Making Good Fan Fiction

Fan fiction is stories that fans derive from their favorite works of literature or film. In the present day, fan fiction is found among online communities of amateur writers rather than in published works. Published works considered fan fiction are derived from public domain works and therefore legal; fan fiction of copyrighted works are limited to online posts and are allowable unless otherwise requested by the original author.

Aspiring fictionists usually start with their ventures by deriving from their inspirations. Even famous authors first learned writing this way. However, with the existence of websites like www.fanfiction.net, amateur writers publicly share their works and get feedback from other users of varying skill.

"Fanfics" are usually reimagining or interpretation of fans of their respective works, but the common mistake for "fic" writers is to also make "canon" characters behave differently from the original. A meek and naïve original character may come out with a witty and sarcastic streak in the hands of a less skillful fanfic writer. Although this can be acceptable depending on the style and narrative flow, it is better to always respect the universe of the source material. A good piece of fan fiction neatly follows the pattern of its source even while taking the story in a new direction.

When taking the source narrative in a new direction, most fanfic writers introduce original characters of their own. Another mistake is the creation of a so-called Mary Sue (male counterpart: Gary Stu or Marty Stu), a character who is unrealistic and non-believable, especially within the limits of the fictional universe she is placed in. Oftentimes, the Mary Sue is an exaggerated or glorified version of the author’s self. The Sue can save the day instead of the original hero, while shopping in Florida even in a world where shopping and Florida do not exist!

In line with respecting the canon, a fanfic author’s OC is not entitled to draw too much attention like doing extreme feats in shopping malls in Florida. Fan fiction should be about the story that the author draws the narrative from. The OC is allowed to be a protagonist, but with respect to the confines of the universe.

Fan fiction is how fans express their love for their favorite stories. Clumsy writing is understandable. However, one must learn to improve to earn respect from the online writing community. Mary Sues shopping in Florida don’t belong.