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Image by Lexi on We Heart It |
But why would an author writing original fiction want to consider
reading and writing fanfiction as well?
Fanfic is actually a useful tool you can add to your arsenal. There are
two broad areas where fanfic is useful: first as a creative catalyst and second
as a research tool.
Fanfic And Creativity
Almost every writer has had moments when you hit a wall on
your work-in-progress. Call it writer’s block, call it brain fog, call it a
momentary blip in your creative genius. Either way – the words aren’t flowing
the way you’d like them too. Fanfiction can be a great way to take a break, but
still flex those writing muscles.
Pick a fandom you love, or even better, one your target
readers also love, and write a flash fiction piece. Write a short story. Have
fun! Indulge every ship, every pairing, every dramatic or romantic or
ridiculous thought and potentiality that you like. Write until you’re smiling
so big your cheeks hurt. Then take a step back and read over your work. What
about it makes you happy? Yes there are characters and worlds that you love in
there, but beyond that – what themes do you see? What situations? Would any of
those work in your original writing?
You can use fanfic as just a break, a chance to blow off
creative steam. Or you can use it to find what sparks might reignite your
passion for your own work-in-progress. Either way, if you’re having fun, it’s
worth every moment. Just make sure you do get back to that work-in-progress
before too long!
Fanfic As Research
Head over, pick any fandom you like, and sort the results by
the most popular. Look for common themes. Go read the comments on a few of the
most popular pieces – what are the readers saying? What are they most fired up
about? What storylines seem to get the most interest? Why? What do you think
makes those stories stand out (beyond good writing)? Read a few fanfic pieces
and see if they spark any ideas for your own work.
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