Before we can delve into more in-depth topics in how to go about writing fan fiction, I’ll provide you with some basic tips for making your work enjoyable if you plan on making it available for others to read on the Internet.
1. Brush up on your grammar and spelling. Nothing turns a rush of creativity and excitement into a tangled mess of nonsense like bad grammar and spelling, or even excessive use of text message/AIM talk. You are writing a story, not an AIM conversation.
2. Remember those novels you probably had to read over the summer, but waited until the last minute to skim through? The ones you had to answer questions for but probably forgot to answer until the morning of your first day of class? Go back and actually read them, and study the author’s style. If you don’t want to do that, pick up and read some novels from published writers of the genre you’re interested in. If you’re doing horror, try reading a Stephen King novel or two. If you like adventure and fantasy, pick up a R.A. Salvatore novel.
3. I know I’m opening myself to flames here, but never, EVER read any of the Twilight books. The series contains everything you do NOT want to do when writing a fan fiction, or any sort of fiction for that matter. The only reason you should read them is that you learn what NOT to do.
4. Take your work seriously, but never yourself. Arrogance and excessive self-importance is the quickest path to ruin, especially on the Internet. Be ready to take criticism for your work if you allow others to give you feedback, and even outright flames. Even if it does upset you, try not to openly display it. You’re only going to make things worse.
Now, let’s delve into more specific topics.