A few tips I have for beginners: 1. Above all else, write for yourself. Getting engagement is great but you'll be disappointed if that's your main motivation. Fanfiction should be a fun hobby, not something to fret over about comments and kudos. Write the story you'd want to read and trust that it will find its audience in due time. Even if that never happens, you'll always have something you'll enjoy reading. And no, it's not cringe to read your own fics. 2. Have the two-cake mindset. Don't scrap a story just because another writer came up with a similar idea. The readers don't have to choose one over the other. If anything, they'll be happy there's two fics with the same premise to enjoy! Two cakes! 3. This one's going to be a bit of a hot-take, but if someone offers to provide criticism or advise, consider hearing them out. I understand that these stories are very personal to some so you're under absolutely no obligation to listen to advise or tips, but most seasoned writers are nice and want to help those new to the hobby. We've been where you are and we want to see you thrive and enjoy the ride. That said, there is a code of etiquette where people should ask to provide critique first and it's considered rude to just dump criticism into the comment section regardless of how well-meaning and politely worded it is, but if it's offered first, I recommend taking it. 4. Don't compare yourself to other writers. It can be easy to feel discouraged if a fic gets tons of comments/kudos or the writer has a great style that leaves you feeling like everything you write is terrible, but keep in mind that many of us have years, even decades, of experience in this hobby. Trust that your skills will grow with every word you write. Speaking of which - 5. Don't rely on motivation alone to get you writing. It's great when you have spurts where the words just flow out of you, but don't count on them. Establishing a consistent writing routine is more important and each writing session is a success. Even if you only write one sentence, heck, even just one word, the fact that you showed up to write is a win! 6. If you're stuck and just can't seem to get the words out, set a timer and start writing the first thing that comes to mind. Don't worry if it makes sense. Just keep writing until the timer runs out. You'll be amazed by what you come up with! 7. Your first draft will be terrible. This is true for everyone. It doesn't matter if you've been writing for ten years or ten minutes. The first draft will be an absolute mess, but it will also be as valuable as gold. 8. At the very least, have an outline of your story before you post it. Nothing's more disheartening than abandoning a story because you write yourself into a corner. I had a trail of discontinued fics when I first started out. 9. It's okay to have your dessert first! I often see people on r/fanfiction talk about how they can't wait to write a scene but feel discouraged at having to slog through the preceding chapter. You don't have to write your story in order. If there's a scene you can't wait to get to, write it first! One of the multi-chapter fics I actually managed to finish only happened because I wrote the ending first. These are all tips that I wish I had when I started out and I still hold myself to them. I know this was a lot but as you say, this is an ice-cream sundae bar, so take and leave the tips as you see fit! ^_^
A lot of great tips! I don't agree with all of them (I don't believe all firsts drafts are terrible for everyone but I do believe they are at the very least unpolished) but some of them I do intend to make videos about someday, such as the two cakes mindset.
@@CoraMaria Thank you for the video. I would hope that my first fanfiction is not terrible. Some people seem to have liked what I've written so far. The biggest problem is that for the most part, I know what will happen in the whole story. I'm one of the writers who does not have an outline. The toughest parts of my story is threading from one part of the story I know so well to the other part I know so well, but what do I do with between those two parts. I like dogchica's advice about writing the parts you know about first. The only thing that prevents me is I have one reader who has been anxiously waiting for weeks for the next chapter. In fact, I've got two more fanfics completed in my mind too, but I'm going to finish this one first. I'm hoping not to lose that one reader who is anxiously waiting for the next chapter. It's like YAY! I found someone who likes my incredibly long fanfic! Someone is reading the whole thing! I just hope she doesn't lose interest. I don't want to let her down.
If you want your story to shoot above the rest and actually leave an impact in many lives, which is actually possible, even if you write for the pleasure of putting ideas rolling to create a story, *you have to put the audience first.* I don't mean ratings, comments, or kudos, either, but rather the audience experience with the nuggets of information you're giving each time, and how they add up. When is too much bothersome? When was it not enough? Keeping in mind previous important developments is key. Don't "write for yourself," keep your potential audience in mind.
I've been writing fanfiction for almost eight years, but only recently i've began to write in english, my writing feels completely different, it's good to come back to the drawing board every once in a while sksbsjbssj
@@CoraMaria your videos are actually a big help. I'm into some fanfic channels like coleydoesthings and tonkajoey, but they are mostly what i search when i wanna have a laugh. Your channel gets more technical and your advice is literal gold
@@chicky_chinchilla It's perfectly legal and the Organisation of Transformative Works (they run AO3) has the funds and lawyers to defend you if anyone ever kicks up a fuss, which it's incredibly unlikely that they will. (Especially considering how the publishing industry is now trying to market its books using fanfic terms and tropes.) It's only illegal if you're making money off a copyrighted work that you don't have the rights to, but you can write and make money off works that have the Creative Commons license (such as SCP Foundation) or any works in the public domain (such as the original Micky Mouse and The Great Gatsby). Even if you do make money off a copyrighted work, chances are you'll just get sent a take-down notice by the rights holders, which is really just a slap on the wrist. Also I would like to ask that in future, if you have a question, please don't respond in a thread, especially if it is unrelated to said thread. I don't get notified of replies, so you're way more likely to get an answer if you make your own comment 🙂
A tip for some to write in-character dialogue: If the original media has voice acting, try to read it in that characters voice! see if you could hear the character saying that. (this may not work for everyone, but it works well for me!)
As a teen, i can’t get myself to post any of my fanfics, ‘cause i feel like it’s obvious i’m not an adult. Hearing people talk about how their fanfics from when they were a teenager were super cringey makes me incredibly self conscious 😭 ik I’ll probably feel the same way about my own fanfics when i’m older, but still.
I'm sorry you feel that way, but trust me, on places like AO3, there's a big "no unsolicited concrit" culture. You're missing out on opportunities to connect with your fandom, and the potential to learn what people love about your writing most. "Cringe" is part of the journey to great writing. I have two other videos that you might find helpful in this circumstance. The first is my video about the To Cakes Rule: th-cam.com/video/EHSWjxVevmk/w-d-xo.html The second is how to build sustainable confidence in your writing: th-cam.com/video/_9w2MMyjGYQ/w-d-xo.html Hope these videos make you confident enough to put your writing out there!
our culture just relies on people hating themself when they were younger so they could perpetuate the patriarchy but i believe one day we will brake this circle /srs i'm an adult, i know i made some mistakes when i had less experience, but i was still me and i wasn't cringey, people shouldn't have to feel this way
Duly noted! It's definitely one of those common struggles I see writers talk about all the time. Writing in-character is generally pretty intuitive for me so dissecting my approach is going to be a challenge, but I hope to come up with something!
I can confirm that no matter what you write, fanfic wise, that there will be people who like it. For example I wrote a fnaf fanfic, it isnt as popular as most but I remember receiving so much love for it.
"...the main reason to read fanfiction -------- To Indulge" the last points made in the video are the ones I struggle with still. I've been writing for a little over a year. some day I'll become brave and post all my self-indulgent works to ao3 instead of hording them like an embarrassed ogre
There is also the option to post your work under Anonymous if you think that'll help you. It could be a useful stepping stone towards gaining the confidence to post under your own username?
Thank you for this 💖 I have been writing fanfiction well over half my life now but I feel like I have to relearn how to do it, because while I still absolutely love it, I feel like I used to have so much more fun when I was younger and I feel a little lost, like I’ve forgotten how to do it. I also hesitate way too much to post stuff online, it’s so frustrating because I remember not caring so much when I was a much younger writer. Tip 5 is exactly what I needed to hear!! 😭💖 Also, I am so happy I found your channel! You’re super helpful and I love your outfits and the colours & background music you use in your videos.
brb Im going to binge your entire channel. I've writted one shots before but Im writing my first longfic and oh my goodness is it a different ballgame. finally found content that is tailored to fanfiction! thank you for your service
Honestly, I need to keep this video saved for the last tip alone. I’ve dabbled in writing, both fanfic and… idk, mefic? Novel writing? For pretty much all of my life. But I always get stuck in the “no one will like this, why bother?” mindset. And it’s hard to get out of it. I think it stems from perfectionism but I’m not entirely sure. This time around, though, I’m really making an effort and converting an rp my friend and I did over the course of months into a proper fic (changing the formatting to be more story-like, adding foreshadowing since a lot was improvised, adding a couple scenes, that sort of stuff.) Using the rp as a first draft/sloppy copy in a way. And while I thought having a friend eagerly awaiting my chapters would help, it hasn’t completely banished this demon of mine. Idk, the reminder that the purpose of this is to be self-indulgent and for fun is really helpful. Thank you.
No problem! And if you're looking for a video that goes more into finding confidence in yourself as a fanfic writer, you might appreciate this one: th-cam.com/video/_9w2MMyjGYQ/w-d-xo.html
I'm glad to help! It can be daunting to put your work out there. When I was first getting started, I was lucky to have some of that teenage overconfidence to get some wind under my wings, but trying new things is still difficult for me so I get it
This video was fascinating! I've been writing fic for 6 years at this point, but this video was still helpful in that it kinda drew out everything I'd subconsciously learned over time and reinforced it. New writers - listen to this advice, it's good! One thing not mentioned in here, though, is getting yourself in a mindset to write instead of just hoping the word will come out. I've pretty much only published a few sparse oneshots, not because they're the only fics I've come up with/wanted to write, but the only ones I've actually finished. However, I recently realized that if whenever I get the fleeting thought (I'd like to work on that fanfic of mine) and I'm free, I actively step out of my bedroom or wherever I was lounging and sit in a place I ONLY GO TO WRITE, habit kicks in and I'll ACTUALLY write it! Just published a near 10K fic that I wrote over a period of a couple months, holy crap!!!
@@CoraMaria Thanks!!! Ikr?? I must have done something right too bc I've gotten more comments than ever before in my life and they're all glowing I'm so pleased
thanks so much for this!! i used to write fanfiction once upon a time but it’s been YEARS, and nowadays i tend to hyperfixate on things so intensely that i forget how to actually write with a clear head lol. this was super helpful
I’ve never commented before but you’re one of my favorite channels!! I’ve never written a fanfic before (well, unless you count the scrawled childhood notebook my mom found … [*shudders*]) but your videos really motivate me to try!! Keep on making awesome videos :)
Aww thank-you for being a part of my community! Sorry you had one of your private creations found 😢 I hope your next fanfic is a much more pleasant experience and I wish you all the best in writing it 💖
THIS VIDEO IS FULL OF GREAT TIPS AND I LOVE YOUR FASHION SENSE AND YOUR VIBE KICKS ASS!!!!!! literally just found your channel and i love it!!!!! tip 5 is so good i need to repeat it to myself forever and always
I've been writing for about six years (gah so long!) but I clicked on this video just for fun. These are great tips! Also, I see all your Zelda stickers. I also write Zelda fics...👀
This couldn't have come at a better time- I've read fanfiction for a while but I'm in the process of writing my first fic and just the 5 one was something I needed to hear, I often stress about it being too cringe or outlandish because it's a time travel AU with themes of unlearning homophobic ideas and ghost's are involved and just a bunch of other stuff all for some shojo anime that ended in 2005 for ten-year-old girls(but it was a damn good shojo) tip five is something I need to internalize because what I'm making is for me, made by me, for me and if people want to read it then that's fine, but yeah thanks for making this video (*^▽^*)
I'm so glad! I'm writing for a video game that was released not long after your show ended, so I totally get what it's like to write for a fandom past its glory days 💖 Wishing you all the luck with your story!
I haven't written a fanfic in 11 years back when I was a cringy, but now that I'm slowly dipping my toes into writing again as a slightly less cringy adult, I really hope to learn and improve! Also, I *really* want to know how to write characters in-character, since I'm paranoid about them being OOC.
7:21 Me writing my Lumity, Vuzi, Darlapple, and Appletiara fics (Shoves in underused and unpopular head cannons cuz I like them; makes characters get together because they would just be so cute together even if it isn’t popular or cannon)
@@CoraMaria thank you :D by the way i wanted to join the discord server but saw you only allowed people who are over 18, but i was wondering if i could still join since i'm 18 in 19 days
Yay!!! It’s so wonderful to see another video from you! Even though I’m a year and a half into writing fics now, these tips were important reminders for me. The last one especially was exactly what I needed - I’ve been finding a lot of value in writing advice resources, but recently I’ve been falling into the trap of the publishing mindset and all these worries about broad appeal and sticking to convention popped up. No more!!!!!! I will write my most self indulgent character study that my heart desires!!!!!!❤️ Thanks for all you do to inspire the fic writing community, Cora!
Oof, I know *exactly* what you mean about the publishing mindset. Really killed my passion for writing fiction for a while. I'm so glad I was able to help you draw yourself out of it 💖
I've read fanfiction and daydreamed my own fanfiction stories for over 20 years. I've also written my own original stories, but never finished any. I haven't tired writing a fanfiction story before, but I've spent the last two week trying to completely plot out a story and get the first chapter written. I've never had an ending for a story planned before. Part of me wants to write all of it then publish it, but another part of me wants to publish after a few chapters instead. The idea of having people waiting on updates might be what finally pushes me to finish a story. I'm so nervous about this I'm here binging videos instead of writing.
Thank you for making this video! I really wanted to write this one idea for a MLP fanfic for a while and now I feel confident I can! I’m definitely gonna start watching more of your videos! :3
i wanna try writing fanfics, but every time i read the drafts i make, i audibly cringe and delete it. that’s my biggest problem: im too cringed out by it to post it lol
How about the next time, instead of deleting it, you critically analyze your writing instead? If you constantly delete what you write, then you never learn to edit it, and you never learn to improve. Vague feelings of "This is so cringe" are never useful to you as a writer, so you have to challenge them. WHY is it cringe? What is the actual PROBLEM with your writing that makes it worth deleting? I find that the best way to deal with insecure thoughts is to demand a specific explanation from them. Is it that your word choices aren't descriptive enough? Is it that you tell more than you show? Is it that it feels out-of-character? Those are all specific problems that can be addressed through deliberate practice and technique, while feelings of being "cringe" don't push you towards anything that would help you be "less cringe". Or is it that you're just having some harmless fun writing the kinds of tropes typically seen as "cringe" and worry about people laughing at you? In this case, I actually think it's worth feeding your ego. Make it a part of your identity. Of COURSE you're allowed to have fun, especially in the privacy of your own document! Of COURSE you can write your cringey self-indulgent fanfiction. Who's gonna stop you, hmm? The pretend audience in your head or the faceless people online can say mean things but they can't physically tear your fingers away from the keyboard. Let their spite motivate you. You are more powerful then them. You are cringe but you are free. And here's the thing about confidence: you can "fake" it. Confidence isn't the absence of insecurity, but acting in spite of it. It's taking ownership of the best parts of yourself and also the parts you want to improve.
I clicked because I wanted to say, your clothes and your style are SO SLAY OMG??? Extremely iconic. I was thinking about getting into writing fanfic, maybe this is a sign to give it a go!!
Thank-you! I was meant to wear this outfit to that panel I had to cancel. Oh no... but I knew it was too good not to wear in a video! Definitely give fanfic a try! It's a really fun hobby that can help you feel connected with your fandom community. It's also a place where you can be self-indulgent and experiment and improve without this expectation that you're trying to become a published author.
Omg I’m so happy to see you back!!! 😍😍 Your videos are so motivating and magical; full of amazing advice and rich detail. Thank you so much for the content you create 🥰 (I haven’t watched the actual video yet, I just needed to tell you how much I adore them 🥰) 💗
I think my best tip when writing fic is to think about when trying to write in character/really immerse the reader in that character’s perspective is to think of what imagery is associated with the character you’re using for narration and to lean into it. Many people say to use literary tools like metaphors and similes and blah blah blah to improve prose but I feel like that advice fails because it forgets to mention that what type of metaphors and what not to use depends on your character, and just saying “as soft as a cloud” is often too vague to fit them well. For example, the pov character for my current wip is a biologist so I read up on a lot of biological literature and reference a lot of phenomena in nature and genetic concepts and general sciency jargon for figurative language when writing them. Am I going to be totally accurate scientifically no matter how much I study this stuff? No. Would the average biologist think like this all the time? No. But does it help me get into the character’s perspective and do I think it matches what pieces of text we’ve gotten about them and the writing style used in their dialogue and said texts? Yes. And that’s all that really matters, honestly. Experimenting with prose and trying out different ways to write perceptions people have is the most fun I get out of fic. Through this method, I wrote one of my favourite metaphors that I’ve ever thought of. The context is the same biologist character I mentioned before trying to go do their work but their partner is trying to convince them to come back to bed. They compare the feeling of being unable to say no to their partner to a type of wasp that pollinates figs but often ends up helplessly trapped inside the fruit and unable to get out, to which the enzymes in the fig dissolves its body into the flesh (much like how a person is unable to untangle themself from a cuddle once a sleeping person is clinging to you) until the insides are fully homogenized and you’d never know there was a bug in there while eating it. Odd, I know, but it was very fun to write.
This has been really helpful. I just finished writing the first draft for my first chapter when the doubts started coming in but this video helped to get me motivated again. Thank you for the video!
These tips are super helpful!! I'm gonna be posting my first fanfic soon and I'm really nervous - I've written them for myself for years but only recently made an ao3 account 😖 I hope to be writing more soon! Tysm for the advice!! 🖤🫶✨️
Thanks for the advice to write what you want. I want to write a story that features one character that’s not very well-liked in the show, but I figured it wouldn’t be liked
I think the most important thing... is not to be afraid. From experience, I can say that any of the ideas that can be born in your head will definitely be of interest to someone. Of course, it would be nice if everyone could write for themselves... but everyone wants to be heard, right? :) So... you will definitely be heard. Thank you for the video! I am still touched and admired by your videos
I used to write fan-fiction when I was young without knowing the word. It's just writing action and dialogue along with modified personality on my favorite game Mario & Sonic. Being on a A4 paper doesn't help. Then, years later, I become a Fictionpress member while holding my hate on FanFictions. Why does it has to do with it? I was hoping my poetic style prevent my fanfic to get into Drama Reading video and Brendaniel did one with my first Fan-fiction. It was a good and bad time. Still, this doesn't change my relationship with FanFic but the more I read them, the more I understand its essence, good and bad. I envy their fun-look on writing them even if their final product can be let to desire. I prefer read books on paper than on screen. Making a combination of words that mean nothing into substantial source material. I wish to feel this way. But we are holding a bad reputation on fan-fiction while fan-art get a pass. How hypocritical as a Reddit user say. Consider how abused writing on computer is, I believe fan-fiction is existence no matter if the content is good or bad. 1:43 This also play in part. Ideas are better in a medium to another and translated world into text is difficult. Which is why writing fanfiction can be troublesome. 2:51 Ha yes, to show love on a work that isn't ours, we have to take characters in-character. 4:34 HEADCANON! 4:56 Most importantly. Issue is that there are many way to write a plot, some will be dialogue heavy or character-focused. And that affect how the plot is presented. Just focus on the plot and that will be fine. This is the essence of story.
I follow a lot of people who give advice about writing, but I never really thought about it, they are writing to sell books so it is different from writing fanfiction, and a lot of those advice don't work for me. 🤔 thank you for this video!!
Yes that's exactly why I make these videos! There's so many great resources out there but so few specific to fanfiction. I'm glad you find this one helpful 💖
I love this video!!! Reading fanfiction has been something that I love, and I enjoy writing. I have always been anxious about my writing being cringe, but as they say, to be cringe is to be free!! :3 My largest problem with writing fanfiction is just the fact that I don’t really have many plot ideas, haha 😅 Great video!! I loved listening to all the tips :)
Thank-you! Sorry it's been so long. I had this filmed for months. The good news is that I already have two other videos filmed and I'll be recording another this Saturday 💖
6:47 I once wrote a fic about my favorite ship exchanging potatoes like normal people exchange love letters. Why? Because I came across a video about "cringy love confessions" and I found it in the comment section. I thought it was cute, so I wrote it, and I laughed when I reread it lol
I'm writing my first fanfiction, and since im stupid enough to have it include like 20 characters im just over-analyzing every character's dialogue like a goddamn scientist. focusing on backstory and main motivation will be pretty helpful when i eventually get to the characters im struggling with, or maybe I'll just make it all up huehehahehehh
Hey, it’s nice to see you again! I appreciate everything you do, you’ve certainly been a help to me on my first long fic. I hope you’re doing alright nowadays Thank you for everything!
Thanks! I'm doing better. Chronic pain is still being a butt as usual, but my boyfriend of three years just moved to my city so I'm really happy 💖 I also have two other videos filmed and plan to film another one this weekend. (It's a 'How to Post on AO3' tutorial since I'm posting the first chapter of my next fic then.) Hoping to manage some kind of consistency with my upload schedule, especially since I'm so close to monetisation
@@CoraMaria Congratualtions!!! I’m so happy for you, that sounds exciting! I wish you the best of luck, I hope you can find a comfortable schedule so you can reach monetization. I’ll be on the lookout for your new video (I’ll play your videos on loop while I write, so you can get that bag) Now I’m challenging myself to finish my next chapter before you upload again. I try to keep it at 4K, but I’ve been going over around a couple thousand after editing- so if you take this as a challenge, you’re going to win 😆
@@somethingsomewhereelse8398Oh damn I love a good challenge! I just have to choose between editing the longer or the shorter video first, but I think I'd rather save the shorter video for a time when I have lower spoons
@@CoraMaria Alright, I guess I better haul out my next chapter then. Please go easy on me tho 🙏 I’ll let you know if I finished when your next video is up
I started writing fanfic because I was living away from home from work with no internet acess, tv to watch and very limited acess to books from the library. Before stream existed and data on the phone was to expensive (and didn't have phone service anyways). Didn't think anything about it and just started writing when I would get home from work because I didn't have anything else to do.
That's definitely a great way to get into it. Boredom is a powerful motivator! I remember my first exposure to fanfic was my high school friend writing one for a fandom I wasn't even in. She would print out each chapter and let me read them in homeroom.
Ahh thank-you! This was the outfit I was supposed to wear to that Fanfiction 101 panel I had to cancel, and this video is actually adapted from the script I had written for it lol Will definitely work on a video for writing canon characters in-character when I can! I also want to cover why you might choose to write a character OOC
I sometimes change the background of the character because sometimes I didn’t like a trait they had, so it wasn’t out of character, other times I would changed the whole world to fit the change better, I once wanted to do a Linkle fic and had builded the world mechanics hearts(life build up, from plants), rubies(magic build up, is magic, why they were valuable when they could be found everywhere) and items as well how some techniques worked, it fit pretty well, a new beginning how she would be a positive parallel to link(OfTime) but still have child wonder and choosing the path for herself(always still get lost), I had a plan between them to fight and have that as a outline what to give each item and journey, how some dungeons would be empty because of that or people would talk of the other one, but each Zelda game has a new everything and I did tried but quickly got overwhelmed trying to make up a new whole world with map, people, situation, everything from scratch and didn’t even had a first chapter because of it. It was going to have a silliest Linkle being a hero by accident little by little to a badass that even the big bad would hesitate to attack and no grim dark or those subjects, but some things are not mean to be.
I really like your channel! I have been working on a FNAF fanfic that I am truly passionate about and these videos have helped me tremendously in my creative process. (I didn't even make drafts past the first one before this!!) I was wondering, do you have any tips to get over the anxiety of cringe culture when posting? Not sure if you have made a video on that or not. I am very scared to post because it's a self-insert and is very apparent, this fic is like my baby and my form of escapism so I would be crushed if something like that were to happen to me, which it has in the past.
I might not be the best person to speak on this, since I usually don't write the kind of works likely to fall into the fanfic tropes known for being "cringe" and thus have less to contend with, but I think it very much comes down to building security in This Thing You Love. Always remind yourself of the parts of your fic that you're proud of, look at other self-insert works in your fandom and see how readers comment positive things on those (particularly on AO3 and maybe WattPad - best avoid Fanfiction.net), and most importantly, embrace the cringe! Don't try to hide or provide a shy disclaimer that your work includes a self-insert: proudly declare it! If you project insecurity about your work or SI, haters are more likely to see you as a target. If you're open about it, it's actually much harder for someone to use it against you. You: "This is my self-insert fic!" Them: "Ew this is a self-insert fic!" You: "I know, that's literally what I just said." And if someone does say something nasty? Literally delete their comment and block them if you can. This is YOUR space. If someone is saying something negative that isn't a legitimate or solicited criticism, then why should they be allowed to occupy it? They can go rant about your fic to someone else or in their own space. It's what I do with fics and tropes I don't like and need to vent about. There's also that joke in the video: you can either be cringe, or you could be a coward 😛
Tfw you're also writing for a videogame fandom but every single game mechanic is extensively documented in canon (healing items and savepoints included) and also the player character is supposed to be unreasonably overpowered to pose more of a threat
If the worldbuilding doesn't completely fall apart if you remove those more video-gamey aspects then you're probably still good. You can also tweak them to be more realistic. Legend of Zelda fanfics will often change the way potions work by using them not to heal a character to perfect health but rather accelerate the natural healing process or as a pain killer, sometimes with side-effects such as going into comatose. Some people like overpowered protagonists and they can work for certain stories (like crack or comedy) but an easy fanfiction premise is to have some kind of tragedy befall the protagonist to disempower them in some way and explore what they would be like outside of the defining trait of their overpoweredness. There's also the option of putting the OP character into a situation that's alien to them and makes their overpowered skill-set obsolete. For example, a character used to mowing down enemies now having to exist in a world where that side and his side have come to a truce. The character now has rules to follow and treaties to respect. How does a fearsome fighter live after they no longer need to pick up their machine gun? Basically, most readers of video game fanfics expect some changes when adapting fic to prose. I've never seen a single Zelda fanfic say "Hey! Z-target and press A so we can talk over a short distance!" Only curative video game fans get upset over a TRANSFORMATIVE FANDOM ACTIVITY not being lore accurate.
@@CoraMariait's undertale so it might fall apart quite a bit actually :) also would you consider writing fiction for dummies to be a good resource for fics?
This is the best green screen I've ever had the opportunity to experience ! Wait, it's actually hand made and it's real ? I'm sorry but if this is not a green screen and it's real, I'm at loss for words. What's your Twich ?
7:00 the bravest of all is whoever wrote a Better Call Saul/Titanic crossover so that me and my friend could popcorn read it like in an English class after our homecoming dance.
A personal rule of thumb for keeping characters in-character is to ask "What do I like/dislike about this character and how can I use that to show that in my writing?" After all, why write a romance from the POV character you don't even like? And presumably you're writing said romance fic because you like the ship and want to support it in whatever fandom-y way you can. And the same applies for friendships and familial relationships as well. If you can pull from what you specifically like most about a character(s) then there's a larger chance you can bring it out while writing. (and you don't even have to go the route of learning deeper literary analysis and also scrubbing multiple videos of gameplay footage frame by frame to do it!.........She says as if that's not something she's willingly been doing for her current hyper fixation.............)
I think I see what you mean -I love my blorbo's flaws and exploring how they can be a good thing in the right circumstances- but I can't help but feel as though focusing on a specific aspect of a canon character is what leads to flanderisation, at least on a fanon level. I can see it working well for shorter fics, and I may be misunderstanding the concept in general, so I'd love to know how how your approach avoids that 💖
@CoraMaria It's less focusing entirely about that aspect and more using it to really think about why you're writing for a character. Because when you start from "What draws me to this character?" You also, inevitably, end up asking yourself what else you do and don't like about them and springboard off of that. Because we're talking about fanfiction, presumably you're writing this story because you find SOMETHING about them interesting enough to pour your free time into creating free fanworks for it. If not, you might as well be spending your time just writing a completely original story. The characters you're writing for are unique to that series unless it's a crossover, and it's that uniqueness that gives them their flair. What drives you to them. I think, of you care enough to actively think in-depth about ONE aspect of your favourite character, then you're more likely to care enough to think in-depth about EVERY aspect of said character. And it can allow you to appreciate everything about them even more. Flaws and positives and all.
@CoraMaria Thank you! And it's no problem. I'm always happy to ramble about writing, characters, and storytelling in general. haha (as for the strikeouts, sometimes youtube likes to do that when you write a comment with a "-" instead of a comma. not sure what does and doesn't trigger the strikeout since I've had comments where it both does and doesn't happen, but that's usually still the reason behind it. Can confirm because editing the comment to use commas instead has always fixed the problem.)
You're in luck because I just drafted a script a few days ago about how to post on AO3! I'll be recording it this weekend (and the second part two weeks later when I'm ready to post Chapter 2) but here's what I wrote for the additional tags section: "Finally, additional tags. This is where you tag tropes, content warnings, specific episodes or chapters in canon, and other things not specified in the fields above. "One thing I like to do is provide additional context to the tags above. For example, I have one ship that is a slowburn romance, and one that is a slowburn divorce. If I was a reader looking for a swoonworthy romance between Midna and Link and saw tags like ‘Abusive Relationships’ and ‘Lovers to Enemies’ with no additional context, I might assume they apply to the main ship rather than Zelda and my OC villain. If I have that context, I’d be willing to give the fic a go. If I’d rather not read about an abusive relationship regardless of who’s involved, then I can still filter out those tags from my results. "Another thing that’s always good to tag is if your story is canon-compliant, canon-divergent, or an alternate universe. If it’s the latter, what kind? You can also state whether or not your story has been beta-read, has a podfic, is screen-reader friendly, or includes minor ships not tagged in the relationships field. "A note on tropes: if your story is as long as mine, it’s better to tag tropes that show up regularly or can be broadly applied, such as Dark Fantasy and Developing Relationship. Tropes that are featured in specific scenes, such as ‘Only One Bed’, are best used for oneshots, shorter fics, or longfics in which it kicks off the plot. I have two ‘Only One Bed’ scenes in my fic, but I don’t imagine someone craving that trope would be eager to read 19 chapters of plot to reach it." I'll probably make a more in-depth video on additional tags at some point, but those are the basic ideas I share in this beginner-to-intermediate-friendly video. Hope this helps!
I am transforming a beloved mainstream show into a Southern Gothic erotic soap opera that delves into male body image, masculinity taboos, and forbidden romances. This is a passionate exploration of themes that were only superficially touched upon in the original series.
Fanfics that dive deeper into overlooked themes in canon are some of the best there is. Keep that thoughtfulness and passion and you'll def have your dream fanfiction by the end of it 💖
I’m in the process of writing my first fanfic. But I’m having trouble writing the rising action. The forst chapters I wrote were the final chapters, as well as the first 2 chapters. I can’t seem to create a middle with it sounding like, “this is just a filler to pass the time because the story needs a middle segment.” I already have my conflict and plot twist.
I'd look at your climax and think "What else can happen earlier in the story to prop this up?" For an example, I had the opposite problem to you. In my last WIP (Book 1 of a trilogy), my middle was really strong, but the climax I had outlined was... lackluster. It only served the deuteragonist's character arc, while the protagonist was just reduced to dude in distress, and while the third main character got to do something, their internal struggle just wasn't there and I wanted to test how far their character development had come. And also the villain doesn't get to be around either. So the climax was basically a Rescue the Protagonist mission. Now for the middle section of the story, my protagonist and deuteragonist were on a quest that involved liberating three regions, and in the process, collecting three dark artifacts that would give the deuteragonist immense, but corrupting, power. I'd only planned on this power being used as it was in canon, but I came up with the idea for the deuteragonist to use them during Book 1's climax, and it was exactly what I needed. It strengthened HER character arc (and gave her more to struggle with in the sequel), but also gave the protagonist and third main character more to do, as well as test their character development. It all came together into an intense climax that my readers loved. So while I had to reach into the middle of my story to enhance my climax, I'd like you to reach into your conflict and plot twist to create that middle. What needs to happen to set up the actions the characters take during the climax? What does the plot twist need to make sense? How can the conflict culminating in the climax be set up beforehand? Hope that helps!
im worried that either nobody will read the fic or nobody will be able to read it, because the fandom is russian and i feel like im the only person writing english fanfiction for it ._.
I love your videos! I can’t really write fanfiction right now because I’m only in one fandom that rpf and some stuff has been happing lately with a certain creator so I’m looking for new fandoms to hyper fixate on, do you have any recommendations?
Come scream with me about Twilight Princess and Midlink with meeeeee!!!! In all honesty, it may be difficult to play it if you don't have a Gamecube, Wii, Wii U, or a way to emulate it, but the Midlink discord server is such a lovely place and my favourite fandom corner.
@@CoraMariathank you! I’ll definitely check it out, also I was wondering if you could make a video on writing AU’s? They’re one of my favorite parts of fanfiction but I’m always scared I’m going to end up doing it wrong
@@lavndvrrart Ooh that's a good topic! The issue is that AUs are really diverse, but the main pitfall with them is writing an original story but with characters who have the names and faces of the canon characters. Sometimes AUs can still be really grounded in canon worldbuilding and lore without being canon divergent though.
Focus the most on Point 5: Have Fun! I first started writing when I was 14 too, and I was having the time of my life writing and posting fanfiction just for the fun of it. I wrote what I thought was fun or cool or interesting without worrying too much about making it "good", so by the time I was ready to improve, I already had a strong love for the craft within me, and that meant I was far less likely to give up when I felt discouraged. Basically, make sure your love of writing outshines your fear of "doing it wrong".
MBTI is pseudo psychology that cares way too much about putting the infinite diversity of people (or characters) into limiting boxes than actually getting to know them. My advice isn't "Yes you can change it" or "No you can't" but to ignore the concept of MBTI altogether, because otherwise you'll be trying to replicate the MBTI personality rather than the character's personality, and that leads to characterisation that feels flanderised or OOC. All that matters is if you're writing them in a way that feels true to canon ☺ (and though there are reasons why a fic writer might deliberately choose to write a a character out-of-character, that's a topic for another video 😉)
@@CoraMaria I write bts fanfiction. If I change jungkook from intp to isfp, then??? He never seemed to be an intuitive one to me, but his mbti is intp. Is enneagram more appropriate?
@@sanghitadey8475 I truly believe that you need to break away from any "types of personality" models altogether and interpret Jungkook on an individual basis.
A few tips I have for beginners:
1. Above all else, write for yourself. Getting engagement is great but you'll be disappointed if that's your main motivation. Fanfiction should be a fun hobby, not something to fret over about comments and kudos. Write the story you'd want to read and trust that it will find its audience in due time. Even if that never happens, you'll always have something you'll enjoy reading. And no, it's not cringe to read your own fics.
2. Have the two-cake mindset. Don't scrap a story just because another writer came up with a similar idea. The readers don't have to choose one over the other. If anything, they'll be happy there's two fics with the same premise to enjoy! Two cakes!
3. This one's going to be a bit of a hot-take, but if someone offers to provide criticism or advise, consider hearing them out. I understand that these stories are very personal to some so you're under absolutely no obligation to listen to advise or tips, but most seasoned writers are nice and want to help those new to the hobby. We've been where you are and we want to see you thrive and enjoy the ride. That said, there is a code of etiquette where people should ask to provide critique first and it's considered rude to just dump criticism into the comment section regardless of how well-meaning and politely worded it is, but if it's offered first, I recommend taking it.
4. Don't compare yourself to other writers. It can be easy to feel discouraged if a fic gets tons of comments/kudos or the writer has a great style that leaves you feeling like everything you write is terrible, but keep in mind that many of us have years, even decades, of experience in this hobby. Trust that your skills will grow with every word you write. Speaking of which -
5. Don't rely on motivation alone to get you writing. It's great when you have spurts where the words just flow out of you, but don't count on them. Establishing a consistent writing routine is more important and each writing session is a success. Even if you only write one sentence, heck, even just one word, the fact that you showed up to write is a win!
6. If you're stuck and just can't seem to get the words out, set a timer and start writing the first thing that comes to mind. Don't worry if it makes sense. Just keep writing until the timer runs out. You'll be amazed by what you come up with!
7. Your first draft will be terrible. This is true for everyone. It doesn't matter if you've been writing for ten years or ten minutes. The first draft will be an absolute mess, but it will also be as valuable as gold.
8. At the very least, have an outline of your story before you post it. Nothing's more disheartening than abandoning a story because you write yourself into a corner. I had a trail of discontinued fics when I first started out.
9. It's okay to have your dessert first! I often see people on r/fanfiction talk about how they can't wait to write a scene but feel discouraged at having to slog through the preceding chapter. You don't have to write your story in order. If there's a scene you can't wait to get to, write it first! One of the multi-chapter fics I actually managed to finish only happened because I wrote the ending first.
These are all tips that I wish I had when I started out and I still hold myself to them. I know this was a lot but as you say, this is an ice-cream sundae bar, so take and leave the tips as you see fit! ^_^
A lot of great tips! I don't agree with all of them (I don't believe all firsts drafts are terrible for everyone but I do believe they are at the very least unpolished) but some of them I do intend to make videos about someday, such as the two cakes mindset.
@@CoraMaria Thank you for the video. I would hope that my first fanfiction is not terrible. Some people seem to have liked what I've written so far. The biggest problem is that for the most part, I know what will happen in the whole story. I'm one of the writers who does not have an outline. The toughest parts of my story is threading from one part of the story I know so well to the other part I know so well, but what do I do with between those two parts. I like dogchica's advice about writing the parts you know about first. The only thing that prevents me is I have one reader who has been anxiously waiting for weeks for the next chapter. In fact, I've got two more fanfics completed in my mind too, but I'm going to finish this one first. I'm hoping not to lose that one reader who is anxiously waiting for the next chapter. It's like YAY! I found someone who likes my incredibly long fanfic! Someone is reading the whole thing! I just hope she doesn't lose interest. I don't want to let her down.
That second tip really helped me because I came up with an idea but was scared to right it, I didn't want to be accused of copying
If you want your story to shoot above the rest and actually leave an impact in many lives, which is actually possible, even if you write for the pleasure of putting ideas rolling to create a story, *you have to put the audience first.* I don't mean ratings, comments, or kudos, either, but rather the audience experience with the nuggets of information you're giving each time, and how they add up. When is too much bothersome? When was it not enough? Keeping in mind previous important developments is key.
Don't "write for yourself," keep your potential audience in mind.
I've been writing fanfiction for almost eight years, but only recently i've began to write in english, my writing feels completely different, it's good to come back to the drawing board every once in a while sksbsjbssj
Nice to see you commenting again! I commend you for being able to write in two languages 💖
@@CoraMaria your videos are actually a big help. I'm into some fanfic channels like coleydoesthings and tonkajoey, but they are mostly what i search when i wanna have a laugh. Your channel gets more technical and your advice is literal gold
@@hal8686I love both those channels but you're right that they aren't very technical. My goal is to essentially be an authortuber but for fanfic 💖
@@CoraMaria i just wanna ask is it illigal to write fanfiction I don't wanna go to jail
@@chicky_chinchilla It's perfectly legal and the Organisation of Transformative Works (they run AO3) has the funds and lawyers to defend you if anyone ever kicks up a fuss, which it's incredibly unlikely that they will. (Especially considering how the publishing industry is now trying to market its books using fanfic terms and tropes.)
It's only illegal if you're making money off a copyrighted work that you don't have the rights to, but you can write and make money off works that have the Creative Commons license (such as SCP Foundation) or any works in the public domain (such as the original Micky Mouse and The Great Gatsby). Even if you do make money off a copyrighted work, chances are you'll just get sent a take-down notice by the rights holders, which is really just a slap on the wrist.
Also I would like to ask that in future, if you have a question, please don't respond in a thread, especially if it is unrelated to said thread. I don't get notified of replies, so you're way more likely to get an answer if you make your own comment 🙂
A tip for some to write in-character dialogue: If the original media has voice acting, try to read it in that characters voice! see if you could hear the character saying that.
(this may not work for everyone, but it works well for me!)
Agreed! That's my method too!
As a teen, i can’t get myself to post any of my fanfics, ‘cause i feel like it’s obvious i’m not an adult. Hearing people talk about how their fanfics from when they were a teenager were super cringey makes me incredibly self conscious 😭 ik I’ll probably feel the same way about my own fanfics when i’m older, but still.
I'm sorry you feel that way, but trust me, on places like AO3, there's a big "no unsolicited concrit" culture. You're missing out on opportunities to connect with your fandom, and the potential to learn what people love about your writing most. "Cringe" is part of the journey to great writing.
I have two other videos that you might find helpful in this circumstance. The first is my video about the To Cakes Rule: th-cam.com/video/EHSWjxVevmk/w-d-xo.html
The second is how to build sustainable confidence in your writing: th-cam.com/video/_9w2MMyjGYQ/w-d-xo.html
Hope these videos make you confident enough to put your writing out there!
you don't have to feel the same way when you become older
our culture just relies on people hating themself when they were younger so they could perpetuate the patriarchy
but i believe one day we will brake this circle /srs
i'm an adult, i know i made some mistakes when i had less experience, but i was still me and i wasn't cringey, people shouldn't have to feel this way
and it's ok to not be an adult
Why are you so me omgg
Please do make a whole video about writing in/out of character. I haven’t written anything yet and this is one of my biggest struggles
Duly noted! It's definitely one of those common struggles I see writers talk about all the time. Writing in-character is generally pretty intuitive for me so dissecting my approach is going to be a challenge, but I hope to come up with something!
I needed to hear the self-indulgement speech. Since hearing it, I became motivated to continue my fanfiction.
I'm glad!
I can confirm that no matter what you write, fanfic wise, that there will be people who like it. For example I wrote a fnaf fanfic, it isnt as popular as most but I remember receiving so much love for it.
Yep! There's a lot of people in the world with a lot of different tastes so you're bound to find someone who will love what you write 💖
"...the main reason to read fanfiction -------- To Indulge"
the last points made in the video are the ones I struggle with still. I've been writing for a little over a year. some day I'll become brave and post all my self-indulgent works to ao3 instead of hording them like an embarrassed ogre
There is also the option to post your work under Anonymous if you think that'll help you. It could be a useful stepping stone towards gaining the confidence to post under your own username?
Thank you for this 💖 I have been writing fanfiction well over half my life now but I feel like I have to relearn how to do it, because while I still absolutely love it, I feel like I used to have so much more fun when I was younger and I feel a little lost, like I’ve forgotten how to do it. I also hesitate way too much to post stuff online, it’s so frustrating because I remember not caring so much when I was a much younger writer. Tip 5 is exactly what I needed to hear!! 😭💖
Also, I am so happy I found your channel! You’re super helpful and I love your outfits and the colours & background music you use in your videos.
brb Im going to binge your entire channel. I've writted one shots before but Im writing my first longfic and oh my goodness is it a different ballgame. finally found content that is tailored to fanfiction! thank you for your service
You're welcome, soldier [salutes]
WOOOO new video, I watch these religiously, honestly you make the only videos that actually help me with my writing lol
I'm really glad they're so helpful to you 💖
I've been on the fence about starting my fanfiction writing journey.
Can't wait to start writing!
Honestly, I need to keep this video saved for the last tip alone. I’ve dabbled in writing, both fanfic and… idk, mefic? Novel writing? For pretty much all of my life. But I always get stuck in the “no one will like this, why bother?” mindset. And it’s hard to get out of it. I think it stems from perfectionism but I’m not entirely sure. This time around, though, I’m really making an effort and converting an rp my friend and I did over the course of months into a proper fic (changing the formatting to be more story-like, adding foreshadowing since a lot was improvised, adding a couple scenes, that sort of stuff.) Using the rp as a first draft/sloppy copy in a way. And while I thought having a friend eagerly awaiting my chapters would help, it hasn’t completely banished this demon of mine. Idk, the reminder that the purpose of this is to be self-indulgent and for fun is really helpful. Thank you.
No problem! And if you're looking for a video that goes more into finding confidence in yourself as a fanfic writer, you might appreciate this one: th-cam.com/video/_9w2MMyjGYQ/w-d-xo.html
I always loved writing but it wasn't until your videos that I started posting/actually thinking about posting :D Keep on keeping on !
Ahhh I'm so glad I've helped you! More videos are already filmed and on the way ;)
holy cannoli- while you were talking about how it’s okay to be self indulgent, an idea hit me like a semi-truck.
i thank you 🙏
Perfect timing! I started writing my first fic this week and I've been struggling a little (mostly nerves) but this advice really helps! thank you
I'm glad to help! It can be daunting to put your work out there. When I was first getting started, I was lucky to have some of that teenage overconfidence to get some wind under my wings, but trying new things is still difficult for me so I get it
This video was fascinating! I've been writing fic for 6 years at this point, but this video was still helpful in that it kinda drew out everything I'd subconsciously learned over time and reinforced it. New writers - listen to this advice, it's good!
One thing not mentioned in here, though, is getting yourself in a mindset to write instead of just hoping the word will come out. I've pretty much only published a few sparse oneshots, not because they're the only fics I've come up with/wanted to write, but the only ones I've actually finished. However, I recently realized that if whenever I get the fleeting thought (I'd like to work on that fanfic of mine) and I'm free, I actively step out of my bedroom or wherever I was lounging and sit in a place I ONLY GO TO WRITE, habit kicks in and I'll ACTUALLY write it! Just published a near 10K fic that I wrote over a period of a couple months, holy crap!!!
Wow congratulations! That's so awesome 💖
@@CoraMaria Thanks!!! Ikr?? I must have done something right too bc I've gotten more comments than ever before in my life and they're all glowing I'm so pleased
thanks so much for this!! i used to write fanfiction once upon a time but it’s been YEARS, and nowadays i tend to hyperfixate on things so intensely that i forget how to actually write with a clear head lol. this was super helpful
Glad to help 💖
im not even interested in fanfic i accidetnally clicked on this but really inspired me
I’ve never commented before but you’re one of my favorite channels!! I’ve never written a fanfic before (well, unless you count the scrawled childhood notebook my mom found … [*shudders*]) but your videos really motivate me to try!! Keep on making awesome videos :)
Aww thank-you for being a part of my community! Sorry you had one of your private creations found 😢 I hope your next fanfic is a much more pleasant experience and I wish you all the best in writing it 💖
THIS VIDEO IS FULL OF GREAT TIPS AND I LOVE YOUR FASHION SENSE AND YOUR VIBE KICKS ASS!!!!!! literally just found your channel and i love it!!!!! tip 5 is so good i need to repeat it to myself forever and always
I've been writing for about six years (gah so long!) but I clicked on this video just for fun. These are great tips! Also, I see all your Zelda stickers. I also write Zelda fics...👀
This couldn't have come at a better time- I've read fanfiction for a while but I'm in the process of writing my first fic and just the 5 one was something I needed to hear, I often stress about it being too cringe or outlandish because it's a time travel AU with themes of unlearning homophobic ideas and ghost's are involved and just a bunch of other stuff all for some shojo anime that ended in 2005 for ten-year-old girls(but it was a damn good shojo) tip five is something I need to internalize because what I'm making is for me, made by me, for me and if people want to read it then that's fine, but yeah thanks for making this video (*^▽^*)
I'm so glad! I'm writing for a video game that was released not long after your show ended, so I totally get what it's like to write for a fandom past its glory days 💖 Wishing you all the luck with your story!
I haven't written a fanfic in 11 years back when I was a cringy, but now that I'm slowly dipping my toes into writing again as a slightly less cringy adult, I really hope to learn and improve! Also, I *really* want to know how to write characters in-character, since I'm paranoid about them being OOC.
I just got into your channel and I’ll definitely be staying! Also, I love your outfit and the background :O it’s like kidcore! So colorful!
7:21 Me writing my Lumity, Vuzi, Darlapple, and Appletiara fics
(Shoves in underused and unpopular head cannons cuz I like them; makes characters get together because they would just be so cute together even if it isn’t popular or cannon)
Watching this with about 90% of my first fic done so I'll definitely be using this advice for my second one. Thanks for the advice!
No problem! Glad you still find value in this vid even at your stage in the writing process 💖
thanks i'm gonna go write all the Neo 3 Splatoon 3 fanfic i want now
Hell yes! Have fun 💖
@@CoraMaria thank you :D by the way i wanted to join the discord server but saw you only allowed people who are over 18, but i was wondering if i could still join since i'm 18 in 19 days
Yayyyy splatoon fanfiction writers GOOO!
Yay!!! It’s so wonderful to see another video from you! Even though I’m a year and a half into writing fics now, these tips were important reminders for me. The last one especially was exactly what I needed - I’ve been finding a lot of value in writing advice resources, but recently I’ve been falling into the trap of the publishing mindset and all these worries about broad appeal and sticking to convention popped up. No more!!!!!! I will write my most self indulgent character study that my heart desires!!!!!!❤️ Thanks for all you do to inspire the fic writing community, Cora!
Oof, I know *exactly* what you mean about the publishing mindset. Really killed my passion for writing fiction for a while. I'm so glad I was able to help you draw yourself out of it 💖
I've read fanfiction and daydreamed my own fanfiction stories for over 20 years. I've also written my own original stories, but never finished any. I haven't tired writing a fanfiction story before, but I've spent the last two week trying to completely plot out a story and get the first chapter written. I've never had an ending for a story planned before. Part of me wants to write all of it then publish it, but another part of me wants to publish after a few chapters instead. The idea of having people waiting on updates might be what finally pushes me to finish a story. I'm so nervous about this I'm here binging videos instead of writing.
Thank you for making this video! I really wanted to write this one idea for a MLP fanfic for a while and now I feel confident I can! I’m definitely gonna start watching more of your videos! :3
So I've been taking an interest in writing fanfiction since last year and I think I'm gonna give it a try!
Hell yeah! It's such a great hobby. Wishing you all the luck 💖
thank you for these tips
i wanna try writing fanfics, but every time i read the drafts i make, i audibly cringe and delete it. that’s my biggest problem: im too cringed out by it to post it lol
How about the next time, instead of deleting it, you critically analyze your writing instead? If you constantly delete what you write, then you never learn to edit it, and you never learn to improve.
Vague feelings of "This is so cringe" are never useful to you as a writer, so you have to challenge them. WHY is it cringe? What is the actual PROBLEM with your writing that makes it worth deleting? I find that the best way to deal with insecure thoughts is to demand a specific explanation from them. Is it that your word choices aren't descriptive enough? Is it that you tell more than you show? Is it that it feels out-of-character? Those are all specific problems that can be addressed through deliberate practice and technique, while feelings of being "cringe" don't push you towards anything that would help you be "less cringe".
Or is it that you're just having some harmless fun writing the kinds of tropes typically seen as "cringe" and worry about people laughing at you? In this case, I actually think it's worth feeding your ego. Make it a part of your identity. Of COURSE you're allowed to have fun, especially in the privacy of your own document! Of COURSE you can write your cringey self-indulgent fanfiction. Who's gonna stop you, hmm? The pretend audience in your head or the faceless people online can say mean things but they can't physically tear your fingers away from the keyboard. Let their spite motivate you. You are more powerful then them. You are cringe but you are free.
And here's the thing about confidence: you can "fake" it. Confidence isn't the absence of insecurity, but acting in spite of it. It's taking ownership of the best parts of yourself and also the parts you want to improve.
I clicked because I wanted to say, your clothes and your style are SO SLAY OMG??? Extremely iconic. I was thinking about getting into writing fanfic, maybe this is a sign to give it a go!!
Thank-you! I was meant to wear this outfit to that panel I had to cancel. Oh no... but I knew it was too good not to wear in a video!
Definitely give fanfic a try! It's a really fun hobby that can help you feel connected with your fandom community. It's also a place where you can be self-indulgent and experiment and improve without this expectation that you're trying to become a published author.
searched up this video to learn how to write so i can make fanfics for my oc whose name is cora 😭 this seems like a big sign lol
Omg it's so rare to come across a fellow Cora in person or fiction!
@@CoraMaria haha really?? recently i have been seeing alot of cora’s flying around in social media lol, it always surprises me !!
Omg I’m so happy to see you back!!! 😍😍 Your videos are so motivating and magical; full of amazing advice and rich detail. Thank you so much for the content you create 🥰 (I haven’t watched the actual video yet, I just needed to tell you how much I adore them 🥰) 💗
Ahhh thank-you! Hope you enjoyed the video when you got around to watching it 💖
I think my best tip when writing fic is to think about when trying to write in character/really immerse the reader in that character’s perspective is to think of what imagery is associated with the character you’re using for narration and to lean into it. Many people say to use literary tools like metaphors and similes and blah blah blah to improve prose but I feel like that advice fails because it forgets to mention that what type of metaphors and what not to use depends on your character, and just saying “as soft as a cloud” is often too vague to fit them well.
For example, the pov character for my current wip is a biologist so I read up on a lot of biological literature and reference a lot of phenomena in nature and genetic concepts and general sciency jargon for figurative language when writing them. Am I going to be totally accurate scientifically no matter how much I study this stuff? No. Would the average biologist think like this all the time? No. But does it help me get into the character’s perspective and do I think it matches what pieces of text we’ve gotten about them and the writing style used in their dialogue and said texts? Yes. And that’s all that really matters, honestly. Experimenting with prose and trying out different ways to write perceptions people have is the most fun I get out of fic.
Through this method, I wrote one of my favourite metaphors that I’ve ever thought of. The context is the same biologist character I mentioned before trying to go do their work but their partner is trying to convince them to come back to bed. They compare the feeling of being unable to say no to their partner to a type of wasp that pollinates figs but often ends up helplessly trapped inside the fruit and unable to get out, to which the enzymes in the fig dissolves its body into the flesh (much like how a person is unable to untangle themself from a cuddle once a sleeping person is clinging to you) until the insides are fully homogenized and you’d never know there was a bug in there while eating it. Odd, I know, but it was very fun to write.
100% agree with this! I do it too and plan to touch on this in a future video 💖
This has been really helpful. I just finished writing the first draft for my first chapter when the doubts started coming in but this video helped to get me motivated again. Thank you for the video!
Ahh I'm so glad! Good luck polishing up your chapter and publishing it if that is what you choose to do 💖
These tips are super helpful!! I'm gonna be posting my first fanfic soon and I'm really nervous - I've written them for myself for years but only recently made an ao3 account 😖
I hope to be writing more soon! Tysm for the advice!! 🖤🫶✨️
Glad I helped! Good luck putting your work out there. I wish you all the best! 💖
@CoraMaria Thank you so much, you too!! 💖
Thanks for the advice to write what you want. I want to write a story that features one character that’s not very well-liked in the show, but I figured it wouldn’t be liked
Glad to see you back!
Glad to see me back too!
I think the most important thing... is not to be afraid. From experience, I can say that any of the ideas that can be born in your head will definitely be of interest to someone. Of course, it would be nice if everyone could write for themselves... but everyone wants to be heard, right? :) So... you will definitely be heard.
Thank you for the video! I am still touched and admired by your videos
Aww thank-you 🥰 That's always a great thing to keep in mind as well
thank you!
I used to write fan-fiction when I was young without knowing the word. It's just writing action and dialogue along with modified personality on my favorite game Mario & Sonic. Being on a A4 paper doesn't help.
Then, years later, I become a Fictionpress member while holding my hate on FanFictions. Why does it has to do with it? I was hoping my poetic style prevent my fanfic to get into Drama Reading video and Brendaniel did one with my first Fan-fiction. It was a good and bad time. Still, this doesn't change my relationship with FanFic but the more I read them, the more I understand its essence, good and bad. I envy their fun-look on writing them even if their final product can be let to desire. I prefer read books on paper than on screen.
Making a combination of words that mean nothing into substantial source material. I wish to feel this way.
But we are holding a bad reputation on fan-fiction while fan-art get a pass. How hypocritical as a Reddit user say.
Consider how abused writing on computer is, I believe fan-fiction is existence no matter if the content is good or bad.
1:43 This also play in part. Ideas are better in a medium to another and translated world into text is difficult. Which is why writing fanfiction can be troublesome.
2:51 Ha yes, to show love on a work that isn't ours, we have to take characters in-character. 4:34 HEADCANON!
4:56 Most importantly. Issue is that there are many way to write a plot, some will be dialogue heavy or character-focused. And that affect how the plot is presented. Just focus on the plot and that will be fine. This is the essence of story.
not my first fanfic i just dont know what im doing
Hope this video game you a better idea 💖
Great tips and I'm so glad you're back! I've been watching all your past videos for weeks lol
Ahhh thank-you! I'm so close to having enough watch time to earn on TH-cam so please keep at it 🙏
I follow a lot of people who give advice about writing, but I never really thought about it, they are writing to sell books so it is different from writing fanfiction, and a lot of those advice don't work for me. 🤔
thank you for this video!!
Yes that's exactly why I make these videos! There's so many great resources out there but so few specific to fanfiction. I'm glad you find this one helpful 💖
I love this video!!! Reading fanfiction has been something that I love, and I enjoy writing. I have always been anxious about my writing being cringe, but as they say, to be cringe is to be free!! :3 My largest problem with writing fanfiction is just the fact that I don’t really have many plot ideas, haha 😅
Great video!! I loved listening to all the tips :)
I think this is the push I needed to make my first fic
Thank you so much for this video ❤
I'm so glad! Wishing you all the luck 💖
Omg a new video! Your content is such a comfort to me and I love your channel so much 💕💕
Thank-you! Sorry it's been so long. I had this filmed for months. The good news is that I already have two other videos filmed and I'll be recording another this Saturday 💖
im watching this with approximately 16.67% of my fic complete
Congrats on having 16.67% of your fic complete! That's almost 17%, which is almost 20%, so keep going!
6:47 I once wrote a fic about my favorite ship exchanging potatoes like normal people exchange love letters. Why? Because I came across a video about "cringy love confessions" and I found it in the comment section. I thought it was cute, so I wrote it, and I laughed when I reread it lol
That is so sweet! I love when ship interactions have that kind of uniqueness to them 💖
I'm writing my first fanfiction, and since im stupid enough to have it include like 20 characters im just over-analyzing every character's dialogue like a goddamn scientist. focusing on backstory and main motivation will be pretty helpful when i eventually get to the characters im struggling with, or maybe I'll just make it all up huehehahehehh
Oooooh buddy you're gonna LOVE the trilogy of videos I'm editing!
A video on how to write more in-character would be great!
Seems like there's growing interest! I'll have to get on that as soon as I'm able
Read wikis about characters to help
Hey, it’s nice to see you again!
I appreciate everything you do, you’ve certainly been a help to me on my first long fic. I hope you’re doing alright nowadays
Thank you for everything!
Thanks! I'm doing better. Chronic pain is still being a butt as usual, but my boyfriend of three years just moved to my city so I'm really happy 💖
I also have two other videos filmed and plan to film another one this weekend. (It's a 'How to Post on AO3' tutorial since I'm posting the first chapter of my next fic then.) Hoping to manage some kind of consistency with my upload schedule, especially since I'm so close to monetisation
@@CoraMaria Congratualtions!!! I’m so happy for you, that sounds exciting! I wish you the best of luck, I hope you can find a comfortable schedule so you can reach monetization. I’ll be on the lookout for your new video (I’ll play your videos on loop while I write, so you can get that bag)
Now I’m challenging myself to finish my next chapter before you upload again. I try to keep it at 4K, but I’ve been going over around a couple thousand after editing- so if you take this as a challenge, you’re going to win 😆
@@somethingsomewhereelse8398Oh damn I love a good challenge! I just have to choose between editing the longer or the shorter video first, but I think I'd rather save the shorter video for a time when I have lower spoons
@@CoraMaria Alright, I guess I better haul out my next chapter then. Please go easy on me tho 🙏
I’ll let you know if I finished when your next video is up
I started writing fanfic because I was living away from home from work with no internet acess, tv to watch and very limited acess to books from the library. Before stream existed and data on the phone was to expensive (and didn't have phone service anyways). Didn't think anything about it and just started writing when I would get home from work because I didn't have anything else to do.
That's definitely a great way to get into it. Boredom is a powerful motivator! I remember my first exposure to fanfic was my high school friend writing one for a fandom I wasn't even in. She would print out each chapter and let me read them in homeroom.
Love your vids and I would love to have a video exxplaining when is good to write OOC. And I love your fanshion sense btw
Ahh thank-you! This was the outfit I was supposed to wear to that Fanfiction 101 panel I had to cancel, and this video is actually adapted from the script I had written for it lol
Will definitely work on a video for writing canon characters in-character when I can! I also want to cover why you might choose to write a character OOC
@@CoraMaria I can't wait to see it!
why didn't i watch this sooner? 😭
I love these tips! Thanks so much for this video!
Thanks so much for watching!
I sometimes change the background of the character because sometimes I didn’t like a trait they had, so it wasn’t out of character, other times I would changed the whole world to fit the change better,
I once wanted to do a Linkle fic and had builded the world mechanics hearts(life build up, from plants), rubies(magic build up, is magic, why they were valuable when they could be found everywhere) and items as well how some techniques worked, it fit pretty well, a new beginning how she would be a positive parallel to link(OfTime) but still have child wonder and choosing the path for herself(always still get lost), I had a plan between them to fight and have that as a outline what to give each item and journey, how some dungeons would be empty because of that or people would talk of the other one, but each Zelda game has a new everything and I did tried but quickly got overwhelmed trying to make up a new whole world with map, people, situation, everything from scratch and didn’t even had a first chapter because of it. It was going to have a silliest Linkle being a hero by accident little by little to a badass that even the big bad would hesitate to attack and no grim dark or those subjects, but some things are not mean to be.
I really like your channel! I have been working on a FNAF fanfic that I am truly passionate about and these videos have helped me tremendously in my creative process. (I didn't even make drafts past the first one before this!!) I was wondering, do you have any tips to get over the anxiety of cringe culture when posting? Not sure if you have made a video on that or not. I am very scared to post because it's a self-insert and is very apparent, this fic is like my baby and my form of escapism so I would be crushed if something like that were to happen to me, which it has in the past.
I might not be the best person to speak on this, since I usually don't write the kind of works likely to fall into the fanfic tropes known for being "cringe" and thus have less to contend with, but I think it very much comes down to building security in This Thing You Love. Always remind yourself of the parts of your fic that you're proud of, look at other self-insert works in your fandom and see how readers comment positive things on those (particularly on AO3 and maybe WattPad - best avoid Fanfiction.net), and most importantly, embrace the cringe! Don't try to hide or provide a shy disclaimer that your work includes a self-insert: proudly declare it! If you project insecurity about your work or SI, haters are more likely to see you as a target. If you're open about it, it's actually much harder for someone to use it against you.
You: "This is my self-insert fic!"
Them: "Ew this is a self-insert fic!"
You: "I know, that's literally what I just said."
And if someone does say something nasty? Literally delete their comment and block them if you can. This is YOUR space. If someone is saying something negative that isn't a legitimate or solicited criticism, then why should they be allowed to occupy it? They can go rant about your fic to someone else or in their own space. It's what I do with fics and tropes I don't like and need to vent about.
There's also that joke in the video: you can either be cringe, or you could be a coward 😛
Tfw you're also writing for a videogame fandom but every single game mechanic is extensively documented in canon (healing items and savepoints included) and also the player character is supposed to be unreasonably overpowered to pose more of a threat
If the worldbuilding doesn't completely fall apart if you remove those more video-gamey aspects then you're probably still good. You can also tweak them to be more realistic. Legend of Zelda fanfics will often change the way potions work by using them not to heal a character to perfect health but rather accelerate the natural healing process or as a pain killer, sometimes with side-effects such as going into comatose.
Some people like overpowered protagonists and they can work for certain stories (like crack or comedy) but an easy fanfiction premise is to have some kind of tragedy befall the protagonist to disempower them in some way and explore what they would be like outside of the defining trait of their overpoweredness.
There's also the option of putting the OP character into a situation that's alien to them and makes their overpowered skill-set obsolete. For example, a character used to mowing down enemies now having to exist in a world where that side and his side have come to a truce. The character now has rules to follow and treaties to respect. How does a fearsome fighter live after they no longer need to pick up their machine gun?
Basically, most readers of video game fanfics expect some changes when adapting fic to prose. I've never seen a single Zelda fanfic say "Hey! Z-target and press A so we can talk over a short distance!" Only curative video game fans get upset over a TRANSFORMATIVE FANDOM ACTIVITY not being lore accurate.
@@CoraMariait's undertale so it might fall apart quite a bit actually :)
also would you consider writing fiction for dummies to be a good resource for fics?
@@another-niko-pfp-holder I've never read it so I wouldn't know
This is the best green screen I've ever had the opportunity to experience ! Wait, it's actually hand made and it's real ?
I'm sorry but if this is not a green screen and it's real, I'm at loss for words. What's your Twich ?
7:00 the bravest of all is whoever wrote a Better Call Saul/Titanic crossover so that me and my friend could popcorn read it like in an English class after our homecoming dance.
I salute you!
A personal rule of thumb for keeping characters in-character is to ask "What do I like/dislike about this character and how can I use that to show that in my writing?" After all, why write a romance from the POV character you don't even like? And presumably you're writing said romance fic because you like the ship and want to support it in whatever fandom-y way you can. And the same applies for friendships and familial relationships as well. If you can pull from what you specifically like most about a character(s) then there's a larger chance you can bring it out while writing.
(and you don't even have to go the route of learning deeper literary analysis and also scrubbing multiple videos of gameplay footage frame by frame to do it!.........She says as if that's not something she's willingly been doing for her current hyper fixation.............)
I think I see what you mean -I love my blorbo's flaws and exploring how they can be a good thing in the right circumstances- but I can't help but feel as though focusing on a specific aspect of a canon character is what leads to flanderisation, at least on a fanon level. I can see it working well for shorter fics, and I may be misunderstanding the concept in general, so I'd love to know how how your approach avoids that 💖
@CoraMaria It's less focusing entirely about that aspect and more using it to really think about why you're writing for a character. Because when you start from "What draws me to this character?" You also, inevitably, end up asking yourself what else you do and don't like about them and springboard off of that.
Because we're talking about fanfiction, presumably you're writing this story because you find SOMETHING about them interesting enough to pour your free time into creating free fanworks for it. If not, you might as well be spending your time just writing a completely original story.
The characters you're writing for are unique to that series unless it's a crossover, and it's that uniqueness that gives them their flair. What drives you to them. I think, of you care enough to actively think in-depth about ONE aspect of your favourite character, then you're more likely to care enough to think in-depth about EVERY aspect of said character. And it can allow you to appreciate everything about them even more. Flaws and positives and all.
@@pixelsbykris5494Thanks for explaining! That sounds like a great approach (and also idk why my previous reply has stikeouts?)
@CoraMaria Thank you! And it's no problem. I'm always happy to ramble about writing, characters, and storytelling in general. haha
(as for the strikeouts, sometimes youtube likes to do that when you write a comment with a "-" instead of a comma. not sure what does and doesn't trigger the strikeout since I've had comments where it both does and doesn't happen, but that's usually still the reason behind it. Can confirm because editing the comment to use commas instead has always fixed the problem.)
@@pixelsbykris5494Lol I know about the "-", but I used brackets
Thank you for such good advice! Do you have any tips for how to tag a fic? I've tried to publish a few on Ao3, but the tags always tripped me up.
You're in luck because I just drafted a script a few days ago about how to post on AO3! I'll be recording it this weekend (and the second part two weeks later when I'm ready to post Chapter 2) but here's what I wrote for the additional tags section:
"Finally, additional tags. This is where you tag tropes, content warnings, specific episodes or chapters in canon, and other things not specified in the fields above.
"One thing I like to do is provide additional context to the tags above. For example, I have one ship that is a slowburn romance, and one that is a slowburn divorce. If I was a reader looking for a swoonworthy romance between Midna and Link and saw tags like ‘Abusive Relationships’ and ‘Lovers to Enemies’ with no additional context, I might assume they apply to the main ship rather than Zelda and my OC villain. If I have that context, I’d be willing to give the fic a go. If I’d rather not read about an abusive relationship regardless of who’s involved, then I can still filter out those tags from my results.
"Another thing that’s always good to tag is if your story is canon-compliant, canon-divergent, or an alternate universe. If it’s the latter, what kind? You can also state whether or not your story has been beta-read, has a podfic, is screen-reader friendly, or includes minor ships not tagged in the relationships field.
"A note on tropes: if your story is as long as mine, it’s better to tag tropes that show up regularly or can be broadly applied, such as Dark Fantasy and Developing Relationship. Tropes that are featured in specific scenes, such as ‘Only One Bed’, are best used for oneshots, shorter fics, or longfics in which it kicks off the plot. I have two ‘Only One Bed’ scenes in my fic, but I don’t imagine someone craving that trope would be eager to read 19 chapters of plot to reach it."
I'll probably make a more in-depth video on additional tags at some point, but those are the basic ideas I share in this beginner-to-intermediate-friendly video. Hope this helps!
I am transforming a beloved mainstream show into a Southern Gothic erotic soap opera that delves into male body image, masculinity taboos, and forbidden romances. This is a passionate exploration of themes that were only superficially touched upon in the original series.
Fanfics that dive deeper into overlooked themes in canon are some of the best there is. Keep that thoughtfulness and passion and you'll def have your dream fanfiction by the end of it 💖
I’m in the process of writing my first fanfic. But I’m having trouble writing the rising action. The forst chapters I wrote were the final chapters, as well as the first 2 chapters. I can’t seem to create a middle with it sounding like, “this is just a filler to pass the time because the story needs a middle segment.” I already have my conflict and plot twist.
I'd look at your climax and think "What else can happen earlier in the story to prop this up?"
For an example, I had the opposite problem to you. In my last WIP (Book 1 of a trilogy), my middle was really strong, but the climax I had outlined was... lackluster. It only served the deuteragonist's character arc, while the protagonist was just reduced to dude in distress, and while the third main character got to do something, their internal struggle just wasn't there and I wanted to test how far their character development had come. And also the villain doesn't get to be around either. So the climax was basically a Rescue the Protagonist mission.
Now for the middle section of the story, my protagonist and deuteragonist were on a quest that involved liberating three regions, and in the process, collecting three dark artifacts that would give the deuteragonist immense, but corrupting, power. I'd only planned on this power being used as it was in canon, but I came up with the idea for the deuteragonist to use them during Book 1's climax, and it was exactly what I needed. It strengthened HER character arc (and gave her more to struggle with in the sequel), but also gave the protagonist and third main character more to do, as well as test their character development. It all came together into an intense climax that my readers loved.
So while I had to reach into the middle of my story to enhance my climax, I'd like you to reach into your conflict and plot twist to create that middle. What needs to happen to set up the actions the characters take during the climax? What does the plot twist need to make sense? How can the conflict culminating in the climax be set up beforehand?
Hope that helps!
❤❤❤
im worried that either nobody will read the fic or nobody will be able to read it, because the fandom is russian and i feel like im the only person writing english fanfiction for it ._.
I love your videos! I can’t really write fanfiction right now because I’m only in one fandom that rpf and some stuff has been happing lately with a certain creator so I’m looking for new fandoms to hyper fixate on, do you have any recommendations?
Come scream with me about Twilight Princess and Midlink with meeeeee!!!! In all honesty, it may be difficult to play it if you don't have a Gamecube, Wii, Wii U, or a way to emulate it, but the Midlink discord server is such a lovely place and my favourite fandom corner.
@@CoraMariathank you! I’ll definitely check it out, also I was wondering if you could make a video on writing AU’s? They’re one of my favorite parts of fanfiction but I’m always scared I’m going to end up doing it wrong
@@lavndvrrart Ooh that's a good topic! The issue is that AUs are really diverse, but the main pitfall with them is writing an original story but with characters who have the names and faces of the canon characters. Sometimes AUs can still be really grounded in canon worldbuilding and lore without being canon divergent though.
any tips for a 14 yo with no experience on writing and that english isn't their first lenguage?
Focus the most on Point 5: Have Fun! I first started writing when I was 14 too, and I was having the time of my life writing and posting fanfiction just for the fun of it. I wrote what I thought was fun or cool or interesting without worrying too much about making it "good", so by the time I was ready to improve, I already had a strong love for the craft within me, and that meant I was far less likely to give up when I felt discouraged.
Basically, make sure your love of writing outshines your fear of "doing it wrong".
i will now go write me mha fanfic
Good luck~!
Can we change mbti of the characters?
MBTI is pseudo psychology that cares way too much about putting the infinite diversity of people (or characters) into limiting boxes than actually getting to know them. My advice isn't "Yes you can change it" or "No you can't" but to ignore the concept of MBTI altogether, because otherwise you'll be trying to replicate the MBTI personality rather than the character's personality, and that leads to characterisation that feels flanderised or OOC. All that matters is if you're writing them in a way that feels true to canon ☺ (and though there are reasons why a fic writer might deliberately choose to write a a character out-of-character, that's a topic for another video 😉)
@@CoraMaria I write bts fanfiction. If I change jungkook from intp to isfp, then??? He never seemed to be an intuitive one to me, but his mbti is intp. Is enneagram more appropriate?
@@sanghitadey8475 I truly believe that you need to break away from any "types of personality" models altogether and interpret Jungkook on an individual basis.
❤ I love this vlog! Great job! Come check out my 1980's fan fic based off the movie The Breakfast Club!