Using Screenwriting Tips to Write Better Fanfiction
Last month I attended that huge multi-media event in San Diego known as Comic-Con 2010. There I attended a panel called “Writing for Television” and found it very interesting that many of the tips they gave to aspiring tv writers, could also be used as tips for writing fanfiction. So I decided to do a post about it and give you guys the benefit of the advice too.
Know your show.
In the seminar, they stressed the importance of knowing the show before you attempt to write a “spec script” (speculative screenplay) for it. Not only should you watch the show, you should study anything you can get your hands on about it – read articles online and in magazines, watch behind-the-scenes videos, read interviews with the actors and anyone behind the camera, and basically get every tidbit about it that you possibly can.
The same can be said for fanfiction. Most people who read fanfic want their characters in character, and a storyline that is consistent with the show. That’s not to say that you can’t write things that are AU (alternate universe), but if you’re just starting out in fanfiction it’s best to stick to the basics. So follow the same advice and do what a prospective scriptwriter would do – study your show.
Today I’ve decided to take on the “7 Link Challenge” going on over at ProBlogger.net.
They want people to post 7 links in the following categories and when I read the list it made me think of so many of my old posts that I just had to give it a try.
Here we go…..
1. My first post – Fanfiction: What is it?
2. The post I enjoyed writing the most – NCIS Fanfiction came to life last night in “Flesh and Blood”
3. A post which had a great discussion – Fanfiction: Your Dirty Little Secret?
4. A post on someone else’s blog that I wish I’d written – Virgin Blogger Notes: How to Handle a Dream Snatcher
5. My most helpful post – Fanfiction: Is it Legal?
6. A post with a title I’m proud of – Hurt/Comfort Fanfiction: Why Do We Hurt The Ones We Love?
7. A post I wish more people had read – My Interview with Fanfic Writer and Published Author, Muffy Morrigan
Let me know what you though of my little walk through memory lane. Also, if any of you are bloggers, I highly recommend you try it yourself, it was lots of fun. 
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Writing Fanfiction Can Help Start Your Freelance Writing Career
Check out an excerpt from my Ezine Article:
Writing Fanfiction Can Help Start Your Freelance Writing Career
If you’re anything like me, you’ve been writing fanfiction for years, enjoying the freedom it allows you to create stories involving your favorite characters and taking part in a community with other writers who give helpful feedback.
But did you know that writing fanfiction can also help you start a new career? By writing fanfiction, you are honing valuable skills that you can use as a freelance writer.
Here are some things that writing fanfiction can teach you about becoming a freelance writer.
Deadlines.
Maybe you don’t think of it this way but every time you’ve promised your rabid fans that the next chapter of your WIP (work in progress) was coming “in one week, I promise!” you were setting yourself a deadline. Making that deadline no matter what real life throws your way means that you’ve just learned one of the most important part of being a freelance writer – hitting your deadline.
Handling criticism.
When you post your fanfiction out there for the world to see, you also open yourself up to criticism. We’ve all had it happen – you post a story that you worked tirelessly on and suddenly someone comes up and (gasp!) dislikes it. Well guess what?….
For more, read the entire article HERE
Got a fanfiction issue, question or problem? I can help! I am now offering fanfiction consultating/coaching services to anyone, in any fandom, writing any type of story. If you’re interested in a consultation, just email me at Moki@mokisfanfictionblog.com to get a free evaluation and find out what I can do for you.
Want to know every time I add a new post? Be sure to subscribe to Moki’s Fanfiction Blog!
More from Moki’s Fanfiction Blog…
Moki’s Latest NCIS fanfic “The Cavalry Rides Again” – chapter 11
Moki’s Latest Supernatural fanfic “Black Cat” – chapters 18, 19 and 20
Fanfiction News: Joshua Jackson reads Dawson’s Creek Fanfiction
Fanfiction Reading: To Review or Not to Review, a guest post by Laine3112