Right so today I want to talk about something that's been a little controversial in the publishing world lately, but I'll be talking about it in a very non-controversial way. I'd like to talk about... FAN FICTION!
Okay, okay, I know I just got a look from some of you,
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| a look something like this, maybe? |
but hear me out. I'm not talking about Fifty Shades of Grey here, although if that's your bag, go with it!!! What I'm trying to say is that fanfiction isn't all hardcore sexy stuff, but you probably already knew that.
Reasons why I think Fanfiction is good for a writer's mental health:
1. Thinking of original characters and plots is hard. Especially if there's a certain amount of pressure on you to do so like you just got an email from your agent or editor asking, "What are you going to work on next?". With fanfiction, the characters are already there. They're awesome (you wouldn't be a fan if they weren't) and you probably know them really well so it won't be too hard to dive into a story.
2. Trying to find good beta readers for your original writing is also hard sometimes. People can be very picky about what they want to spend their time reading, which is fine, they should be. But with fanfiction, there's already a built-in readership. Not only is it built-in, it's EXCITED about reading! And from what I've found of the community, it's very supportive. Sure, like any online forum there are trolls and people who just want to be mean for the sake of being mean, but honestly, if you can't handle those types then publishing is not for you.
3. Because there is such a large built-in readership, you get almost immediate feedback. Maybe it's just that someone starts following your story or they leave a simple comment like "I'm liking this! Please keep going!". It might not be a huge critique like we're used to, but it's something. It could be that something that helps you to remember why you love writing in the first place.
4. You might be saying, "I don't have time for that. Why would I write something that will never be published?" Well, I'm a firm believer in doing something nice for yourself every once in a while. We might love being a writer, but sometimes we hate to write. With fanfiction, the pressure is off and you'll know it's just for fun. Besides, writing anything is practice, right? Just look at it like you're making one more step towards the perfection of your craft.
5. Which leads me to possibly the best reason of all: IT'S FUN! It's fun to get to know the community which I've found to be nothing but supportive and funny and talented. It's fun to put your favorite characters into situations you've always wanted to see them in. Are you a Thor fan? Send him and Loki on a brotherly bonding adventure. Are you a Lord of the Rings fan? Have The Fellowship of the Ring encounter a sea siren in a creepy lagoon. The possibilities are endless.
If you're curious about doing this, I advise you check out tumblr.com and search for whatever you're a fan of and add "fanfiction" to the search. Or browse fanfiction.net.
And there you have it. Let me know in the comments what you think about fanfiction. Do you read it or write it or both? Has it been important to you?
And remember, if you're interested in becoming a regular contributor to our fun little blog here, you have until Aug. 26th to apply! So get those emails in!!!! Check out Stef's post here for the details!
I've never done it, personally. But some of my frieds have and they say it's really interesting as a trial-and-error. Although I'm with the "I don't have time for that" team, if it rocks your boat, go for it. I'd read some well written fanfic now and then.
ReplyDeleteI've read an article about it a while ago (can't remember where or the author) that many great novels published today are in a way fanfic of some story or other. Or at least a nod of recognition. I vividly remember the author comparing TFIOS to Dawson's Creek and I laughed and laughed. It's, of course, inacurate (and John Green might not appreciate the comparison) but the point remains that plot-wise, everything else has been done before. I's a "Learn to craft characters and let the story work itself" kind of thing these days.
Ha! I just got a mental image of teenage John Green watching Dawson's Creek going, "Omg, I ship Dawson and Joey sooo hard! I must fic this!!!"
DeleteI think fan fiction is a marvelous way for fans to engage with a story. It's like having a giant writing prompt and just letting your play loose on the playground for a bit. It's also a wonderful thing when ANYONE says they love what you've written and some days when you're working on something original and suddenly you get a little notification that someone's given you a glowing review over on AO3 or FF.net, it just makes things a little easier. ;)
ReplyDeleteExactly my feels!!!
DeleteI love fan fiction and I love that amazon is experimenting with allowing you to monetize it (at least in limited circumstances).
ReplyDeleteI didn't know Amazon was doing that... Not sure how I feel about it.
DeleteI think it's a blast personally. I write it and, honestly, it keeps my brain limber between my original projects but also provides a break when I need it. If I'm stuck on something in my writing, I go hammer out a bit on a fic chapter and sometimes, that'll jog something loose for my own stuff.
ReplyDeletePlus the feedback and community (depending on the fandom) can be so ego-boosting for a writer. Let's face it, writing is a lonely job. It's you and the computer and the voices in your head. So getting that instant feedback - even if it's "I love this! More!" is so gratifying. Because with your own stuff it can be YEARS before you get reader feedback.
Yep, I totally agree!
DeleteI love reading all kinds of fanfic for books I love. Thanks for the tip, I'm off to write some (:
ReplyDeleteYAY! I hope you enjoy it!!!
DeleteI've written spoof Sailor Moon plays if that counts as fan fiction. And around the same time, I read a lot of it as well. I loved how creative people could be. But after Sailor Moon I fell out and never thought of fan fiction again. When I hear people talk about it now I feel out of the loop.
ReplyDeleteThat totally counts! If you're ever feeling down on your writing, maybe you should give fanfiction another look :)
DeleteI love fanfiction. I got my start writing Artemis Fowl fanfiction (oh gosh did I just admit that) and it was enormously constructive to have people telling you that they believed what you were doing with the characters or not, as well as that they wanted you to keep going. That's probably one of the most difficult things about writing and revising a manuscript that's not fanfic for me-- it's hard sometimes to find the motivation day in and day out to keep going when no one's reading it chapter by chapter.
ReplyDeleteAlso, it's the best pick-me-up boost ever when your phone pings with an email from someone who loves your writing and wants you to continue. :) Fanfic to me is an act of love for the fandom and also for the fan who wrote it. As a sidenote to an earlier comment, I wouldn't want to be paid for it because I view it as a gift to the fandom and a great way for me to practice.
But yay! So glad fanfic is getting more attention as a tool for writers. Like all early writing, it can be rough, but it's also a great way to better your craft.
What's the quote? The greatest form of flattery is imitation. I totally agree. I love my fandom so much that it gives me great pleasure to create my own stories within it. It's a wonderful gift all around. And yeah, I'm not down with the monetizing of it in any way. *high five for fanfictioners*
DeleteFanfic is an excellent way to practice the craft. I spent much of my apprenticeship honing my skills on alt.devilbunnies.
ReplyDelete