Posted: February 17, 2025
Fanfiction sometimes gets a bad name in writer circles. It’s not considered “real writing” by some people. It’s called “stealing” by others. (As a writer myself, I honestly think that the peak of an author is when their work gets its first fanwork (art, story, or anything else). The idea that someone loves my book enough to write their own story, to make their own spin on it, makes my heart beat faster.
But, you may ask, what’s the point of fanfiction? First and foremost, it’s fun. It’s a way of interacting with a fan community, of putting art out there for the world to enjoy. Of playing with ideas and what ifs and how abouts. One character makes a slightly different decision—how does that change the story? It’s the greatest thing! But can it actually help you as a writer? Yes! Here’s how:
Sharing your work with the public can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’re introverted like I am. I hated when people read my work out loud; I hated when they read over my shoulder; I even hated when they read it at all. However, I felt so much less nervous about posting it online to strangers. With a username, it felt anonymous. Plus, the only people reading it would be fans of the book or movie already; it’s already partially to their tastes. And while, yes, I got a few comments from judgemental people and yes, that sucked, there was overwhelming support.
No matter how bad you are when you start out, you always get better at something with practice. Ergo, the more you write, the more you improve. Back in high school, I had four or five different stories I was writing and posting, each on a different day of the week. It kept me busy, motivated, and in a working mood. I was always working on something new, and therefore got practice at so many different aspects of writing, whether I used the setting and characters and made up a new plot, or I imagined a different way the plot could’ve gone, or I introduced the characters of two different fandoms and discovered how they would interact. It’s excellent practice for character consistency—making the characters act and react in ways that they actually would have in the books or movies they’re from.
In the end, writing fanfiction is like doing writing exercises with a semblance of familiarity and some aspect of fun.
As I mentioned, there will always be one fanfiction reader that’s just out there to make people have a bad time. They’re usually the type who gatekeep their fandoms, who think people aren’t “true fans” if they mix up facts or they’re writing a character OOC (out of character), making them do things they wouldn’t do in canon. These comments are not helpful.
Helpful comments come in the form of encouragement, suggestions, even the odd “you’ve missed a spelling mistake here” (though these are rare). They come from people who are actually enjoying your work, who want to see it continue, who don’t care if you didn’t proofread before posting (though silently appreciate a lack of mistakes).
Learning the difference and learning how to take feedback and critique and incorporate it into your work is essential for all writers, not just fanfic writers. If you go on to write an original novel or other kind of work, you’ll have to rely on beta readers and editors, some of whom you will not agree with. This is important to note, as it’s equally easy to fall into the trap of changing your work to appease one reader. You must remember that, in the end, it’s your work, and it’s your final decision. You should consider everything, of course, but only take what you need. (And, of course, if multiple people make the same comment, a change probably needs to be made.)
Since you’re borrowing from a fandom you already love, you’re not tasked with creating new settings and characters from scratch, which I find some of the hardest parts of writing. Inventing people that feel real? Quite difficult! Using existing characters, plots, and settings allows you to practice writing without worrying about that stuff, and also allows you to fully embrace your creative self.
No matter if you’re writing short stories, poems, or full length novels, completing a project will always give you a sense of accomplishment. You can say “I did that!” You stuck with it and got to the end. This feeling builds your confidence and brings you forward.
Not to say that writing fanfiction is easier than writing original work, or that it’s a guarantee that you’ll complete every project you start. So many fanfictions out there remain unfinished. They get deleted or abandoned by the authors who start them. But that doesn’t have to be you!
First, you’ll have to find a site that works for you. A few of the more popular ones include Archive of Our Own, Fanfiction.net, and Wattpad. You need to know that fanfiction stealing happens, just like other work posted on the internet; even if it’s rare, it happens. There will also be…less savoury works spiralling out there. Fans post whatever they like, and it’s not always PG, so be warned. Use filters to hide such things, or search to your heart’s content—whatever you’d like!
Make a username that reflects you, but don’t use your real name. Be internet smart, of course. Making a username that reflects your favourite fandom or fandoms is highly recommended!
From there, you’re ready to start. What books, movies, TV shows, etc. do you enjoy? What inspires you? What makes you ask questions, daydream about what could have happened? Those are the fandoms you want to join. Perhaps you’re already writing a little about them. If you think you’re ready, make your first upload. Become part of an uplifting community, and don’t let anyone get you down.
5 Things That help Me Write
5 Books That Inspire Me
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Is Fanfiction Real Writing?
Tigerpetal Press is a small book press dedicated to publishing local authors and poets.