Some Do's and Don'ts for writing Fan fiction

By: Moondreams16

Notes: Look this is not a how to write fan fiction. There's really no wrong or right way to write a fan fic. There are a lot of styles and techniques. I don't claim to be perfect either. I am still learning how to get better at writing.

         1. Don't be afraid of posting fan fiction ( try the site, A Sailor Moon Romance ** look at links**) ~ Look I know you are probably saying, "she has lost it! There is no way I am going to post mine!" I went through the same thing. Don't worry, you just might be a great fan fic writer but you won't know it till you post!

        2. Don't rewrite episodes Now when I say this, I don't mean putting a different ending on it. That's ok. But I've run across many that is just an episode written out, no originality, nothing. It's also really boring.

      3 Don't over use stereotypes and personalities ~ Each character has his or her own type of personality that sets them apart. But remember they are not always like that. I mean Rei is not always in a bad mood and that's how she is portrayed most of the time. Try having the character change a bit through the story. For example, have Serena become maturer or Ami more sociable. There are so many things you can do in a fan fiction. Do not be afraid to use a little bit of imagination.

      4. Create different characters. ~ Now some people with argue with me on this. But there are so many things you can do with new people. It gives you more flexibility and ability to totally think up new situations. But don't forget to give the new character a personality! I read many where any made up characters end up really shallow. If you need ideas look toward your friends, family, or even yourself! You might get some great ideas to how your character will react.

      5. Do research ~ It's not as hard as you think. You can find a lot of interesting things. This is especially helpful if writing about a foreign country or city. For example, if the Senshi where going to Paris, France you might find out what are the main attractions of Paris, the types of food (for Serena and Lita) and a lot of different things. You even find out a few phrases in the French Language.

   6. You Don't have to give the Senshi the same boyfriends that they happen to go out with on the TV show or in the manga ~ Andrew is always with Mina, Ken is always with Lita, Greg is always with Ami, (what if they met another guy they like better, gives you a chance to make up your own character)

     7. Don't make Love so easy ~ I see so many fan fics where one of the Senshi will see a guy and the next minute both of them are making out. That rarely happens in real life and is so used in fan fics. Let them at least be friends or enemies first

      8. Don't follow with the same story line ~I read so many fics where Darien and Serena fight. Then they start to notice each other. Then they are boyfriend and girlfriend. Try to stay away from the same old story plots

     9. Read and Watch movies ~ I get a lot of ideas from reading and watching the TV. Read more and it will help you with your writing. Trust me

     10. Think out the plot before you post ~I got to admit I am sort of bad at this. I have started to read really good fan fics that the authors will suddenly stop writing. It's ok to change the ending part way through if you can get away with it

     11. Don't be afraid to ask for advice ~ You'd be surprised how helpful your readers are in suggesting endings.

     12. Don't put a lot of fighting in the story ~ This is because fighting is boring unless you can really captivate your reader. I try to stay away from it cause I also think that is boring writing

   13. Give Villains character ~ I've read fics that have very interesting villains. They don't have to be really bad, maybe just misguided. They also have lives, believe it or not but their main purpose in life is not always to kill the Senshi

     14. Fan mail ~ Don't be totally devastated when you get flamed and stop writing all together. Learn to take criticism and try to improve your writing. Now I am not talking about the people who starts dissing your writing and finding everything wrong with it because they don't like it, what I am saying when you get flamed the sender is usually trying to help you. Look foreword to praises, and don't get disappointed if you don't get any for long amounts of time. Just keep writing

Hope this helps you. Keep writing and smile more =o) Moondreams16