Tips For Potential Fanfic Writers

I just thought I'd post a page with tips for new fanfic writers. (I'm not the fanfic guru or anything, just my own personal feedback on different methods and techniques on how to create a good fanfiction)

I am not criticizing anyone's works. This is just friendly advice for those who want it.

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(Tips)

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Make use of official wiki pages.

Goldmines of information, wiki pages can be what helps make your story if properly utilized.

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Use simple grammar and spelling apps.

There are free apps for phones and computers that are compatible with Quotev that automatically check for spelling and grammar errors. Personally, I use a free version of Grammarly. DO NOT depend on the apps to proofread (unless that is a feature)

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Proofread your work.

Only you really know what you want, so double check before publishing. The best method is to wait a short time after writing it down before proofreading. You can be surprised by what you missed before.

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Don't play too much in the grey.

There has to be a clear set of black and white in some areas. Too much blurriness between the two can make the story monotonous. Masterful writers (writers at a level I can never achieve) are the only ones who can do so properly. Let's just say this is an area of writing that requires lots of insight and creativity.

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(Pitfalls to Avoid)

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Do not have a character's name as (Y/N), (L/N), (M/N), Etc. Same with description.

Lots of people do this and to be honest, many of them write some of my favorite fanfictions. This could also be seen as lazy or could be distracting to the reader. I know finding a name is very hard sometimes but in the end, it's worth it. A proper name helps flesh out the character and makes them even more unique. The same goes for hair color/length and eye color. Just any feature of the character should be decided by the author and not be put as (H/C), (E/C), (S/C), etc, etc, etc... It's the same as with the name and could make visualizing the character very difficult.

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Be realistic, but not too realistic.

Details are key. If a fanfic is in the real world, a few google searches can mean everything when making certain situations more true to life. Don't change the world or fictional universe too drastically without a good reason. You also want to be fun, don't be too intent on being realistic.

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Research stuff you do not understand.

This could save you confusion, rewriting, and tons of embarrassment. For example, if you are not familiar with how certain stab wounds or illnesses affect people, look it up. Details can make the story more gripping for the readers. A Little Disturbing Example: Getting stabbed in the arm can actually be highly lethal in some cases. If you got stabbed in the wrist, the severed nerves could permanently cause the thumb to fold over the palm of your hand, completely paralyzed.

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Proper use of dialogue.

Don't write the sentences of two different people on the same line or paragraph. Separate the dialogue of different characters. Readers can get tired when they have to pause and figure out who is talking. Not everyone is Gollum, Twice, or Zetsu.

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Have your character's power grow overtime.

I'm not really one to talk, but don't make your character overpowered from the get-go. Give them weaknesses, trials to overcome, problems to solve.

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For Naruto fanfics, don't choose mindreading Kekkei Genkai. For BNHA fanfics, don't choose light or wing-based Quirks.

These powers are overused in their respective fanfiction genres. They were unique once, but now they are becoming common. Please don't add any more unless your story behind its existence is exceptionally good.

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If all of this becomes too much work or sucks the fun out, ignore all of the above.