From Fan Fiction to Novels

Leave a comment

There seems to be this stigma that comes with writing fan fiction. A stigma of, “Those people are dorks who spend way too much time involved in a fandom for something that isn’t real.”

That’s only partially true. And the same can be said for novel writers.

The other truth is that those who write fan fiction are still writing. They are still part of a community, learning and growing. Especially if writing is what they want to do with their lives. Some are more successful with it than others, but writing fan fiction is where I started my journey. I used to be “in deep.” I wrote Star Trek (which nobody ever saw) and Supernatural stories which I did post on sites like Wattpad and Archive of our Own.

I used to be “in deep.” I wrote Star Trek (which nobody ever saw) and Supernatural stories which I did post on sites like Wattpad and Archive of our Own.

As a child of the 90s it initially took a lot for me to learn to not hide behind a username. I’m a real person, not a “keyboard warrior.” Heck I even did those message boards back when the Internet was still a teenager itself. (Yeah, I’m older than the Internet). When I first began this website three years ago I definitely hid behind the AnotherHartmanAuthor name. While it’s still part of this site’s identity I realized that, if I wanted to seem more credible and approachable, people would want to know my name.

Having your name known in the writing community is, I think, something that many writers want but don’t admit out loud. We want our stories to be read by others. Perhaps we want to be as popular as R.L Stein, J.K. Rowling, Lewis Carroll, Stephen King, James Patterson and all those others. That’s only a small part of why I switched from fan fiction to novels.

I got frustrated with the fan fiction culture. When it felt like stories centered around abusive relationships and smut were getting all the attention, here I am in my own little corner attempting to not include any cussing whatsoever in my stories. It was like I couldn’t find anyone who felt the same so the aforementioned sites did end up leaving a bitter taste in my mouth.

Then again, that may have been partially my fault as well. If you don’t actually have a good story, it’s not going to gain traction in that kind of environment. But, Leigh…a lot of crap stories get traction! Yes, yes, I know that. I understand that. Writing is an imperfect and highly subjective field.

Then again, that may have been partially my fault as well. If you don’t actually have a good story, it’s not going to gain traction in that kind of environment.

And you know what? I’ve learned to just roll with it. To have a thick skin. No matter if you’re writing fan fiction or full on novels, you have to understand that everyone is going to have an opinion, for better or for worse, about your writing potential.

When I took the leap from fan fiction to novels I realized that didn’t solve any of my problems. I still have trouble finishing stories. I still chronically underwrite and it still takes me forever to actually write them.

But now I know things like outlining, editors, and agents exist. I know there are outlets, support groups and local library groups focused on discussing techniques and actual writing. I didn’t know about or have these things before so of course it felt like I was alone. The only one going through stuff like self-doubt, frustration and writing induced depression.

I am not alone, and neither are you. Whether you write fan fiction or you’re trying that old school traditional publishing route, you are not alone. Neither one is better than the other. The point is – you ARE writing. Whether it’s about Star Trek or Supernatural. Your favorite members in a kpop band or a historical story you can’t get your mind off.

Write. Write just for you. Technique and writing for others can come later. If you have a story to tell, then TELL it.

If you have a story to tell, then TELL it.

Facing It | Author Envy

1 Comment

Have you been able to pinpoint exactly why your favorite authors are, in fact, your favorite? Is it their writing style? Their genre? How active they are on their social media? What they do looks easy when you’re reading it, doesn’t it? They can pump out a new book every year or two so you decide that you can do it too.

Then you find yourself sitting in front of a computer or a notebook, the blank page staring you directly in the face and you don’t even know where to begin. and you figure you should read for inspiration. As you read you begin to wonder, “Why didn’t I write that?” The paragraph is brilliantly built, the choice of words perfect, and the prose is spot on. So now you feel even less qualified and you realize it: you have a bad case of author envy.

In this post of Facing It, I’ll be sharing two things that have helped me keep away author envy; learning the craft and practicing the art of patience.

Facing It | Keeping  Away Author Envy
Be gone, you green eyed monster!

  1. Learning the craft
    I am not a seasoned author, so it’s only logical that I have a lot to learn about this industry. My favorite authors have been at it for years and a couple of them aren’t with us anymore. Yet their stories have stayed with me and I continually reread them.When you’re writing, you don’t really have time to sit there and be jealous of someone else’s writing style. You’re developing your own. Finding your own rhythms. Your own time period and your own story lines. You can’t bank off their name if you’re no relation but you can still be inspired by their work.

     

    You can’t bank off their name if you’re no relation but you can still be inspired by their work.

    Just so long as you’re not copying that work.

    You don’t have to learn to be a copywriter, or a publisher or an agent or an editor. There’s too many fields within the publishing world to worry about all that. Learn who you are as a writer first, especially if that’s what you really want to do. Write. If your life leads you in another direction, then you can focus on that.

    Write. If your life leads you in another direction, then you can focus on that.

    The publishing world isn’t as cut and dry as I thought it was, and I’m learning everything the hard way because that’s just how I roll. That also leads into my second topic:

  2. Practicing patience
    I’ve already touched on the topic of patience in a couple of posts on this blog, but patience really is imperative. Think about this. You’ve finally completed all the edits of your manuscript and, unless you’re going the self-publishing indie route, you are still going to have to wait. Wait for replies that may never come to your queries. Wait for your manuscript to come back from an editor. Wait for…Okay, I think I’ve driven that analogy into a grave.Sometimes I wish that the Star Trek world is reality, with avenues of publication like holodecks where writing literally comes to life. (They’re called holonovels). I think it’ll be easier if I just insert a clip here if you’re unfamiliar with Trek:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNCybqmKugAThe difference between the 24th century and our century is that things don’t happen as instantly as that and maybe that’s a good thing. In order to perfect your craft, learn your craft, you need to have patience to accomplish it and finish it well.

     

    Sometimes I wish that the Star Trek world is reality, with avenues of publication like holodecks where writing literally comes to life.

Author envy may be ever present, but it’s what you do with with it that counts. You can either channel it into bettering yourself and your craft or you can quit and be disappointed that you never fully took the plunge.

I prefer channeling it and supporting my fellow authors. I may not be published yet but you can most certainly learn from the experiences of those around you. You’re only human and so are they. They’ve most certainly made mistakes on their way through the publishing world, and you and I will too. Just like in anything, be it family, politics, even stanning your favorite musical artist, keep it civil. Keep it real.

The truth is, you’re just starting to find your voice. They’ve also, probably, been at it a lot longer and have had the time to develop their patterns and rhythms. Love on each other, get to know them, and you’ll realize they’re merely on the same journey you are. So don’t be impatient with yourself. You’ll get there!

Don’t let fear or insecurity stop you from trying new things. Believe in yourself. Do what you love. And, most importantly, be kind to others. Even if you don’t like them.” ~Stacy London