Lets talk about fanfiction, all right?
So I was having a discussion with a friend and fellow artist about how she created an account on Archive of Our Own, but wanted a username that didn’t sound like her…but that she still liked. She wanted this because she didn’t want the honorable peoples of the internets to connect her artist persona with her fanfiction.
Now, when I made this blog, I wanted a few things. I wanted tabs at the top of the page. And I wanted one of them to lead to my fanfiction. The reason? Cause I put a lot of effort into my fanfiction, that’s why! I write fanfiction, I read a shit-ton of fanfiction (see previous post), and I generally talk a lot about fanfiction. And while I am currently working under a pen name in order to keep some of my identity private, fanfiction is just another part of my writing, so why not connect it with my writing persona?
I can understand the argument of writing fanfiction isn’t a really productive activity. The time I spend reading, researching, and writing fanfiction could probably be better spent writing original stuff for publishers so I can get money instead of kudos. But you know what I like about fanfiction? It’s relaxing. If I really want to, I don’t have to impress anyone. And when I put in the effort, people appreciate it. While with original stuff, I’ve got people who expect more, demand more, and will reject me if I don’t deliver. Which is gratifying in itself, but its the difference between running a race and going for a jog.
Besides, in terms of guilty pleasure, how far away is fanfiction from…say…erotic romance?
Also, I have the belief that all upcoming writers are basically going to be born and bred on fanfiction.net/AO3/Tumblr/Livejournal/ksarchive/potionsandsnitches/fictionalley/and you now know where most of my day is spent.
I think that writing fanfiction is a great way to delve into writing. Because you don't have to develop a universe, you can focus on character and plot development. I don't know how many times I've purchased a book where the universe is interesting, but it falls flat in character development and plot.
ReplyDeleteAlso, when writing fanfiction, you have to pay attention to detail or your readers will call you on it - that's another great writing habit to develop. Not a waste of time in my opinion.