Fanfiction: What it means to us?

Let me make the title a bit clearer before I begin with the main context. “Fanfiction: What Does It Mean to Us?” The pronoun “us” has been stressed here. We all, in some way or another, are affected by fiction in general. Fiction is literature that is created from one’s imagination and is not presented as fact, though it may be based on a true story or situation. We all watch movies, read stories, listen to songs, etc. Most of them are fictional. Some popular types are romance (my personal favourite), action-adventure, science fiction, fantasy, speculative fiction, suspense/thriller (my second personal favourite), young adult, new adult, etc. Now here comes a completely new genre, “Fanfiction.”

Before I share my personal experiences and the effects of fan fiction on our lives, let’s go back in time. Before the modern definition of copyright, it was common for authors to plagiarize characters, if not entire plots. Shakespeare’s plays Romeo and Juliet, Much Ado About Nothing, Othello, As You Like It, and The Winter’s Tale, for example, were all based on recent fiction by other authors. Jane Austen’s works continue to be one of the most popular to make unauthorised depictions of, with one notable Jane Austen fan fiction work being Old Friends and New Fancies. You’ll find many unauthorized editions of various popular works, including Sherlock Holmes and more.

Since the advent of the World Wide Web, fan fiction has grown in popularity and reach. According to one estimate, fan fiction accounts for one-third of all book-related content on the Internet. In addition to traditional fanzines and conventions, Usenet-group electronic mailing lists for fan fiction and fan discussion were established. There were also online, searchable fan fiction archives established. Initially, the online archives were non-commercial and fandom- or topic-specific.

A similar trend began to emerge in Japan around the 1960s and 1970s, with independently published manga and novels known as djinshi being frequently published by djin circles; many of these djinshi are based on existing manga, anime, and video game franchises. Manga authors such as Shotaro Ishinomori and Fujiko Fujio founded djin organisations such as Fujio’s New Manga Party. Artists used djin groups to make their professional debuts at the time. This changed over time, with djin groups forming as school clubs and the like.

Boring, huh?! I know this was too much, but it was important to understand the context. Having said that, it should be noted that fan fiction is defined by its relationship to its subject’s canonical fictional universe, either staying within those boundaries but not being part of the canon itself or branching out into an alternate universe. Fan fiction is frequently written and published within fan circles, and thus does not cater to readers who are unfamiliar with the original fiction. True, the majority of people who write fanfiction don’t get paid for it (unlike the others who make art, photos, craft pieces, etc). They are inspired by the world and the characters they come across to write their stories. Exposure to new environments has a way of leaving a mark that will influence how they view life. Because they don’t want the story to end, they write stories. Therefore, it doesn’t vanish.

But what possible effects does it have on its readers and writers in general?

• They receive what they anticipate: In my opinion, readers (fans) have the ability to change and create the narrative in a meaningful way for themselves and their identity through fanfiction. Fanfictions are the best medium for expressing inner thoughts that would be challenging to express in other contexts. The plot and endings are presented to readers in a way that allows them to recognise themselves in the characters.

• Fanfiction isn’t just good for readers; it’s also a fantastic opportunity for writers: Fanfic is a unique way to engage readers in a work. We must recognize that fanfiction has a reputation for dirty, smutty writing, and while there are plenty of Golden Trio stories that take on a whole new meaning, fanfic goes far beyond sexual fantasies. But remember, this is not all that it has to serve us with. There are many genres that are not only inspirational but also wholly applicable in the modern world. Writers frequently explore their creativity and present ideas that they otherwise wouldn’t have had. They can draw readers to alternate endings and climaxes and make the plot seem more justified to the characters.

• Fanfiction is a beautiful opportunity for readers who want to see themselves represented in the stories they read: For people of colour who are sick of whitewashed heroes and heroines; for the LGBTQ community tired of heteronormative love stories; and for disabled individuals overwhelmed by able-bodied protagonists, fanfiction is an opportunity to not just see the story but actually be a part of it. Because in fanfic, lead characters don’t all have to be white, straight, and male. Female characters can be more than just love interests, and POC characters can be more than just part of the ensemble. In fanfic, anyone can be the hero or heroine of the story.

• Fan fiction also teaches us how to use our time effectively rather than wasting it on pointless activities: A change in fannish culture and mindset would undoubtedly result from spending time on something that would help open minds and ideas. This change would also help shape mainstream culture. The belief that fiction, culture, and art accomplish real work in the real world through the stories they tell and the concepts they develop or challenge is one of the most striking characteristics of the fanfiction community. Your open, broad mind will undoubtedly enlighten you and help you comprehend life’s concepts. It undoubtedly aids you in overcoming social ills like prejudice against certain groups of people due to their gender, homosexuality, etc. It bestows upon you wings and a fresh perspective.

• It is technically a noble cause: People who can’t bear the thought of a story ending create new stories that are free and available to everyone because they love it so much. The author speculated that they might develop the world itself, come up with new cultures, and consider how they might function in the original world. They may introduce elements that were not previously present in the author’s story, such as politics, religion, or the origin of the universe. There are countless explanations for why people write the things they do. However, they are an amazing source of free and quality relationships, as well as a leisure activity.

• It helps you understand the content and context better: You might want to write a lot of things in various categories as a writer. Fanfictions teach us how to keep the reader interested, when and how to post chapters, how to present different AUs and their alternative endings as per different readers, how to create volumes and parts of a series, how to fantasize and portray your favourite celebrities or story characters, and many other things. In a similar way, readers comprehend the same, maintain interest, and conjure up information available and additional plot elements, which aid in the development of their critical thinking and creative abilities.

In other words, fanfiction has a real impact on how people think, believe, and live. Additionally, it assists in illuminating and bringing to light a person’s hidden abilities, fantasies, and desires. Although I personally enjoy writing and reading fanfiction, there are undoubtedly some drawbacks that others would mention as well. Reading and writing fanfiction on a regular basis may make you feel disconnected from the outside world. Additionally, it might force you into a fantasy world from which you’ll never be able to emerge to face reality. Instead of making competition stronger for entertainment purposes, this has increased competition and fueled feelings of envy among people.

This is my personal perspective on reading and writing fanfiction and how it has changed my life in its entirety. I also want your feedback and ideas. Anything you learn from your experiences that might benefit society is fantastic. If you regularly read fan fiction, please share your favourite book or genre with me. If you are a writer, please suggest your works so that we can spread the word.