Buffy herself is often a very popular character in Wishverse fanfic. Writers like to explore different versions of her, like a more jaded Buffy in a darker Wishverse. Spike is also popular as his complex character can be taken in many new directions in the alternate reality. And Willow, given her powerful magic, can have some really interesting storylines in the Wishverse.
In some Wishverse fanfics, there could be a plotline about the Scooby Gang trying to reverse the wishes that created the Wishverse. They might have to face their darkest selves or deal with versions of themselves that are very different. There could also be a plot where a new villain emerges specifically because of the instability of the Wishverse, and the gang has to figure out how to defeat this new threat while also fixing the Wishverse.
A really good starting point could be 'Once More, with Feeling' by various authors. This fanfic collection is inspired by the musical episode of the show. It has a lot of creativity in terms of how the characters are developed further in the musical - themed stories. There are different takes on the relationships and the overall Buffy - verse, which makes it an interesting read.
One interesting aspect of 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer Earshot' fanfic could be the exploration of Buffy's character in a more in - depth way. In the original episode, we see her struggle with her slayer duties and personal relationships. Fanfic might expand on how she deals with the knowledge she gains in 'Earshot', like her thoughts on the secrets she overheard. It could also delve into her relationships with her friends, perhaps showing a different side of her interactions with Xander, Willow or Giles.
One popular trope is the 'fix - it' fic. Fans might write fanfic to fix things they didn't like about the 'Earshot' episode. For example, if a character made a decision that seemed out of character, the fanfic could rewrite that part. Another trope could be the 'expansion' trope. This is where the writer takes the events of the episode and expands on them. They might add more details to Buffy's fight scenes or add more dialogue between the characters.
Well, it's a bit subjective, but [Author Name 5] has made a name for themselves in this area. Their fanfics often have a great balance between action and emotion. They handle the relationships between Buffy and Angel in the Wishverse very well. Also, [Author Name 6] is worth mentioning. Their stories are unique in that they explore the more psychological aspects of the characters in the Wishverse, which is quite different from other fanfics in this genre.
In some Buffy and Angel Wishverse fanfics, the plot could be about the consequences of wishes on the overall balance of good and evil. A wish could tip the scales in favor of evil, and Buffy and Angel have to find a way to set things right. This might involve teaming up with unlikely allies or facing off against new and more powerful villains. The Wishverse also allows for exploring different character arcs. Characters who were minor in the original series might have a much more prominent role in the fanfic due to the changes brought about by wishes.
One common theme is power and responsibility. Just like in the original show, the self - insert characters often have to grapple with newfound powers and the weight of using them correctly. For example, they might have to decide whether to use their powers for personal gain or to protect the town like Buffy does.
Topics like Buffy's battles against new and powerful vampires or demons. For example, exploring how she would deal with a vampire that has a unique power that she has never faced before.
Power dynamics is another theme. There's usually a struggle for power between the hybrids and the regular characters. Buffy has to use her slayer powers to keep the hybrids in check if they pose a threat, and this creates an interesting power play. Also, some hybrids may try to gain more power over the others or over the humans in Sunnydale. This theme adds a lot of drama and action to the stories.