Writing Fan Fiction - It’s Not Just A Hobby

I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase before, “All art is derivative.” It sounds like a negative statement but actually, for writers and creatives that are just starting out, this can be freeing! What a great way to learn your craft, by being inspired and studying the work of those who have gone before you. 

We’ve seen this in particular in the writing community with fan fiction. What started as just a fun way to connect with other fans has actually developed into a subgenre of its own and in some cases, has spawned whole new franchises and published works! 

Writing fan fiction is a great way to hone your writing skills and explore your creativity. There's no shame in being inspired by the work of others. In fact, it's a great way to learn and grow as a writer. Just make sure you're putting your own stamp on things and creating something that feels authentic and original to you.

Here are some tips on how to get started writing fan fiction:

• Choose a fandom that you're passionate about. Whether it's Harry Potter, Star Wars, or Game of Thrones, pick a world that you love and know well.
• Decide on your story's premise. What if a certain character had made a different choice? What if the events of the original story had played out differently? Get creative and have fun with it.
• Stay true to the characters and world you're writing in. While you have creative license to explore different scenarios and plotlines, make sure your characters still behave and speak in ways that are consistent with their original portrayal.
• Share your work with others. Whether it's posting on a fan fiction website or sharing with a writing group, getting feedback from others can help you improve your writing skills and gain new perspectives on your story.

So go ahead and give fan fiction writing a try! You may be surprised at how much you enjoy it and how much it can improve your writing abilities.