Fanfiction
For Harry Potter enthusiasts, the aptly named Harry Potter Fanfiction (harrypotterfanfiction.com) is an ideal stop. Dedicated solely to stories set in the Harry Potter universe, this site contains more than 85,000 stories, making it an absolute paradise for Potterheads. The quality of content varies, but dedicated sorting and filtering options assist in finding the preferred type of story. Moreover, the 'Reading Room' feature allows readers to read and discuss selected stories with other fans.
Common FAQ
Q: Are fanfictions legal?
A: Fanfiction falls under 'Fair Use' most of the time, and as long as it isn't being sold or harming the original trademark holder's sales, it is generally legal. However, the laws can be fairly complex and it can depend on the copyright holders' views on fan-generated content.
Q: Can I publish my fanfiction?
A: Many authors start with fanfiction and move to original works. However, if you want to publish and sell the fanfiction, you need to obtain the copyright holder's permission, or significantly change the characters and settings to mask it from the original work.
Q: Which site is better, Fanfiction.net or AO3?
A: While Fanfiction.net has been around longer and has a larger collection, AO3 is known for its intuitive interface and detailed tagging system. It ultimately depends on the user's personal preference.
Conclusion
Fanfiction serves as a wonderful outlet for fans and writers to showcase their love for their favorite characters and universes. The websites discussed in this article offer a platform for this creativity and passion. They are all unique in their offerings and cater to different tastes and demands. So, explore and find the one that suits you the best!
Referneces
1."The Fanfic Phenomenon: What Faust, Hamlet, and Sherlock Holmes Have In Common". TIME. August 8, 2013.
2. Moriah Jovan. "An Alternate Universe in Cyberspace". Australia Times Books. Issue 2.
3. "The Archive of Our Own". Organization for Transformative Works.
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