Fanfiction, especially if you're trying to be taken seriously as a writer, is a tricky subject. I've read a lot of comments from aspiring authors who also write fanfiction that range from "my family reads/loves my writing, even my fanfiction" to "everyone thinks I'm wasting my time and that I'm weird." So, folks, I'm taking a stand. I haven't spoken a lot about fanfiction on this blog because I wanted this to focus more on reading published works and writing for the purpose of being published. But... I feel for my fellow fanfiction authors who aren't getting the love and support they so desperately need. And yes, I said fellow. So, here's my stance.
I love fanfiction. I support it--the reading and the writing. Now, as with anything, there should be rules. Here are the few rules I adhere to:
1. Respect the creator. Which, to me, means put a disclaimer on that mess. Most authors either don't care, don't know about, or are flattered by fan fiction. Yes, famously, there are a few that ask that you don't play in their playground. More on that in a moment. But, they've worked hard to make this thing that you love, to make it their living. Respect it by recognizing that fact.
2. Along similar lines, if the creator says "don't make fanfiction for my stuff," then... don't make fanfiction for their stuff. I know, right? Anne Rice is among the most famous for saying no to fanworks. And you know what? It sucks, but it's her prerogative. There are plenty of other vampire-related fandoms to play in.
3. Respect other fanwork creators. Now, it's the internet, and I'm aware trolls exist. I'm sure I've even trolled in my early days. But, I've cast that off. Now, I only offer positive and/or constructive things to fanwork people. But going along with respect, that also means, don't steal from other fanwork people either. Sure, they don't own the characters or whatever, but they own the work they put into this piece. I've had this happen to me, where an author quoted a work of mine as part of her work without permission. I knew that, in this particular instance, this person meant no harm... but still, it's a no-no. Had she asked, though, I probably would've been cool with it.
So, what is it about fanfiction that I support? Why do I love it? Well, it's a bunch of free, fun stories at my fingertips. Also, as a writer... it helps clear the brain. It's a playground that's open, but still got shiny new toys to play with. It takes a touch of the stress out of writing--just a touch; you'd be surprised how stressful even fanfiction writing can be. You want to see if a certain idea with a plot will work out? Try it out in your favorite fandom. Want to try a new style of writing? Fandom. Want to test out a new character? Have them interact with an established character, so you don't get jumbled up with your other original characters. Also, it's just good practice. I can actually open up my first fanfiction and my latest fanfiction and visibly see a difference. And yes, writing original fiction will do this too... but you don't have the quick response system that fanfiction has. You post a chapter of fanfiction, people read it, and they have the ability to review and tell you exactly what they thought. Meanwhile, I've got two whole original fiction novels and one novella written, and because of trying to keep it as publishable as possible, I have to be so damn precious about who reads them. I have just a few opinions about whether or not they're even any good. My fanfiction? I could tell you right now which ones are popular and which ones no one likes with zero hesitation.
I also love the community of it. I am a member of not one, but two fanfiction related groups on Facebook. I used to be a member of a group of people that were original writers only. I left that group because everything there seemed like a competition. Everyone thought they knew better than you, and no one wanted to offer any real help or support without a string or twelve attached. And bitterness... yeesh. But these fanfiction groups? They support you. They lift you up. Regularly, there are posts on there just making sure that everyone who reads it is having a good day. I just read one that opened up a place where people could talk about what was currently worrying them--it didn't even have to be writing related. It's a relief. Sure, you'll run across the occasional fandom hothead... probably several if you've been doing this even half as long as I have. But the number of annoying fanfiction writers versus know-it-all-for-no-reason original fiction writers is much lower.
I plan on writing fanfiction as long as I am able--for whatever reason--to do so. And, if you're out there, stuck on your original work, take a moment and go to Fanfiction.net, ArchiveofOurOwn.org, twistingthehellmouth.org (if you're a fan of Buffy the Vampire slayer crossovers), or whatever other fanfiction website you can find and read some fics. Hell, maybe even write a few. Then, take a breath, and go back to your own work. You might have even, knowingly or unknowingly, figured out what wasn't working on that original piece. I hope you all enjoyed this post (I know I was a little late this week). But now... I've got to go edit my original novel... and write some fanfiction.
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