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I’ve had my fair share of writing fanfictions on Tumblr in my day. It’s a fun way to escape the real world and dive into a fictional world for a while. As an experienced fanfiction writer for over 5 years, I thought I’d share some tips and tricks on how to get started in the world of make believe. There are many places to go and publish your work, I go more into this later in the article, but this is mainly focused on Tumblr.
What is fanfiction?
Fanfiction can be described as writing fictional stories about popular movie/tv characters. These stories can be based on that certain show or movie, or a made up setting/time period (or AU meaning alternative universe). There are also types of fanfiction: smut (sexual content), angst (conflict between characters), fluff (cute stuff no smut or angst unless stated otherwise). Fanfictions can be short, long or broken down into chapters.
Where do I find fanfiction?
The most popular places to find fanfiction are Tumblr, Wattpad and Archive of Our Own. Tumblr is a social media site where you can like and reblog pictures, writings, GIFs etc. Wattpad is specifically for people to post their writings. Archives of Our Own lets writers upload anything they created: writing, videos, art etc. All of these websites have and there is a high possibility that someone has written fanfiction about the person you are looking for. Warning: fanfictions that you find/read may include explicit content like sexual content, language or violence.
How do I write fanfiction?
It’s easy really. Do you have a movie or tv character that you really like? Do you like to write? Do you have an idea that can feature in your work? Write about it! There’s someone out there that watches the same tv show as you and would definitely read your work. Also, write in any point of view you want. It doesn’t matter the word count either!
When you gain followers, they might want to send you messaging complimenting your work or asking if you take requests. I like taking requests because I know that at least one person would read it and plus, it’ll make them happy that you took the time to write it.
How do I get views on my fanfiction?
Tags are very important on Tumblr. They help potential readers find your story. Let’s say you’re writing fanfiction on a character from a TV show, you would type in where it says “#tags” the name of the show, the characters name, the actor who plays the characters name, other characters from the show, what kind of fanfiction you wrote (smut, fluff, angst etc.). Sometimes it takes time to get notes (notes are just like likes on Tumblr) on your story. Anothe great tip is to cut your story into chapters. It keeps the reader wanting more! Don’t forget to link the previous chapters just in case new readers want to read from the beginning.
How do I support other fanfiction writers?
Like it, reblog it and share it with your friends! Writers work hard on their work. The least you could do is give it a like if you enjoyed reading it. It makes the writer excited that someone enjoyed reading their work!
Fanfiction dictionary
Here are some words you may see in fanfiction or before you read one:
- Y/N: Your/Name
- Y/L/N: Your/Last/Name
- A/N: Authors Note
- NSFW: Not Safe For Work - mostly involves some sort of sexual content
- POV: Point of View of a character
- T/W: Trigger Warning - it’s best to put these if there’s violence, sexual content, cursing or anything of that nature to warn the reader before they dive into your story.
- Prompt - an idea for fanfiction (if you’re struggling with an idea, there are many prompts you can look through the “writing prompts” tag (there is a search bar at the top of the screen, just type it in there)
- Rec - short for recommendation (For example: people say “Does anyone have any fic recs?” that’s basically what it means)
I hope my guide was a bit of help, happy writing!
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