#writing-resources

Transition from Fanfiction to Original Fiction

I, too, wrote fanfiction actively for much of my life. Here are some main differences between fanfiction and original fiction I found:

What I like better about fanfiction

Characters: In fanfiction, characters already exist, you just need to portray them. In original fiction, you have to breathe life into brand new human beings! That was tricky at first for me.

Worldbuilding: In fanfiction, the world is already there. It can be easier to immerse yourself in a world that already exists.

What I like better about original fiction

Characters: My characters can be whoever I want. I don’t have to worry about portraying them true to someone else’s canon, because canon belongs to me.

Worldbuilding: It’s tons of fun to build an original world. Instead of adhering to the laws of a pre-existing universe, I can make up my own.

Both fanfiction and original fiction have their pros and cons. I found writing both helped exercise my creative muscles!

When transitioning to original fiction, it’s okay to write stories where the plot/setting is based off your favorite fandoms. These kinds of “heavily inspired” stories are great practice! Like training wheels as you ride the line between fanfiction and original.

Example of the Transition

Meet Anna! I made her up. She loves writing fanfiction about The Hunger Games, but she wants to publish original sci-fi novels one day. Anna decides to ease herself into original fiction gradually.

Fanfiction, with genre elements: Anna writes a new Hunger Games fanfiction, but Katniss and Cato are fighting in space. She experiments with worldbuilding in the familiar environment of Panem, extending its empire to the stars.

The ‘heavily inspired’ story: After a few months, Anna writes a sci-fi book with her OC Odis. The plot is basically “Hunger Games but in space”, but includes some original worldbuilding to adapt the setting to an interstellar backdrop. Jabberjays no longer exist, but an alien race called the Ja’blian does!

The new story: Anna decides to make a New Year’s resolution to write a new book. This time, Odis is exploring space when he’s captured by a hostile alien civilization. Thrown into an enclosed arena, Odis must fight other alien lifeforms to the death. He wins and prepares to escape. Plot twist! As he runs to his ship, the planet starts dying around him. Odis learns the planet itself is alive. It’s an old, angry god that demands bloodshed, threatening to turn itself uninhabitable if its denizens fail its demands. Will Odis sacrifice himself for the bloodthirsty planet, or can he find another solution?

Anna’s new writing still retains a favorite element inspired from The Hunger Games (fight to the death), but it has taken an original twist of its own. She decides to polish this manuscript further and pursue publishing it!

Troubleshooting: Plot and Setting

Sometimes things go wrong, but that’s okay! Writing is a life-long learning process. As long as you have the determination to push through, you’ll always move forward. In my opinion, that willpower is the single most important ingredient for a writer’s success!

Now for your plot and setting concerns:

Many fanfictions have amazing plots! But even the most basic plots can attract an audience, since the readers are already invested in those worlds.

Unfortunately, original fiction lacks that safety net. It can be a daunting task to construct an entirely new premise from scratch. Sometimes, the hardest part of building a compelling plot/setting is knowing where to start!

So Where Do I Start?

Judging by your ask, you seem to be character-focused. Even when you get frustrated with your worlds and move onto the next... you take your OCs with you. The love and care you show your OCs will be absolutely essential for building a plot!

I’ll be using the example of our sci-fi friend, Anna. She wants to write a sequel to her sci-fi novel, but she’s having trouble with the plot. Luckily, she is still attached to her main character Odis, so these strategies can help her out.

OC’s Goal: What does your OC want most? Think of a way to stop them from reaching that goal. Now they will have to make a journey or a sacrifice (tangible or intangible). Think of what your OC needs to do now.

Example: Odis dreams of finding love when he returns to Earth. But he crash-lands on yet another dangerous alien planet, and his spaceship is wrecked again. Now he has to enter the alien city to find replacement parts.

OC’s Arc: Your OC is going to change as a person. What about them will be different? Think of ideas to bring about these changes.

Example: Odis is abrasive and arrogant. Before he can find love, he needs to learn humility. Maybe he is caught stealing machine parts in the alien city and must do community service.

OC’s Error: Your OC believes something incorrect. What is this false belief they’re clinging to? Think of ideas to shake these beliefs.

Example: Odis believed he could only fall in love with another human. But as he cleans the matriarch trees for community service, he catches a glimpse of a handsome alien watching him from the branches...