I thought I published this months ago, but apparently that didn't happen... so here's an unexpected bonus chapter for you guys!
There are many misconceptions about fanfiction (just one is the *ahem* ...appropriateness... of the content, which is why I say "clean fanfiction" every time I tell someone about my nerdy writing habits). Another is about what fanfiction actually is.
Some people seem to dismiss fanfiction as an illegitimate form of writing. I find this frankly ridiculous. Fanfiction contains words, characters, and a plot (but this is not always the case, most unfortunately). That's writing, correct?
Effort and many hours are required to producing any writing of quality, and this is true of fanfiction as well. Don't you forget that now, y'all.
That being said: fellow writers, let's not forget that fanfiction means writing and writing means quite a few components being combined to create a well-rounded beast of epicness. This means that even though we've already been provided with some amount of plot, a plethora of characters, and usually several settings, we still have to actually write. Describe things, fine-tune dialogue, take time to embellish what the original author has given us. Not only does this improve the quality of your fanfiction, it helps your skills as a writer in general.
In my own writing outside of fanfiction, I have weaknesses in the creation of new plot and characters.
This is because of my habits with fanfiction. I rely on what I was given far too much, to the point where I'm lost when these basic and essential things aren't provided for me. But I shouldn't do that, I shouldn't separate fanfiction and original fanfiction in my mind so much that it becomes impossible for me to come up with plot and characters of my own.
Even within fanfiction, strengthening existing plots and characters can be beneficial. Plots do change, plots do have multiple facets to them, and everyone should take advantage of the opportunities to explore those.
And beyond plot, discovering and developing characters is important too. A reader (I'm not sure who, it was awhile ago, but if you know it's you, then tell me and I'll gladly give you a shout-out) pointed out to me that character development is essential in fanfiction (and in all writing, really). Particularly in post-series fanfiction, this is a crucial role part of accurate and well-rounded writing. People change over the course of their lifetimes, so characters must as well. This can be gradual, but traumatic or large events will also alter a character's personality. Be mindful of this as you explore the fantastical world of fiction and fictional people.
Also, more on the subject of "don't forget to write," update occasionally! Like, I understand the pressures of school, and work and social life, and many, many writing projects, but flat-out forgetting about your books is not cool (*cough cough* me *cough cough* sorry guys *cough*). You have work? That's chill. School? Chill. You forget completely? Jordie, you lazy piece of trash, shape up!
Thanks for reading guys, and please tune in next time for the final installment of What Not to Do in Your Fanfictions.
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What Not To Do in Your Fanfictions
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