Is Fanfiction Relevant?

Fanfiction is a topic of much controversy, but does it really help improve a writer’s ability?

First off, let’s answer an important question - what is fanfiction? 

Fanfiction is very much what the name would imply. It’s stories written by fans, about fictional stories they have either read or watched. For example, Spiderman has quite a large following, with websites such as Archive of Our Own (AO3) having 64 030  individual stories alone. Harry Potter has an even larger following, with 362 796 stories. Other websites such as Fanfiction.net, Livejournal and Wattpad also have a large user base, with many fans eager to share their ideas.

Here's an example;

 On AO3, stories, or fics, as they are known, are responded to in four different ways - comments, bookmarks, kudos and hits. One such story -  A Christmas Miracle by Chloe_Parker05, has seven comments, 24 bookmarks, 135 kudos and 3 208 hits. It is the author's most popular story and was published on 13 November 2021. It is a Harry Potter fanfiction, wherein Harry's parents come back to life 16 years after their deaths. It takes place in what is known as an Alternate-Universe - where events deviate from the original story.

But how does this help one improve their writing?

Firstly, it can be posted chapter by chapter. This allows for easy editing and clarification. It’s a small section that can be looked over in a relatively short space of time, depending on the length.

Secondly, it allows for responses from readers. Most websites allow for comments or reviews on each chapter. This gives the writer an opportunity to receive feedback from the readers on what they can improve on or how they can change things next time. 

Thirdly, there isn’t any of the pressure that comes with publishing a book. Mistakes are allowed and are quite common.  There isn’t a need to get everything right the first time.

It also allows writers to practise and develop their own style before becoming professional. It provides a space for them to create their own way of writing, without any critique.

Writing fanfiction also helps to boost writers’ notoriety. Many famous authors started out by writing fanfiction, such as Cassandra Clare - who wrote The Mortal Instruments Series, E.L Todd - who wrote Fifty Shades of Grey, and Meg Cabot - who wrote The Princess Diaries. It’s a great way to get known and increase one’s popularity as a writer.

Lastly, it allows writers to explore alternate ideas of what could have happened in one of their favourite books, movies or shows. Maybe there was a scene they didn’t like, or a relationship they wished had happened. Fanfiction allows them to look into those possibilities.

There you have it! Now you know, if you ever want a way to work on your writing skills, try your hand at fanfiction. You might even have a little fun while doing it.