Often, they have a strong connection to the original source material that inspired them. For example, they might keep the same setting or some of the characters' traits from the original work. They also tend to attract fans of the original work initially. For instance, 'Fifty Shades of Grey' being based on 'Twilight' initially got the attention of 'Twilight' fans.
One characteristic is that they may take a different perspective on the original story. 'Wide Sargasso Sea' does this by focusing on a character that was only briefly and somewhat mysteriously portrayed in 'Jane Eyre'. Another aspect is that they can expand on concepts that were only hinted at in the original. In the case of some fanfiction - turned - books, they might explore relationships between characters more deeply or introduce new sub - plots. These books also sometimes inherit the fan base of the original work, which helps them gain initial popularity.
Often, they have a very focused core idea. For example, in 'Of Mice and Men', the central theme of the dreams and friendship of the two main characters was there from the start. They also tend to have a relatively simple plot structure at the base, which may be elaborated upon. Like in 'The Great Gatsby', the basic idea of a man's pursuit of a woman and the associated social commentary was likely a short - story - like concept initially.
One characteristic is that they often build on existing fictional universes or characters. For example, if it started as 'Harry Potter' fanfiction, it might use the Hogwarts setting or some of the well - known characters in new storylines. Another is that they can bring a fresh perspective. Since they are created by fans who love the original work, they might explore different aspects of the world that the original author didn't focus on.
One key characteristic is that it often builds on an existing fictional universe or characters that have a dedicated fan base. Also, such books might show a deep understanding and passion of the fans for the original work.
Yes. 'Wide Sargasso Sea' is considered a kind of fanfiction of 'Jane Eyre'. It tells the story from the perspective of Bertha Mason, the so - called mad woman in the attic in 'Jane Eyre'. Additionally, 'The Magicians' by Lev Grossman has been said to have roots in fanfiction. It takes the idea of a magical world like in many classic fantasy novels and gives it a modern, more cynical twist. 'Ready Player One' also has some fanfiction - like elements as it references and builds on a vast array of pop - culture works.
Books that started as fan fiction often show a high level of creativity within the framework of the original work. They might play with the characters in new and unexpected ways. For example, in some fan - based books, characters from different works might be combined in a crossover story. They also tend to be very engaged with the fan community. The authors are often part of the fandom themselves, so they know what the fans like and dislike. This can result in a book that really speaks to the desires of the fan base. However, they also face the challenge of distancing themselves enough from the original work to be considered their own thing, which can be a tricky balance to strike.
There is also the challenge of fan expectations. Fans of the original fan fiction may have certain expectations, and if the book that evolves from it changes too much, they may be disappointed. At the same time, the author needs to make changes to appeal to a wider audience, which can be a difficult balancing act. For instance, if a fan fiction - based book was originally very niche in its appeal to a particular group of fans, expanding it to a broader readership means making alterations that might not sit well with the original fan base.
Often, they focus on self - discovery. The main characters are in a process of understanding their sexual or gender identity. For example, in many such books, the characters might start off feeling confused or different from others.
There's 'Beautiful Bastard' which started as fanfiction. Fanfiction often gives writers a chance to explore characters and worlds they love in new ways, and these books are proof that such works can transition into mainstream published works. The transition usually involves some changes to make the story more original and distinct, but they still carry the essence of what made the fanfiction popular in the first place.
Often, they involve a sense of detachment from the physical self. The protagonist may be able to view their own body or the world around them from a different perspective, like floating above a scene.
Sure. 'The Old Man and the Sea' by Ernest Hemingway was originally conceived as a short story. Hemingway then expanded it into a short novel. 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell might also have started as a short story concept, as it has a relatively simple and focused narrative that could have been developed from a shorter form. Additionally, 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens was initially a short story that was so well - received that it became a classic book.