I’m not embarrassed to say I used to write fanfiction. I used to write it a lot. In middle school (2000-2004), I was on fanfiction.net more than any other site. In high school, I went back to it briefly in 2006 but, for the most part, I didn’t think about writing or being a writer. The same is true for college. I might check stats to see how my story was doing, but it wasn’t something I followed. Then when I graduated college in 2012, I went back to it. I don’t know what made me do it, but I went back and finished my story.
I’d started a romance that never went anywhere about a fandom that was mid-series when I was writing. When I revisited it in 2012, I knew how the story would end in cannon, but not how I wanted it to end in my story. Knowing that I was going against the author gave me a degree of freedom that I enjoyed. I added an action/adventure aspect to my story and really enjoyed writing it. I finished the story and have been inspired to write a lot of original fiction.
Fanfiction taught me a lot about writing that I wouldn’t have learned otherwise. I read a lot and was able to pick out good and bad stories quickly which helped me make my story better. I’m rather successful in my romantic pairing (312 favorites on one story) though I know that’s nothing compared to some bigger fics. I don’t say this to brag, but to illustrate how supportive the fanfiction community was and how their encouragement drove me to finish my story. Fanfiction is great because you get instant feedback. You post, and within hours reviews and favorites and follows start to flood your inbox. It’s great!
I wish writing fiction were as responsive. I edited ten pages of my WIP today and what did I get? A sore neck and nothing else. At the same time, I got a favorite for my story that was finished two years ago. This was so motivational! I wish I got these emails more often. I wish I still got comments (why do those dry up?). I want more writers to tell me they love my story, to PM me asking for updates.
In summary, I feel like writing Fanfiction. I want that feedback, that love, and that encouragement that I have yet to find anywhere else in such quantity. Nothing against all of you; you’re wonderful and I love your comments. But the feedback on my fiction writing is different. It’s motivating in a different way.
Did or do any of you write fanfiction? What fandom? Did you find it motivating?
Until next time, write on.
You can follow me on Goodreads, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. I’m available via email at SamAStevensWriter@gmail.com. And as always, feel free to leave a comment!
Taking On a World of Words 
I’m glad you’re not ashamed to admit it. I’m not ashamed to read it. My sister used to write fanfiction. It was really good. I regret that I never did. Like you said, it’s nice getting feedback on your writing and hearing how people liked it.
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It’s a great way to get out of a writing slump, too. The characters and world building are done for you. All you have to do is find a plot! It’s never too late to start.
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I used to live on fanfiction.net lol. I would stay up all night writing “just one more chapter” and then squealing when people would leave comments or favorite my stories. It’s what really got me into writing. I probably wrote fanfiction for the better part of middle school/high school. And I still have most of the journals I wrote my stories in (they are horribly embarrassing lol). But I can definitely say I am a much better writer for it now.
I think lots of writers join writers groups to get that same kind of feedback on their work. It’s hard to keep working and working on a project that no one sees (except for maybe your mother, who has to say it’s amazing anyway). Having that outside input helps so much.
Jessica @ Ramblings on Readings
My Monday Post
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I had the same obsessions! I wrote and I read. I put up a story this weekend when I was thinking of this post and the reaction has been tepid but welcoming. I’m excited to get fully into the story!
I think writing fan fiction helped me a lot as a writer. I’m hoping it can get me out of a slump now where I’m embarrassed to show anyone what I’ve written. It will be out there someday if my dreams come true! Thanks for commenting.
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I used to write fanfiction, too. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it provided the author doesn’t come out and say they don’t want people to do it. It’s a really good way to get writing experience with quick feedback amongst a (usually) positive/supportive group.
Although as a writer I feel like if I ever get published I shouldn’t read fanfiction of any works I’m still writing more for (in-progress series, that kind of thing), because then I’d worry about reading something and having that influence my work.
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I understand that concern. You wouldn’t want to be blamed for steal a FFN author’s ideas! I read once that JK Rowling read some of her fanfiction and the one thing she noticed was people didn’t know for sure if Blaise Zambini was male or female! She fixed that in the next book LOL. Thanks for reading! It always feels like going to an AA meeting when I have to say, “I’m Sam and I write Fan Fiction.”
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