Fanfiction is a huge part of fandom culture. For those of you who are unfamiliar with it, fanfiction is basically exactly what it sounds like: fiction written by fans based on popular works, including books, movies, television shows, or any other form of media. If you're ever in need of a place where people can go to write and read content online, make sure you visit some of these Internet staples: Fanfiction.net, Tumblr, LiveJournal, Wattpad, and Archive of Our Own.
My first work ever was a fanfiction about Jimmy Neutron that I wrote when I was eight years old. Even at that age, I could not deny my writer's instinct to immerse myself as deeply as I could in a universe I admired and loved. I wasn't old enough, however, to know that reading it out to my class was not something fanfiction writers normally did.
Thankfully, my Tina Belcher moment did not end in embarrassment, but I'm certain I wouldn't get another free pass if I tried that stunt again. I haven't been writing "erotic friend fiction" like Tina, but I definitely don't feel comfortable letting the people around me read my fanfiction.
My history with fanfiction is as detailed and embarrassing as history can go. I've been on fanfiction sites for over a decade now, and endured various awkward phases of fiercely denying my existence on the site, sheepishly admitting that I was into it, and then blatantly updating my stories in a crowded high school classroom while I suffered from Senioritis. I've even discovered recently that losing my shame and publicly declaring my fanfiction addiction means that I am now open to the maelstrom that is Tumblr fandoms (but that's another post all on its own.)
For far too long, there have been weird misconceptions about fanfiction. Writing fanfiction is still sometimes considered the ultimate in weird, and growing up knowing this made me progressively weird and embarrassed about it. The peak of my humiliation came in discovering that my mom had access to my username and work almost the entire time.
But guess what? The world didn't experience a cataclysmic change. In fact, my mom encouraged me to keep writing, and I realized that there was actually nothing wrong with me for liking or writing fanfiction. Which is why I am just a little upset that I always feel like I have to explain myself when talking about fanfiction.
Granted, fanfiction has created some...very interesting things, including E.L. James's Twilight-based Fifty Shades of Grey, a One Direction fanfiction that seemed like it would get its moment on the big screen for a little bit of time, and possibly the worst fanfiction story ever: Harry Potter-based My Immortal. But it's gotten to the point now that I probably spend more time explaining my fanfic writing than actually writing. So, without further ado, here are all the things we are tired of hearing or having to explain to you:
We're not trying to "copy" anybody.
"Fanfiction:" A piece of fiction, based on another piece of fiction, written by a fan. Every story starts off with disclaimers. We're very adamant about giving credit where credit is due, even to giving the name of the artist of our book cover. We're not out to "steal" these characters; we're here to share in our admiration for them.
Nor are we "too lazy" to write our own work.
I can't tell you how offended I am by this comment. Mostly because the majority of fanfiction writers totally have their own fiction work, myself included. But that's not even the biggest thing. Despite how convenient it may be that we don't have to world-build for a new story, the amount of work we put into actually writing our story should never be deemed as "lazy."
Fanfiction is NOT equivalent to "writing a bunch of porn and stuff."
This misconception existed even before Fifty Shades of Grey was out, but it's even more annoying today. It's true that there is plenty of adult fanfic material online, but there's nothing wrong with that. That's what the search filters are for, which means that unless you are specifically looking for it, it's pretty hard to just "happen upon." For the most part, we are not here to read or write porn; a lot of us are there to create works with genuine plots and character developments. I will say, however, that sometimes you will find plots with sex in them. Surprise! Sex is a part of life, in case you weren't aware of that before.
Yeah, fanfiction sometimes is about fixing things.
Some people get into fanfiction because their favorite character was killed; others because their One True Pairing (OTP) never actually became canon. And yes, a lot of what we write can stem from wanting to feel righted in these universes. But on a deeper level, sometimes fanfiction is about fixing the lack of representation we have in mainstream media. Fanfiction is an outlet for those of us who still desperately need diversity in books, television, and film.
Writing fanfiction is typically not "just a phase."
Most of us are in this for life. It isn't babyish, immature, or something we'll eventually just "grow out of," like an ugly sweater or corduroy overalls. It's something that most of us truly love and enjoy doing, not just when we're young.
TBH, we don't owe you ANY explanations.
It took me so long to realize this, but I feel so much better now. Unless I'm straight up talking to you about fanfiction, the opinion of "non-fanfictioners" on my or anyone else's work doesn't really matter. We know everyone thinks we're weird. Most days, we think we're weird. But if you give us a chance and keep your judgment to yourself, we can all coexist in our weirdness. And how wonderful does that sound?
Writing and reading fanfiction shouldn't be a dirty secret. There is nothing to be ashamed about, and instead of making those who enjoy it feel sel-conscious, it should be celebrated just as equally as fanart and cosplay. They are all means of artistic expression and ultimately show just how talented some fans are.
