This week, we continue to explore the theme of possibilities. The best thing about writing fiction is that ANYTHING is possible...the sky's the limit. Some authors use their creativity to put their spin on existing stories and characters, which is called fanfiction. Anything—books, movies, or TV shows--with a fandom, which is a loyal community (think Harry Potter, Twilight, or Stranger Things) is ripe for influencing fanfiction. Check out the resources below and consider creating your own work of fanfic, inspired by your favorite TV series, movies, or characters!
#READ: The Extraordinaries by TJ Clune
If being the most popular fanfiction writer in the Extraordinaries fandom was a superpower, Nick Bell would be a hero. Instead, he's just a fanboy with ADHD, posting online. After a chance encounter with Shadow Star, Nova City's mightiest hero (and Nick's biggest crush), he sets out to make himself extraordinary. And he'll do it with or without the reluctant help of Seth Gray, Nick's best friend (and maybe the love of his life).
#LISTEN: Podcast: Fan Fiction is Good Actually
Fanfiction is Good Actually is a podcast about people and their relationships with fanfiction, fandom, and transformative works. Evin invites a new guest each episode to talk about building communities, exploring identities, getting creative, examining media, escaping consumer culture, and experiencing stories.
#EXPLORE: Write Your Own Fanfic
Writing fanfic is a great way to extend the story, more fully develop characters, and it exercises your imagination. Here are some basic steps on how to get started:
- Pick a favorite topic (book, movie, TV series, etc.)
- Brainstorm ideas. What will you write about? A minor character? A new problem? An original character? A backstory?
- If you haven't already, think of a problem for your main character to overcome.
- Map out the plot.
- Pick a point of view. Will you write in first, second, or third person?
- Choose a tense. Will you write in past or present? Stay in that tense throughout the story.
- Start writing! Write (at least a little bit) every day.
- Stay true to the original story's foundations. (For example, Harry Potter and Remus Lupin cannot be the same age and best friends at Hogwarts).
- Revise and edit. This is VERY important. It can help to take a break for a few days, then go back and read what you wrote; you're likely to want to change some things.
- Share your story with others. If you like, ask them for input. You don't HAVE to use their suggestions, but it will give you a different perspective of what you created.
From Readbrightly.com
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