Fan Fiction for Beginners (Flex)

Fan fiction is a type of creative writing in which authors use the characters, settings, etc. from another creator for their own writing. It is a fun way for fans of a book, movie, or video game to interact with the story and characters and imagine their own scenarios as well as give and receive constructive criticism from a large audience of readers.

In this class, students will learn the basics of writing fan fiction and write their own stories. It is a very comprehensive course that covers many types of fan fiction, understanding the rating system and search settings on popular writing platforms, and publication opportunities. Each week's material includes a brief video lecture, a reading assignment and discussion board, and a writing assignment. Students will also learn to read with a critical eye and give constructive feedback on each other's writing each week.

Student-Teacher Interaction: I will provide articles, discussion prompts, and feedback on student writing. Articles range from the legality of fan fiction, fan fiction's role within the education and creative writing worlds, and tips on writing specific types of fan fiction. After reading and discussing the material each week, students will submit a writing sample that demonstrates mastery of that week's subject, which I will provide individualized feedback on. 

Student-Student Interaction: Students will participate in weekly discussion boards with their classmates. For example, after reading an article from each side, students will discuss whether a Mary Sue character belongs in fan fiction, and if so, how best to write one. Students will also provide feedback on each other's writing each week. I will provide an editing and revising guide to ensure that they deliver constructive criticism respectfully.

Course Overview:

Week 1: The World of Fan Fiction. Students will learn what fan fiction is and familiarize themselves with its unique terms and jargon.

Week 2: Internet Culture and Safety. Students will learn how to stay safe on popular writing platforms.

Week 3: Elements of Creative Writing Part 1. Students will learn the basics of plot, character, and theme, applicable to any type of fiction writing.

Week 4: Elements of Creative Writing Part 2. Students will learn more complex writing techniques, such as voice and point of view.

Week 5: Writing Fan Fiction. Students will apply the elements of creative writing to their first fan fiction story.

Week 6: Keeping It Simple: Fix Fic. Students will learn about fix fics, study published fan fiction, and write their first full length story.

Week 7: Creating OCs: Self-Insert and Elsewhere. Students will learn about self-insert and elsewhere fics and create their own characters to use in their stories.

Week 8: Transcending Time and Space: Alternate Universe. Students will learn about the two types of alternate universe and brainstorm two plots of their own.

Week 9: Thinking Outside the Box: A Day in the Limelight and Next Gen. Students will learn about a day in the limelight and next gen fics and write a story in one of these categories.

Week 10: Unconventional Narrative: Vignette, Epistolary, and Songfic. Students will learn about non traditional storytelling techniques and try their hand at writing their own.

Week 11: When Fandoms Collide: The Crossover. Students will learn about the many different types of crossover fic and begin their own crossover story using two fandoms.

Week 12: Editing and Revising. Students will edit and revise one or more of their previous stories and one of their classmates' stories.