How do I Write Fan Fiction?

[Abaddon 95]

I'm a writer who specializes in non-fiction that borders on the gonzo genre (I'm supposedly good at writing, at least that is what my readers tell me) and I currently run a blog that showcases my writing. However, I've never been able to transition to fiction. As such, I would love to write an MLP fanfic, but I have no clue how to start or where to go. Does anyone have any resources, suggestions or ideas/tips/options on how to produce fictional stories? There are a bunch of ideas in my head that want to come out, however, at the moment I don't have the means to produce them.

[MincedMassacre 14]

Well, a FanFiction is pretty much fiction that comes from fans.

 

FanFictions are basically just fictional stories about one or more characters that are in a manga, or anime, or movie, or show, or... well, you get the point.

 

Keep this is mind when you write your FanFiction.

[Lord Pretty Pie 64]

What I like to do when writing, is think of it not as a story that I am making up, but as an actual exchange between these characters. There is no, "What do I want them to do," It is all, "What would they do," If you know what I mean. While it is in progress, it is not a FanFiction, it is totally true. Of course... Don't get too carried away on that point, after your done, it's fake again, ok?

[Knight of Blades 1]

i play the story in my head like a movie a few times then start wrighting

a lot of fan fics i have read is a retelling of the story with a few new characters to mix it up a bit

[ZStrike37 107]

Well, I don't know much about writing fanfics but I'll throw in my bits anyway. Writing, to me, starts with the question "What do I want in this story?" Action, adventure, betrayal, fighting, daily living, romance, and dark are all kinds of themes that should be considered. What elements do you want to include?

 

After that, for me, it's about the villain or final confrontation first. "At the very end of this story, what is going to happen, what is the climax?" Thinking about that helps me create two points, a start and an end. Then it's all about brainstorming on those who will follow that path between those two points. Mane 6? A couple from the mane 6? Background ponies? OC ponies? And of course any combination . Following the characters I want included, I think about what motivation they would have for wanting to complete that end-goal.

 

These are my ideas anyway, hope they helped or provided ideas on what you want to do. Most importatly though, write about something that you will have fun writing about. In my opinion, a writer who dislikes their own story will let that dislike show in the writing and turn off readers.

[applejack is best pony 22]

Just started writing fanfic myself lol and read up on some to see what people liked. Biggest thing I found and would say to anyone wanting to do fanfic is that it is no different than any other "regular" story you write, with whatever fandom you choose thrown in. Stay true to the characters and how they act, and don't try and dumb it down, esp in pony case, to meet the audiance. After all, the people who are going to read it are probably around your age and extremely dedicated lovers of the show/book/whatever. Also I've not done it yet but if you throw in an OC pony make sure that they're not 'godlike' in power but well rounded characters with faults of their own.

Lastly, but probably most importantly, have fun!

[HeartRarity! 1]

My Advice:

Write how and what you already know. Nobody likes a cookie cutter fanfic, and you seem like you have an interesting writing background. I'd say try applying your style to fiction.

Other than that the biggest tips I can offer:

- No "Mary Sue" OC's - if you make your own character, don't have them be the coolest best most perfect thing on the planet

- No self insertion

- Just start writing and see what happens, stories can take on a life and direction of their own.

[Knight of Blades 1]

if you like im a new comer to wrighting fanfics as well, take a look at how i started

here is a link

http://mlpforums.com/topic/18157-equesirian-blades-need-comments-to-help-improve-story/

[Strife 455]

-snip-

 

Well, this is quite the interesting question. Unfortunately, writing works very different for each person; style, thought process, genres, interactions, diction, etc.

 

Short Answer:

Just like any sort of writing, you take your thoughts and mold them into words. You just simply write.

 

Longer Answer:

For me, there isn't really a set method that I follow. I rarely ever brainstorm for ideas, they just pop into my head at random intervals and I start writing. It's all about what you would find interesting to do. After an idea as been attained, I have noticed two main methods that a person can use for fleshing out a story, though;

 

Planning

• The person takes the idea and determines what the end result will be.
• Ideas are brainstormed as to what events can happen on the journey to the end result.
• Appropriate events are found and are then mapped out as to how and when they will take place.

'Motion Writing'

• [optional] The person takes the idea and determines what the end result will be.
• Person takes the idea and begins to write, giving little forethought as to what will happen next.
• Writing instinctively, the person continues to write until a point has been reached where they feel should be the end result.

Both methods mentioned above are described in the most simplistic of ways, but that is generally the main two ways. The second one I call 'Motion Writing' is because the story is written in constant motion, rarely does the writer stop and plan very far ahead. Generally, I use Motion Writing as I pretty much don't plan my stories. Any ideas I have for the story on where to take it, all develop as I'm writing and then I nudge the story in that direction. Occasionally I use a hybrid method that has certain parts planned out and the rest of it instinctively written.

 

But you may be asking "Well, where do I get an idea?" or "What kind of idea is a good one to write?" The second question is easier to answer; Personally, the best kind of idea to write out is one that is fairy uncommon. For example, take the sub-genre Human in Equestria (HiE). While this type of story is quite popular, they are essentially all the same and quite bland (the idea is over done).

 

There are exceptions to this rule, of course. If you can come up with a rather unique or different way of presenting the story or possibly a neat idea on how to tweak it so it's not 'just another HiE', then even a clique idea can be turned into something refreshing.

 

As for the first question. Everyone differs on how they get an idea. It can be from simply sitting down and brainstorming to just doing your normal activities when an idea randomly appears. Either way, a good place to start is in areas that interest you. For example, a musician may be more inclined to write a story that has a musical theme to it, and since it their field of interest, they can come up with more unusual and exciting ways of how to write something in that genre.

 

 

WARNING!

 

As mentioned already, there are things you want to avoid. The following things are commonly frowned upon in the writing community:

• Poor grammar - If English isn't your first language, first try writing in your native language instead. This will give you a chance to get accustomed to the process so that later you can focus on great grammar when writing outside of your language later. Poor grammar can entirely ruin an otherwise great story.
• Self Insertion - Writing yourself into the story. This is done far too often, and a lot of authors do it mistakenly. Basically, avoid making a character based largely on yourself or closely resembling. Doing this can result in a lot of story mistakes.
• Over 9000! - Popularly referred to as a "Mary Sue" character. This is making a character too perfect, or with little-to-no flaws. The person is so powerful or infallible as to be completely unrealistic and overall not fun at all for the reader. Part of the desire to read a story is the excitement of wondering what will happen next, but if a character is perfect, then we already know how the events will unfold.
• Political Speech - A phrase I use when someone is saying a lot, but not showing anything. An interesting and engaging story has a lot of descriptive phrases so that the readers can visualize the events and characters. In other words: "Show, don't tell." Beware of the opposite! Flooding the reader with too much or too detailed description can cause the story to run on far too long and make them bored.
• Puppetry - When writing a fanfic, you are specifically taking a pre-defined world and writing in it. As a writer, you can do whatever you want with the story, but keep in mind that many people expect canon characters to stay as much in-character as possible. For example, we wouldn't see Applejack being lazy and lying to everyone unless there was a really good explanation for it. Just something to keep in mind!

Sorry for the rather erratic way I typed this out. It doesn't contain everything you need to know, but it's a real fast overview of some major points. Feel free to PM me or whatever if you have questions or just simply want to bounce ideas off of someone.

[Starwalker 0]

I'm also gonna wright fanfic but I need to wait 2 more days on fanfiction.net because for spam thingy

[Wishful Thinking 102]

ASK PINKIE PIE.

 

I suggest plotting out only the bare bones, saving the details for your writer's instinct. I've attached an example for the bare bones, because I'm horrendous at explaining myself.

 

No attachment for the writer's instinct because everybody differs.

 

Hope I helped, though the knowledge that I didn't is somewhere deep inside me!

 

Bare bones.txt

[Book Horse 12]

It has been a big dream to become a writer since I was a lot younger, even in kindergarten I made several stories!

I specifically focus on fiction unlike you, because I find it easier to write.  However fan-fic needs a base on what or who you're writing about.  For example in mlp, you should make sure the characters, if they're from the show, do what they would do in the show when there's a problem or something that relies on them specifically.  However, OC and ponies that are just created for your personal story can be or do whatever you want.  From here, you can do whatever you want!  Some fan-fix even focuses the ponies in the human world as ponies, so many you could take the ponies and have them explore Earth!