What are the rules for fan fiction?
I would like to write video game fan fiction
and I was wondering, what are the rules
for writing that type of fan fiction?
- Dennis Marshall
Tags: Fan Fiction, Video Game Fan
3 Responses to “What are the rules for fan fiction?”
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May 26th, 2009 at 4:20 pm
There are rules?
Well, from reading writing them myself, here are the only ones I can think of:
1) Use English (if you are writing the entire thing in English). Adding in random languages (like Hai, instead of “Yes” just because the character’s nationality is Japanese) is stupid.
2) PROOFREAD! And then get a beta reader to proofread it again for you.
3) Be open to criticism of your work. I guarantee you even the best writers write crap a lot.
4) Write a disclaimer at the top of every chapter citing that you are not claiming to own the characters you are reusing.
That is all I can think of. Good luck!
May 28th, 2009 at 11:41 am
I’ve never really thought of them as “rules” before… just guidelines that everyone tries to follow because it’s the courteous thing to do. Well, you can write whatever you want, I guess the rules come in when you actually want to post it.
Ok, two words: beta reader. Even if you think what you’ve written is golden, send it to a beta reader to give it a once over. They can make sentences flow smoother, clean up grammar and spelling… and if they get really involved they can help you develop plot ideas and things like that. And always give them credit for being your beta at the top with the title and disclaimer and all that.
Make sure you have a disclaimer saying you aren’t making any profit, don’t own or know the characters yada yada yada.
Be sure to include warning such as AU (alternate universe… although I just find that an enticement
graphic violence, rape… anything that people might have a problem with. Think about warnings they put on movies. They rate them PG to R for a reason.
Like I said, you can write WHATEVER you want. No matter how whacked out it is. It’s YOUR story. Not anybody else’s.
And be open to constructive criticism. If someone points out you should tone down on exclamation marks and commas or they suggest you should try adding more detail, then accept it and take it into consideration. It really can help you improve as a writer.
HOWEVER, if you get a flame (someone who says something like “this stinks. Quit now. You suck as a writer and this story sucks,” that doesn’t help anyone so just ignore and delete their comment. Don’t egg them on by replying. That’s what they want because they’re obviously looking for a fight.
That’s all I can think of for now, so happy writing!
May 30th, 2009 at 1:40 pm
I’m a fan fiction writer, so I’m Very clear with these … actually, there aren’t any rules for fan fiction so long as you do not post it on the web. If you do want to post it onto the web, then make sure that
1) Spelling: If you’re putting it onto a site like Fan Fiction Net, then you need to check your spelling thoroughly. No one is perfect, but you still need to give it your best shot.
If you are posting it onto your own site or something like that, then you can skip te beta reading (spelling)
2) Disclaimer: Well, again, if you’re going to put it onto a site like Fan Fiction Net, everyone already knows that you didn’t invent the game or story for yourself. If you are going to put it onto your own personal blog or site, make sure you leave a disclaimer.
3) Ratings: No matter where you put your fan fiction, you need to state Very Clearly how it is rated, or else some eight year old might ‘accidentally’ read a rated M story. This is important.
4) Authors who don’t want their stories being written into fan fiction, such as Anne Rice, you would know better than to post them onto the web. Don’t try. You may write them and keep them to yourself, but never, Ever show it to the world.
Hope this held.