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matilda36Ok, following from my previous post, here are the reasons why I do think fanfic is good training for aspiring writers:
1) Offers the writer the chance to work with ready-made three-dimensional characters, in a ready-made world. In this way, all the writer need to focus on is to keep the characters in character and develop their own voice.
2) A stimulating writing environment: challenges, collaborations, ficathons are good examples. The writer's block hits you? There are plenty of ways to wake up your muse out there. You can manage only short pieces? Write a drabble. Need a plot bunny? Take up a challenge. Need moral support? Write a collaboration. Talking about collaborations, I like what happens at d_s, were visual artists and writers often inspirate each other.
3) Visibility: communities, archives, web-sites, lj and most importantly word of mouth all offer you the chance to have your work read by as many (or as few) people as you want.
4) Feedback. Well written feedback is the blood of writing. It makes you feel read, while at the same time giving you the chance to improve your writing. It is usually written by people who are writers themselves, or as passionate about the canon as you are. Obviously flames exist, but I try to look at the bright side of life and look at the positive aspect of flame that is...
5)Makes your skin thicker. Being flamed, or involved in a fandom war, is the best training you can have to deal with editors, publishers, agents and literary critics. I do think that politics is the only place were you can find bigger sharks than fandom. Or maybe not. Some BNF could give lessons to George Bush. I am sure (even if I have no prove whatsoever) that Condy Rice relaxes and collect tips by reading F-W, ljdrama or fanficrants.
6)It's no strings attached fun, and gives you the chance to make friends who share your opinions.
Now, I know that probably for any of my positives there are at least 2 negatives, but this is a starter, and as before, comments welcome.
1) Offers the writer the chance to work with ready-made three-dimensional characters, in a ready-made world. In this way, all the writer need to focus on is to keep the characters in character and develop their own voice.
2) A stimulating writing environment: challenges, collaborations, ficathons are good examples. The writer's block hits you? There are plenty of ways to wake up your muse out there. You can manage only short pieces? Write a drabble. Need a plot bunny? Take up a challenge. Need moral support? Write a collaboration. Talking about collaborations, I like what happens at d_s, were visual artists and writers often inspirate each other.
3) Visibility: communities, archives, web-sites, lj and most importantly word of mouth all offer you the chance to have your work read by as many (or as few) people as you want.
4) Feedback. Well written feedback is the blood of writing. It makes you feel read, while at the same time giving you the chance to improve your writing. It is usually written by people who are writers themselves, or as passionate about the canon as you are. Obviously flames exist, but I try to look at the bright side of life and look at the positive aspect of flame that is...
5)Makes your skin thicker. Being flamed, or involved in a fandom war, is the best training you can have to deal with editors, publishers, agents and literary critics. I do think that politics is the only place were you can find bigger sharks than fandom. Or maybe not. Some BNF could give lessons to George Bush. I am sure (even if I have no prove whatsoever) that Condy Rice relaxes and collect tips by reading F-W, ljdrama or fanficrants.
6)It's no strings attached fun, and gives you the chance to make friends who share your opinions.
Now, I know that probably for any of my positives there are at least 2 negatives, but this is a starter, and as before, comments welcome.
