Writing Fanfiction: A how to guide to unleash your imagination and creativity

Hi everyone! Are you new to fanfiction? Never written before? Well this how to has been written to help you with learning to write fanfiction. Fanfiction can be defined as fiction that is written in the world of another author's. That is my definition at least. I have been writing both fanfiction and original fiction for over 10 years and I have learned many things that I would like to pass to you. So you are still confused by my definition? Okay, fanfiction is basically writing a story in let's say Harry Potter's world. You can create original characters (OCs), use the characters that are already created, or use both.

Being new to fanfiction isn't a bad thing. We all start somewhere and you shouldn't be ashamed if your first story isn't the best. You will grow in time. The one thing never to do is plagiarism, that is copying someone else's work. You must come up with a story on your own.

So how do you get inspired to write a fanfiction? I often start with my favorite canons. This means my favorite tv shows, animes, mangas, movies, books, etc... If you start with these you can usually imagine the character or characters in different situations and this inspires you to write. I also stay up late during the night and sometimes get inspired to write about my favorite canons then. If that doesn't work, I get inspired by a fanwork (fanart or fanfiction.) If it is a fanfiction, I ask the author for permission to use their work and to continue it in my own way. I'm sure you will have many ideas for a fanfiction. Just let it come to you!

This is the computer/technology age, so the only tools you will need to write a fanfiction are your mind and a good program to write your story in. I recommend two programs actually. Notepad and Microsoft Word. Ever since I have been writing, I have wrote my stories in Notepad. You can find this program in the Accessories section. It's easy to save your stories in Notepad. However, I advise to use Word Wrap, otherwise you will have to scroll horizontally. I also advise using Microsoft Word. Even though I am all about grammar, I do miss things and Microsoft Word catches it. Don't have Word? Wordpad, another program accessible in Accessories, will help you spell check.

Note: If you have a Apple computer, you will most likely not have Wordpad or Notepad. However, I am sure they will have some kind of program to write in. Unfortunately, I only have Windows.

Writing fanfiction is something that you have to love doing. You have to love or like your canon (e.g. Harry Potter) and you have to have an imagination, which we all have. Some of us, however, are more right-brained than others. That means that we are more imaginative. However, even those who are left-brained can write a good story. Remember, everyone starts somewhere. If you are uncomfortable with writing a long story, write a short story. My definition of a short story is a story that is less than 6 chapters. A long story is more than 6 chapters. I've written stories more than 30 chapters, this is because I loved the canon at the time and was interested in it. If you really are interested in it, the story will flow. You can always start off with a one-shot. A one-shot is a story that is one-page and it can be about anything. Usually one-shots are used for sex, but it can be for other situations.

Here are some of my tips in writing a fanfiction:

1. Write for yourself.
2. Don't force yourself to complete a story if you are no longer interested in it.
3. Always, always, always check your grammar. There is no excuse not to!
4. You can get inspired by reading, watching tv or movies, looking at pictures, or just simply using your imagination.
5. Don't worry what other people say. Piss on them. If you like what you are putting out, then continue to put it out.
6. Not great at grammar or sentence structure? Get a beta. You can find one at fanfiction.net.
7. Don't PLAGIARIZE!

I have faith that you will produce a great fanfiction. Good luck!

Also fanfiction.net is a great site to sign up and get recognition for your fanfictions.