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The Intricate Art of Fanfiction: Lessons for SFF Authors
Readers familiar with literary works and fanfiction are well aware of the disparity in reading pace between the two. While a 500-page novel may take a week to complete, consuming a fanfic of equivalent length in a single night is not an uncommon feat. The question arises: How does fanfiction routinely transcend the boundaries of ocular strain and the necessity for sleep?
The Allure of Fanfiction Writing
The answer lies in the outstanding quality of fanfiction writing, adept at captivating readers and maintaining their interest. This proficiency in engaging audiences is a fundamental objective for any writer looking to attract and expand their reader base. Therefore, delving into the realm of fanfiction to unravel the mystery behind its capacity to enthrall can offer valuable insights into crafting a compelling narrative that captivates fans.
Having delved into a significant volume of fanfiction over the years, I have identified three key distinguishing factors in fanfiction that stand apart from many conventionally published narratives. These particular elements serve as invaluable lessons for authors in the science fiction and fantasy (SFF) genre seeking to enhance their connection with their audience.
Fanfiction’s Unabashed Fulfillment of Reader Desires
Firstly, fanfiction fearlessly caters to readers’ desires, offering what they crave the most. The primary motivation behind the creation of most fanfics often stems from a writer’s unshakable idea that they long to witness in a particular storyline. These ideas frequently revolve around relationships, particularly those of queer nature that remain unexplored in mainstream narratives. Furthermore, fanfiction often delves into themes of marginalized identities and how such individuals find their place in the world. Above all, fanfic writers revel in playing with popular tropes, a practice that traditional authors may shy away from due to concerns of being labeled as “predictable.” Readers can readily satisfy their preferences on platforms like Archive of Our Own (Ao3) by filtering stories based on tags. With a plethora of tales featuring tropes such as “enemies to lovers,” “mutual pining,” and “idiots in love,” the demand for fanfiction is evidently substantial.
This widespread demand underscores the potential for SFF writers to attract a vast audience by embracing tropes. By incorporating familiar themes that lend themselves to a tropic structure, authors can appeal to readers who readily consume content that aligns with these established patterns.
Emphasis on Craft in Fanfiction
Secondly, fanfiction places a strong emphasis on various elements of craft, with particular focus on dialogue, character development over plot, and intricate worldbuilding and atmospherics. For example, the prevalence of works tagged as “banter” on Ao3 highlights the readers’ appreciation for well-crafted, lively exchanges—a hallmark of fanfiction writing. Crafting compelling dialogue is a challenging task, making it crucial for authors to study the adeptness with which fanfic writers handle this aspect.
Character development takes precedence over plot in fanfiction, with writers delving deeply into the personalities of their characters and focusing on their interactions. Some of the most impactful fanfics rely on minimal plot, sustaining the narrative through dialogue or a single night’s events. The immersive experience bestowed upon readers emerges from the meticulous attention to worldbuilding and atmospherics, which breathes life into the narrative and aids in creating a vivid mental picture.
The Emotional Resonance of Fanfiction
Thirdly, fanfiction thrives on the emotional connection between the writer, the reader, and the narrative. For aspiring authors, fanfiction serves as a training ground for honing their storytelling skills over prolonged periods. It not only imparts valuable lessons on crafting narratives but also instills a sense of importance and value for their stories among readers. Fanfiction has played a significant role in challenging the predominantly white, cisgender, heteronormative narrative prevalent in literature, cinema, and television by offering diverse and inclusive stories that resonate with readers.
By leveraging the lessons garnered from fanfiction—be it in terms of craft, content, or overall approach—the writing community can revolutionize the publishing industry by producing works that cater to readers’ desires. As a testament to the transformative power of fanfiction, these insights may pave the way for a new generation of authors to create stories that captivate and engage audiences, thereby fostering a symbiotic relationship between traditional publishing and fan-driven content.
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