How To Write Good Fanfiction

What every new fanfic writer needs to know. All info comes from

Rules of Fanfiction!

Rule One: Main Categories

Adaptation: Changing the perspective of the story.

Continuation: Good for discontinued stories, like Firefly. Adding on to the story while maintaining the same style, such as setting, storyline, and relationships.

Divergence: Changing an important detail. For example, what if the main character stayed dead? Or what if the dog turned evil? You also maintain the original writing style.

Elsewhere Fic: Background characters are featured. Again, following the original style.

Alternate Universe: Almost completely changing the setting and characters.

Rule Two: Genre

More Of The Same: Sticking to the main storyline and style.

Romance: Focusing on relationships and love. This is a common style.

Versus: Battle Fanfic! In other words, what would happen if this/these character(s) fought this/these character(s)?

This style is good for crossovers!

Day in the Lime Light: Featuring a side character solely while maintaining the original style.

Something Completely Different: Almost completely changing the story.

Rule Three: Style

Original Flavor: Sticking to the main story.

Dark: The story takes a dark turn.

Light: A nice story. Example: the characters are on vactaion.

Happy Ending: Like a fairy tale- the hardships are the same, but it's happy in the end.

What to NOT do:

Do not overpower the main character. Then the story isn't fun. You don't have to be realistic, but no one's perfect.

Do not change relationships TOO much. You shouldn't make archrivals love each other, but you can make friends be lovers.

Do not forget foreshadowing. Foreshadowing leads to debate, and that is good! (For example,"I know this will happen!" "No, this will!" And eventually, people will bug you about it and follow you for it, becoming fans. Suspense, too, is also needed!

Don't you DARE add author's notes to the middle of a fiction story. Add them at the end or the beginning. Author's note in the middle are just unnecessary interruptions.

On the topic of a title, don't make it too long. A title is basically a first impression. Don't make your title awkward, either.

That's all!

-Theia

Author's Note

This isn't my original work. All credit belongs to http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/SoYouWantTo/WriteAFanfic .
Adding this so I don't plagiarize! :P