Hey guys it's me again with another discussion topic that I hope all of you would find interesting like our little bit about ACCs. I'm always interested in hearing other people's views and opinions on a particular subject and this thread is no exception.
Essentially the question at hand is, why do you write fanfiction? What do you wish to accomplish on an artistic and personal level. What makes a good fanfic?
Talking to my friends on fanfiction.net I've see a wide range of responses. Some like to challege the norm and present views that are not normally thought of. As always I'm too lazy to post my views now, but I will eventually.
It is currently Wed May 07, 2025 10:12 pm
Why Write Fanfiction?
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by Skysong » Thu May 11, 2006 10:30 pm
Oh, you've unleashed the dogs of war...
I've written a lot of fanfic (all told, probably about eighty fics because I have several not on FFN), and the simplest answer to why is this: PRACTICE.
Fanfic is a useful thing because, like Pepsipiper said, you don't have to create your own world or characters- you can play with someone else's. Also, it tends to show if writing isn't your thing... the people who really aren't that good at writing tend to pan out after a while (there are hundreds of examples of this, doubtless in just the CL section of FFN). If you can persevere at writing a five-chapter fanfic, then your chances of writing original fiction... aren't that much better, but at least you can keep at it!
And when you start writing, unless you have a true, God-given gift, you will *suck* (and you probably will think you don't- that's the sign of death). Fanfiction is an easy way to improve your style because you don't have to concentrate on creating anything- you've got the characters and the world set out for you!
Besides. It's fun. You can be sadistic to the stupid characters!
I've written a lot of fanfic (all told, probably about eighty fics because I have several not on FFN), and the simplest answer to why is this: PRACTICE.
Fanfic is a useful thing because, like Pepsipiper said, you don't have to create your own world or characters- you can play with someone else's. Also, it tends to show if writing isn't your thing... the people who really aren't that good at writing tend to pan out after a while (there are hundreds of examples of this, doubtless in just the CL section of FFN). If you can persevere at writing a five-chapter fanfic, then your chances of writing original fiction... aren't that much better, but at least you can keep at it!
And when you start writing, unless you have a true, God-given gift, you will *suck* (and you probably will think you don't- that's the sign of death). Fanfiction is an easy way to improve your style because you don't have to concentrate on creating anything- you've got the characters and the world set out for you!
Besides. It's fun. You can be sadistic to the stupid characters!
Mistress of madness and all that jazz. FFN account DA account
Panel from Wild Child 'cause the nosekiss was getting too weird.
Panel from Wild Child 'cause the nosekiss was getting too weird.
by lyokowarriorteen20010 » Thu May 11, 2006 10:30 pm
Well in my current fanfic Code element. I was playing with my action figures and I said to myself hey this would make a great book! Well later that day I discovered code lyoko. So I put two and two together and Code element was born. So to give you my replie it would be because we are all at a certain time struck with a surge of creativity and in that are idea is born.
Blank slate soon to be wrote on.
by Tekirai » Fri May 12, 2006 6:02 am
I just write it because I find it harder to write stories with my own characters in them. It's actually a lot ore fun writing with characters everybody knows about, so no descriptions have to be written. Which I'm crap at. xD;;
It's basically the Burger King slogan- 'Have it your way'. You make your changes and tweaks to the show in your own way and display them to others for cristisim and comments, then you write another. And another. Then eventually, you're writing on your left leg even.
I like the concept of using the chracters and putting them in different situations. Say I locked Odd in a room full of asparagus. (tpyical Tekiraian standup...) I put myself in his point of view, and then the writing begins. Odd goes nuts. Eats. Dies. Comes back to life. Blah. The end.
Some stories, sometimes, are just complete s*** and the authors don't deserve to have hands to write the bloody things. I try to prove that I'm not one of those idiots. And that is my long and pointless explaination why I write. That and I'm a nerd with no life. :P
It's basically the Burger King slogan- 'Have it your way'. You make your changes and tweaks to the show in your own way and display them to others for cristisim and comments, then you write another. And another. Then eventually, you're writing on your left leg even.
I like the concept of using the chracters and putting them in different situations. Say I locked Odd in a room full of asparagus. (tpyical Tekiraian standup...) I put myself in his point of view, and then the writing begins. Odd goes nuts. Eats. Dies. Comes back to life. Blah. The end.
Some stories, sometimes, are just complete s*** and the authors don't deserve to have hands to write the bloody things. I try to prove that I'm not one of those idiots. And that is my long and pointless explaination why I write. That and I'm a nerd with no life. :P
by The BB of C » Fri May 12, 2006 12:34 pm
I write fanfictions because they're perfect ways to practice. If it weren't for the different forums that I've been going to for the past 3 years, I would have never gotten the writing experience that I need to become published. My writing skills have improved so much since I started going to forums that it's incomprehendable. With the forums, I can get oppinions on my work. Things like what I'm doing well, things I should try to improve on, things of that nature that can make me the better writer that I need to be.
Another good thing about the forums is that I can get honest oppinions. I can't trust ANYONE I know personally. One of two things will happen. A) They like me and don't want to hurt my feelings by telling me nothings wrong with it when something could very well be wrong with it. B) They already hate me so even if it is good, they won't even really read it. They'll just tell me that it sucks because they hate me. Online, I don't know the people personally. The chances that the way they feel about me getting in the way and clouding their judgement is dramatically reduced.
More good things about me practicing on these forums is the reduced risk of someone taking my ideas. Because 85% of the forums that I write on are CODE: LYOKO forums, it makes it very difficult for people to steal my ideas because they're not entirely my ideas to begin with. I would never be so stupid to put one of my original works on the internet. If it got stolen, I would never be able to prove that it was mine. The other guy who probably sucks as a writer and had to take my ideas would get all of my credit. That is why I write fanfictions.
Another good thing about the forums is that I can get honest oppinions. I can't trust ANYONE I know personally. One of two things will happen. A) They like me and don't want to hurt my feelings by telling me nothings wrong with it when something could very well be wrong with it. B) They already hate me so even if it is good, they won't even really read it. They'll just tell me that it sucks because they hate me. Online, I don't know the people personally. The chances that the way they feel about me getting in the way and clouding their judgement is dramatically reduced.
More good things about me practicing on these forums is the reduced risk of someone taking my ideas. Because 85% of the forums that I write on are CODE: LYOKO forums, it makes it very difficult for people to steal my ideas because they're not entirely my ideas to begin with. I would never be so stupid to put one of my original works on the internet. If it got stolen, I would never be able to prove that it was mine. The other guy who probably sucks as a writer and had to take my ideas would get all of my credit. That is why I write fanfictions.
by G-Force » Sun May 14, 2006 4:30 pm
To write fanfiction is like panting a picture. Each letter is a unique brush stroke creating words that express ideas that have filled your head are now being expressed through your canvas of paper and printer ink. Each paragraph is a new color giving the picture another layer of depth.
The main difference between fanfiction and original writing is the canvas. With an original piece of work, you start with a blank sheet. You have both the freedom and burden of creating the universe that you wish to tell your story. With fanfiction it's as if someone drew a giant circle on your cavas before you started. Sure you have "boundaries" but its through the interpritation embelishing of these existing guidelines is where the art lies. To take the Code Lyoko Universe and to play by it's rules and characterization and yet still spin a wonderful tale that captivates your reader is truly a satisfying experience.
As for me personally when I write fanfiction artistically I wish to recreate the same emotional experience that you all share with the original animated series. To put the character you all love in new situations and have them deal with it in ways that would make it feel like a real episode. I want to bring the satisfaction of watching installments of "Teddygodzilla" or "New Order" to a literary world.
However, I do have an alterior motive. When I write, I wish to prove that author created characters can be taken seriously and that it's possible. I'm tired of both authors who fail to execute such a task and seeing disgruntled fans complain and have their biases reaffirmed.
The main difference between fanfiction and original writing is the canvas. With an original piece of work, you start with a blank sheet. You have both the freedom and burden of creating the universe that you wish to tell your story. With fanfiction it's as if someone drew a giant circle on your cavas before you started. Sure you have "boundaries" but its through the interpritation embelishing of these existing guidelines is where the art lies. To take the Code Lyoko Universe and to play by it's rules and characterization and yet still spin a wonderful tale that captivates your reader is truly a satisfying experience.
As for me personally when I write fanfiction artistically I wish to recreate the same emotional experience that you all share with the original animated series. To put the character you all love in new situations and have them deal with it in ways that would make it feel like a real episode. I want to bring the satisfaction of watching installments of "Teddygodzilla" or "New Order" to a literary world.
However, I do have an alterior motive. When I write, I wish to prove that author created characters can be taken seriously and that it's possible. I'm tired of both authors who fail to execute such a task and seeing disgruntled fans complain and have their biases reaffirmed.
by Pika53 » Mon May 15, 2006 1:04 am
{claps hands} Nicely said G-Force, I couldn't agree with you more.
Personally, I feel that writing is a good way to express oneself in a creative manner. Like someone else mentioned before, I too write fanfictions because they're a perfect way to practice the art of story telling. Although I've only written a partal fanfic myself, I've learned a great deal about what makes a good story. I too can't trust ANYONE I know personally for the same reasons mentioned previously.
Since I generally read CL fanfics, when I read I look for ways in which the author tried to artistically recreate the same emotional experience that is seen in the original animated series while at the same time creating something new. Having said that, I've seen all sorts of fanfics that other's have written, and not all of them were very good. An example of what I mean would be that a good fanfic, regardless of the genera, in my opinion would make me feel as though I'm watching an all original episode of the animated series. I have no problems with author created characters if they have a role that doesn't detract from the main cast, whatever that may be. Having said that, I must also confess that such fanfics usually inspire me when I write. Such insperation may include the layout of a particular battle sequence, or a simple converstion.
Unfortunatly, I've also seen a lot of fanfics that weren't written very well. What I mean by saying this, is that I've come across fanfics that were either written in which the author failed to create characters or situations that can be taken seriously or else they simply don't care to create such things. As such, I can't connect to what the author was trying to convey in their story or find anything to inspire me. Thanks for hearing out my little rant. I know it's a bit leangthy, but that's what I feel about the subject.
Personally, I feel that writing is a good way to express oneself in a creative manner. Like someone else mentioned before, I too write fanfictions because they're a perfect way to practice the art of story telling. Although I've only written a partal fanfic myself, I've learned a great deal about what makes a good story. I too can't trust ANYONE I know personally for the same reasons mentioned previously.
Since I generally read CL fanfics, when I read I look for ways in which the author tried to artistically recreate the same emotional experience that is seen in the original animated series while at the same time creating something new. Having said that, I've seen all sorts of fanfics that other's have written, and not all of them were very good. An example of what I mean would be that a good fanfic, regardless of the genera, in my opinion would make me feel as though I'm watching an all original episode of the animated series. I have no problems with author created characters if they have a role that doesn't detract from the main cast, whatever that may be. Having said that, I must also confess that such fanfics usually inspire me when I write. Such insperation may include the layout of a particular battle sequence, or a simple converstion.
Unfortunatly, I've also seen a lot of fanfics that weren't written very well. What I mean by saying this, is that I've come across fanfics that were either written in which the author failed to create characters or situations that can be taken seriously or else they simply don't care to create such things. As such, I can't connect to what the author was trying to convey in their story or find anything to inspire me. Thanks for hearing out my little rant. I know it's a bit leangthy, but that's what I feel about the subject.
{From A Fine Mess}
Odd: (admiring himself) "I have a dynamite body! Better than yours anyway."
Odd: (admiring himself) "I have a dynamite body! Better than yours anyway."
BY JERFIED
by Skysong » Mon May 15, 2006 6:46 pm
I hate showing my work to people I know. It's awkward, and I don't get in-depth critiques. However, I enjoy going at *their* stuff... it's fun.
And as for fanfics that aren't written well... I think that's the rule rather than the exception. I'm afraid I've become a rather prejudiced writer because of that- I tend to only read stuff that's either been reccomended to me or is by authors I know can actually SPELL.
And as for fanfics that aren't written well... I think that's the rule rather than the exception. I'm afraid I've become a rather prejudiced writer because of that- I tend to only read stuff that's either been reccomended to me or is by authors I know can actually SPELL.
Mistress of madness and all that jazz. FFN account DA account
Panel from Wild Child 'cause the nosekiss was getting too weird.
Panel from Wild Child 'cause the nosekiss was getting too weird.
by Insanity Hero » Mon May 15, 2006 7:45 pm
I write fanfics because I want to try my hand at writing a story that I made up using a theme that people already know. It helps me improve my skill in writing since it's not one of my strong points in school.
Though I don't call myself a great writer even though most of my reviews on FF.net have been good. In fact I ask my reviewers to flame me if something is wrong. I want to know what to work on so that I won't make the same mistake twice.
I'm working on a fic called "Triangle of Death" which is a TT fic but its a little harder because I'm not using a new idea. Its hard because I don't want to stand in the crowd and blend in. So this pushes me a little more to write better and also to come up with new ideas for the plot.
Though I don't call myself a great writer even though most of my reviews on FF.net have been good. In fact I ask my reviewers to flame me if something is wrong. I want to know what to work on so that I won't make the same mistake twice.
I'm working on a fic called "Triangle of Death" which is a TT fic but its a little harder because I'm not using a new idea. Its hard because I don't want to stand in the crowd and blend in. So this pushes me a little more to write better and also to come up with new ideas for the plot.
by G-Force » Mon May 15, 2006 8:10 pm
Tom Bone wrote:This is only for CL fanfics, right? if not, I've got some good ones about TNBC I could get up here quick...
To answer your question this thread is to analyze the medium of fanfiction writing as a whole. I've noticed many mini rants made by authors that are fed up with the fanfic community as a whole along and other conflicting opinions. I just wanted to create a discussion about the subject. Given the wide range of opinions and beliefs on the subject I truly think that this will turn out to be quite a lively experience and it has.
by The BB of C » Mon May 15, 2006 9:07 pm
G-Force wrote:To write fanfiction is like panting a picture. Each letter is a unique brush stroke creating words that express ideas that have filled your head are now being expressed through your canvas of paper and printer ink. Each paragraph is a new color giving the picture another layer of depth.
The main difference between fanfiction and original writing is the canvas. With an original piece of work, you start with a blank sheet. You have both the freedom and burden of creating the universe that you wish to tell your story. With fanfiction it's as if someone drew a giant circle on your cavas before you started. Sure you have "boundaries" but its through the interpritation embelishing of these existing guidelines is where the art lies. To take the Code Lyoko Universe and to play by it's rules and characterization and yet still spin a wonderful tale that captivates your reader is truly a satisfying experience.
Not necissarily true. Well over 50% of the fanfictions I've seen in during my writing career on the forums have been basically the same.
by darktemplar » Tue May 16, 2006 1:56 am
It's even more unique when few authors write it. I mean try to make a RPG session, then write down everything, polish it a little bit and voila.
Maybe they didn't have any 'better' idea?
.The BB of C wrote:Not necissarily true. Well over 50% of the fanfictions I've seen in during my writing career on the forums have been basically the same.
Maybe they didn't have any 'better' idea?
Darktemplar is Back
Now doing: eee... something that looks and talks like a forum!
Now doing: eee... something that looks and talks like a forum!
by The BB of C » Tue May 16, 2006 12:00 pm
I meant that it's not unique because when I read a fanfiction, it's most likely going to be just like a ton of other fanfictions.
by Skysong » Tue May 16, 2006 8:06 pm
I've noticed that too... there are lots of broad ideas that "everyone gets" and not everyone can put a new spin on. Good, fresh plots are hard to find.
Mistress of madness and all that jazz. FFN account DA account
Panel from Wild Child 'cause the nosekiss was getting too weird.
Panel from Wild Child 'cause the nosekiss was getting too weird.
by The BB of C » Tue May 16, 2006 8:53 pm
Yes, it is. I never write a fanfiction unless something like it has never been done before.
by Grand_Commander13 » Tue May 16, 2006 9:05 pm
The fun part of writing fanfiction is getting something that isn't trying to be epic (seriously, how many times do we need to read "the gang must learn to stop XANA's deadly new tactic before it's too late!" before people decide they're done?), yet cool at the same time. I hope I walked that line well enough in Mission to the Past, but I'm trying to find an idea for a new story that resounds with my creative oomph.
Oh, and why do I write? Because I love to be loved.
Oh, and why do I write? Because I love to be loved.
by The BB of C » Tue May 16, 2006 9:11 pm
Don't we all. I don't have a problem with the "We must stop X.A.N.A before it's too late gig." That's what the show is all about It's the repetetive romance fictions where the paring and plots are so predictable to the point it's not even worth reading anymore.
by Grand_Commander13 » Tue May 16, 2006 9:16 pm
I categorically refuse to read any CL fics that are categorized as romance, or have anything too romancey in the decription. I... er... don't read many CL fics. It's weird that I refuse to read romance though, given that the romance angle in CL is played at least as heavily as the "let's all save the world!" angle.
by G-Force » Tue May 16, 2006 10:33 pm
The thing is guys, in this day and age it's really hard to be purly original. Almost every idea and plot device has been used repeatedly in books, movies, television shows and video games. The same with fanfiction. There are only so many story outlines out there and with the wide amount of authors out there it's almost impossible to be completely "original." Even Code Lyoko animated series falls victim to some cliches yet we still watch it to our heart's content. Don't belive me? Let's breakdown some of the elements that make this show stand out.
1. A group of protangoist with no powers just an awareness of the truth fighting an unseen computer enemy in a virtual world.
Done. Shows like VR Troopers in which the heroes doned robotic armor and fought many of their enemies in a wasteland that was located in cyber space. Reboot had this device as well where the computer overlord would drop "games" that were mini worlds in themselves that the heroes had to conqure or else risk death. Megaman Battle Network and the second season of Digimon also tackled this theme as well. This was even seen in game shows as well. The old Nickleodeon series "Nick Arcade" had their winners be "virtualized" in their gaming world in order to tople one of their three villians in hopes of claiming a dream vacation.
2. A universe where computers and science can create a world that seems to bend the laws of reality.
Again, Reboot deals with this subject matter along with movies such as Weird Science which inovled a pair of nerds "materializing" their ideal girlfriend.
3. Characters with abilities that are way beyond human potential such as hightened speed ect.
Such powers have existed since comic book times. Super speed, telekensis, clair voyance and object materialization have been talked by the likes of Marvel, DC and various other shows that give their characters super powers.
Here's the final question why bother creating anything if it's all been done before?
The answer is simple. To truly get yourself notice is how well you can both twist and excute these same tired and true plots to something that's refreshing. Look at Code Lyoko. Sure it follows some established trends but does that make it even less enjoyable than before? No. That's because the way the series twists these themes still make it an awesome job. Another example I can think of is Megas XLR. Sure it goes down the beaten path of giant robot cartoons making sure that there are plenty of battles and aliens to stomp on all in the name of saving the world but the big twist is the location and characters. Coop is not a whiney good looking pilot like in Evangelion and Gundam. Instead, he's a confident individual who's also rather large around the wasteline and is a gamer at heart.
The end lesson here is that there is such thing as good Code Lyoko fanfiction and yes that includes romance. It's all about finding the right story and the right author who can articulate their ideas.
1. A group of protangoist with no powers just an awareness of the truth fighting an unseen computer enemy in a virtual world.
Done. Shows like VR Troopers in which the heroes doned robotic armor and fought many of their enemies in a wasteland that was located in cyber space. Reboot had this device as well where the computer overlord would drop "games" that were mini worlds in themselves that the heroes had to conqure or else risk death. Megaman Battle Network and the second season of Digimon also tackled this theme as well. This was even seen in game shows as well. The old Nickleodeon series "Nick Arcade" had their winners be "virtualized" in their gaming world in order to tople one of their three villians in hopes of claiming a dream vacation.
2. A universe where computers and science can create a world that seems to bend the laws of reality.
Again, Reboot deals with this subject matter along with movies such as Weird Science which inovled a pair of nerds "materializing" their ideal girlfriend.
3. Characters with abilities that are way beyond human potential such as hightened speed ect.
Such powers have existed since comic book times. Super speed, telekensis, clair voyance and object materialization have been talked by the likes of Marvel, DC and various other shows that give their characters super powers.
Here's the final question why bother creating anything if it's all been done before?
The answer is simple. To truly get yourself notice is how well you can both twist and excute these same tired and true plots to something that's refreshing. Look at Code Lyoko. Sure it follows some established trends but does that make it even less enjoyable than before? No. That's because the way the series twists these themes still make it an awesome job. Another example I can think of is Megas XLR. Sure it goes down the beaten path of giant robot cartoons making sure that there are plenty of battles and aliens to stomp on all in the name of saving the world but the big twist is the location and characters. Coop is not a whiney good looking pilot like in Evangelion and Gundam. Instead, he's a confident individual who's also rather large around the wasteline and is a gamer at heart.
The end lesson here is that there is such thing as good Code Lyoko fanfiction and yes that includes romance. It's all about finding the right story and the right author who can articulate their ideas.
by The BB of C » Wed May 17, 2006 4:40 pm
Of course, that happens all of the time. It's how you approach it that makes one thing seem more original than the other.
by Sanji » Thu May 18, 2006 11:41 am
I always wrote fanfictions because I couldn't really help it, it something that happens whenever I enjoy a show, any show that I enjoy watching I just come up with a plot for a fanfiction for, and Even with my own CL one unfinished, I still have at least 5 more to start writing too, I write because I enjoy writing it, I like sharing my imagination with people, because I have too much imagination to control..someone take some! >_>
...I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration, that made lady sing the blues, I am the spark that makes your idea bright, the same spark that lights the dark so you can know your left from your right, I am the ballot in your box the bullet, in the gun the inner glow that lets you know to call your brother son, the story has just begun the promise of whats to come and I'll remain a soldier till the war is won.
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