User blog:Tecku/TT: Fan Fiction 101

Hey guys! Ever since Garden Warfare 2 released, there's been a huge influx on fan fiction on the wiki. In particular, a lot of "sagas" seem to be coming out, showing off what the writers on the wiki can do. Today, I want to talk about the basics of writing fan fiction, and some basic pitfalls to avoid.

Tecku Talks About: Fan Fiction 101

Understandably, fan fiction is a passionate literature. Fanfic is our way of expressing that we care a lot about the world created by the fiction, and how much we think or daydream about it, and some of the wacky "what-ifs" that we come up with. As such, there isn't really a "correct" way to write. However, I do have a method that may help beginners get off the ground.

Stage 1: Synopis and Characters (Who are the characters?)

This stage is the baseline for writing fan fic. Get a grip on who your characters are, what you want them to have for personalities, and create the basic setup they'll be thrust into. My basic premise for the PvZH Show is an example of this. If something doesn't work, don't be afraid to let it go.

Now, since fanfic takes place in an established universe, that usually means that characters in your story will already have personalities, minus original characters that you make. In that case, make sure that you understand each character. Most notably, try to look at times in the fiction where the character has to learn or change, even in a minor way.

Stage 2: Story Outline (What will the characters do?)

This is the section where you write the cliffnotes of the story, the type of summary you would find in a wikipedia page. This is where you lay out the basic scenes, create the story arc. An example of the is my Captain Combustable Confidence Arc outline.

Once you've gotten a story you're comfortable with, add in some more detail. For example, you can put in "fight scene" for starters, then come back later to lay out who will win the fight, and how.

This is a long post. Will update over next few hours.