This article may seem a bit unorthodox, but I think it’s worth writing. Fanfiction doesn’t seem to have the best reputation. On the surface, reading/writing it may seem like just a good way to pass the time when you have nothing else to do. However, it can be used for more than just entertainment. Granted, I may be biased since I enjoy writing and reading fanfiction, but I really do see the value in both, probably more so writing it in my case. When I took a creative writing class in college, I was able to craft a “healthy story” (as my professor called it) due to my experience writing fanfiction. I’m not saying all writers should start here, but it can definitely help in the following ways:

1. Helps with brainstorming ideas for stories

Just as other fiction/creative writing requires thinking about what you want to write, fanfiction helps writers also get practice with this. Fanfiction writers still have to imagine exactly what they want to happen in their story, or at least have a few ideas for what they want to happen, before actually writing. Fanfiction is a little easier, though, since at least the characters are already established. Since fanfiction usually is sparked by something a fan wants to see/read that didn’t actually happen, such as a romance developing between characters or certain characters having a happy ending, it can definitely help writers when they want to move to general fiction where the idea is unique instead of based off of someone else’s.

2. Helps with plot development

After brainstorming an idea, writers must then consider how their stories will be set up from beginning to end. Whether it’s a short fiction of about 500 words to a multi-chapter fiction, fanfiction isn’t fanfiction until a story’s developed. This can eventually branch out into fiction writing also where the original idea takes more form.

3. Helps with setting development

A lot of fanfictions are labeled AUs, short for alternate universe. These AUs can be college campuses, coffee shops, or even medieval worlds. Changing the setting can be a fun change of pace from the fictional world in which the actual story’s set. It’s fun to see characters interact in different settings, especially if their original personalities are still intact.

4. Helps with character development/analysis/understanding

Unless you’re making a “crack fic” (parody), fanfiction writers should keep the characters’ mannerisms, personalities, and speech patterns as close to the original as possible. In order to do this, fanfic authors need to make sure that they understand how the original characters really act. Then, when branching out into more general fiction, writers will be better able to develop characters since they know that they need to think about how they want their characters to act, talk, dress, etc. from practicing with already established characters in fanfiction.

5. Helps you stick to a schedule

Writing in general is difficult. It takes a lot of time and effort, even if you’re not working on a short story or novel to eventually get published. Writing fanfiction is kinda low stakes in that regard. However, writers still need to find the time to write. Some people are capable of “brain dumping” where they can just write non-stop until they’re finished, whereas others need to work on a section at a time (I fall into the latter category, which unfortunately means that months will go by in-between sections if I don’t have a writing schedule). Especially when working on multi-chapter fics, it helps to update on a regular basis to keep your readers interested. Writers can’t be lazy if they want to finish anything.

6. Helps you find your own voice

While a lot of people may have similar ideas, few people express them the same way someone else does. Writing is a good medium for people to express their individual thoughts and ideas, and this applies to fanfiction as well. The more you write, the more you get a feel for how you would say something versus how someone else would. Ergo, writing fanfiction can also be a great avenue for finding your own voice in writing.

7. Provides practice with editing

Believe it or not, some fanfiction websites have options for Betas, people who will look over fanfics and give feedback/constructive criticism to the authors. With any form of communication, if you want others to understand you, you have to relay your ideas as clearly as possible. It’s normal for fanfics to have some grammar/punctuation mistakes, but too many can confuse the reader and cause him/her to not understand what all the fic’s about. Even if the fanfiction website doesn’t have a section for Betas, fanfic writers can still ask others to comment and provide feedback that way. Some will even create Twitter or Tumblr pages just so people can message them about their stories. Fanfic writers crave feedback because we want to know whether a reader likes the fic and how to improve future ones. Editing is even more important with general fiction, so fanfiction is good practice for writers if they plan on branching out someday (or even if they just wanna write more fanfiction).

8. Provides a healthy medium for creative expression

Writing is a healthy form of expression in and of itself. With as much time and effort that goes into it, even if it’s for fanfiction, writing can be a great way to release stress and emotions as well as be a welcome break from a busy schedule.

9. Makes people happy

One aspect of writing fanfiction that I love is seeing that my fic made someone else’s day. Some comments are definitely more elaborate than others, but writers are always happy when their fics make others happy.

10. Produces a feeling of accomplishment

Once you’ve completed your fanfiction, you get a feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment. All that time either drafting your fic on paper or typing away at your keyboard has finally paid off. Of course, uploading your fic can be slightly terrifying since it’s now at the mercy of the internet, but even uploading it is an accomplishment as well.

Although fanfiction may not have the best reputation in terms of quality writing, it can be a great asset for improving your writing. I originally started writing just to do it, but I’ve found that it’s a lot more rewarding than I thought it’d be. Now to update my own fics…