[-] Step 5 : Writing Dos and Don'ts

Sailor Sun's
Fan Fiction 
Writing Guide

So you've decided to write Fan Fiction? Hey, no problem, that's what this site is based on. Why are you writing it? Well, the reasons are really your own. 

This guide is only a basic outline of suggestions you may want to use while writing your fan fiction. Their isn't any set rules and if their is, I've never seen them.

I should introduce myself, I'm Sun, and I started writing the fan fiction that has been on this site since 1999. Since then I've learnt different do's and do-not's of Fan Fic writing, and now I'm going to try to help you with your writing.

Hopefully this guide will aid you in your quest to write a top notch Fan Fiction. And remember, these are suggestions on writing. You can ignore or follow them, and still have a good fan fiction. it all depends on your writing skill and determination. So let's Start...

Step 1: Starting off

The Idea

For any fan fiction to succeed you need a idea. Fan Fiction is a term meaning a Fictional story written by a Fan. You can write a story based on any already existing show, movie, book, or even a picture (A picture's worth a thousand words, why couldn't the words make out a story?). But every great story or even the crappy ones needs a idea. If your stuck on a idea for a fan fiction, your not going to get very far. Even the Seinfield TV show, a show about nothing, had the idea of "Let's do a show about nothing?"

The idea is a basic overview of what you want to accomplish in your story.
To help you think of a idea for a Fan Fiction, try brain storming using the phrase...

"What if..."

Example:

"What if Sailor Moon lost her powers?"

"What if one of the scouts had a disease?"

After you figure out the idea, the rest is easy.

The next step is to try to figure out how you want to present your story? I'm sure during English class we've all been told different styles of writing, Script, First Person, Narrative, Third person...etc. You have to take this into account. When writing a Fan Fiction, your writing for the reader. So when you decide what kind of format you want to present your story in, you have to try to decide on how will the reader want to see it? What will make it easier for him/her?

The Script format vs. Narrative Writing

You can also write a story like a script. This is tricky because you don't want to reader to get bored with the story, or confuse the reader with how to read it as scripts sometimes does. You also have to decide on a set format for the script, describing actions vs. emotions vs. speech. Also the reader can easily get bored reading detailed descriptions of backgrounds, so you can't have too much description.

Writing narrative or in a first or third person may be a bit easier, but also takes more effort then script writing. One of the Key things I always tell people about writing in non-Script formats is learn the use of paragraphs and punctuation. Very few people like reading a story which is one LONG paragraph. The same goes for One long sentence. It also makes the story very confusing to read.

Tips of writing Paragraphs and sentences

Start a new Paragraph when:

• another person is starts talking (Only one person talks per paragraph)
• a change in subject or theme
• a change in scenes (Very important. You may also want to use a separator, 
  such as a triple astrics [* * * ])
• if the paragraph just seems to get getting too long. (re-examine the paragraph if this happens)

Start a new sentence when:

• when a thought or statement is completed.
• when you start having to write 'and' more then once in a sentence.
• at the end of a paragraph.

Don't be afraid to use more then just a period in your writing. an explanation point (!) often conveys more meaning then just a period. Just be careful to use it when you need to emphasis a point and not too use it too much.

Example:

"What do you mean?" Rei said, as she picked up the broken glass.

"What do you mean." Rei said, as she picked up the broken glass.

"What do you mean!" Rei said, as she picked up the broken glass.

The third sentence conveys Rei's emotion more and changes the sentence from being a question to a statement while the period made the sentence seem more casual. If you look at the middle sentence (with the period) It just doesn't seem right, does it?

Be careful when you pick the formatting for your story. Remember, your one may be easier for you to write, but is it easy for the reader to read?

The Story

What's the story going to be?

That a important aspect in writing Fan Fictions. Are you going to make a short story, or a detailed series? Well it would mostly come down to are you writing something as a one timer project or do you want to provide many plots based on a single idea?

When writing a whole series, you have to remember that your readers may want to keep track of your character from start to finish. Keeping this in mind you want to be able to provide all your stories to the reader, not just the latest one.

If your writing a short story, you'll need to bring the reader into the story. A lot of stories flop when the reader starts reading and they have no idea who this person is, or what's going on. You'll need a introduction period to meet any new characters, so the read can identify with them or a a little to ease the reader into the story. 

Sometimes a story starts off in the middle and the reader learns what has happened during flash backs and recaps. You can do this, but as a new writer, might want to start off easier. 

Who, What, When, Where, Why?

The title explains itself, doesn't it? Well, sometimes writers forget that the reader needs to know these things.

Example:

"What do you think?" she asks.

"Well, I think that it's a bad idea", he replies loudly, "we need more information!"

Does this make any sense to you? Because if it does, congrads, because it doesn't make any sense to me, and I wrote it.

What's it missing? Well, who's talking? What are they talking about? Why's he speaking loudly?  If their was more details or more to the story then maybe it'll be easier to understand. But if your story leaves the reader asking, Who? What? When? Where? And/Or Why? then you've failed in writing a good story. The reader needs to understand what's going on in order to enjoy it.

Step 2: The Characters

The Character

When writing a fan fiction, your often basing the story on someone else's story.  In most cases, your story will involve those characters, so it's often a good idea to know what the characters are like.

Example:

While Ami (security Sailor Mercury, of the Sailor scouts) reads from her book while sitting on a park bench as a large, bulky, bully passed by, accidentally stepping on Ami's out stretched foot. Ami, filled with anger because of her pained foot, stood up, mad. "What do you think your doing?" she demanded in a harsh tone.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to." the bully replied in a cowardly tone, surprised at Ami's sudden outburst.

Ami, so filled with rage from her throbbing foot clenched her fist and grind her teeth. Before the bully could do any anything else, Ami reached back and let her arm fly forward. Her fist impacting the bullies jaw, breaking it as his hands quickly cradled his now fractured jaw.

"Maybe that will make you think twice." Ami retorted as she sat back down and picked up her book to continue her reading. While the bully ran away, sobbing.

Any Sailor Moon fan will know that that didn't sound like the Ami we all know from the TV show Sailor Moon. And the bully, acting like a chicken? Does that sound right? When writing, you have to establish a personalities and abilities to match the characters you use. Ami's not a tough mean person, who could break someone's jaw so easily, while a bully wouldn't act so cowardly even to a girl like Ami.

Keeping in mind the roles, abilities, and knowledge of the people you describe is a key in establishing a believable story.

More Research? Arrg!

Unfortunate fact of life but true.. When writing a story, based on another person's original concepts, you should try to learn the concepts used in the stories and the personalities, as well as the details of the characters already existing in the story.

Did you know?

Usagi (Sailor Moon's Japanese first name) actually means bunny in Japanese Her full name means, 'Bunny of the Moon'. Explains all those bunnies you see in the cartoons doesn't it?

Ami (Amy) is allergic to love letters.

Rei Hino (Reye Hino) likes reading manga.

Makoto (Lita) is afraid of flying.

Minako (Mina) dislikes all her school subjects, except for physical education?

Learning as much as you can about the characters already in the show/movie/etc. only helps your story seem more true when the reader can't pick up all the mistakes in your writing.

Even if you think you know the characters, their might be something about the person you never knew till you find out. Don't be discourage, just learn and adapt.

Interactions With Who?

Remember, characters interact with other characters. Sometimes when some characters interact with each other they act differently then they would with someone else. Be aware of special repours characters have with each other. And don't be afraid to use them if the situation that allows for it. It adds to the realism of your stories.

Environment??

Some characters act differently when subjected to certain environments (surroundings). Take this into account while your writing.

Example:

Sailor Moon acting cold, shivering, and chattering her teeth while in the artic regions when the scouts go after the Negaverse in the end of season one (TV show).

Why does Sailor Moon seem more susceptible to sub-zero conditions while the other scouts don't seem to notice? Maybe they tough it out, while Sailor Moon acts on her emotions and feels more. Or maybe Sailor Moons a wimp? Who knows, but it adds personality to her character which sets her apart from the others and helps identify her as the main character and gives you a incite into her personality.

Step 3: The new Hero(ine)

So, you want to add a new character? Here's tips on making a real and believable character

Naming your Hero

What to name him/her? Well this is never really easy. Often super heroes have two names, their 'real' name and their 'Identity' name.

The naming of your character is one of the things you usually can't change after you start writing. So it's important.  This is were you start thinking about the type of character your going to make. What is he/she like? Where does he/she come from? 

If your character was born and raised in Japan, it makes a lot of sense to have a Japanese name. Same goes to a character born in America, usually the character would have a common American name. Taking in account where your character was born and his/her history, would help you decide. (Their is always exceptions to the rules, but be prepared to explain the exceptions in your story. It will help add dept to your character). And don't be afraid to be inspired.

Making your hero's identity name is often a bit easier then making a normal name, but sometimes can still be a challenge. You should try to be original, but don't be upset if their is others who used the same identity name as you do.

Remember that your Fan Fiction is your own and your character(s) are what you make them.

Powers

One of the things I've learnt is to never make your character all powerful. Super powerful character often have few real challenges. When making character powers, try to also include weaknesses or limits.

Example:

Superman is able to fly, move faster then a speeding bullet, bend steal bars (as well as most other things) and is indestructible.

This is a good example of TOO powerful. If Superman had no one to challenge him, would his exploits been very exciting? That's why the creator of Superman also included Kryptonite to provide a weakness to Superman. 

Did you know?

Sailor Saturn has the greatest power of all the senshi? The only down side is if she uses it, she can destroy herself, or the world.

Tools and Weapons

So you want to give your scout a physical weapon or tool to use. Hey, I say go for it. Sailor Moon a a lot of tools, her broach, Silver crystal, Wands, swords, etc, etc.  

Most scouts always has a minimum of one tool. (After all they need something to use to transform.) Most have a transformation 'pen' (A colored senshi stick, with a gold decoration on top, some have a hand guard on them, some don't.) Sailor Moon uses a broach. While the Sailor Star Lights use a microphone headset (Last season of Sailor Moon).

You can use whatever you want for your transformation tool, I'd recommend trying to be consistent though. Sailor Moon has a broach, she always had a broach of some form or another.

Another Tip for transformation tools, is to consider morphing the tool, when the senshi powers morph. This is something I neglected to do in my fan fics, but is still sound advice. Every time the scouts' powers morph, thier transformation tool undergo a change too. 

Now, as for weapons, I wouldn't tell anyone NO, no weapons. But to use reason. If your character's weapon is a 700 pound club, and she's a 14 year old girl. How's she going to carry it? (And I know scouts are stronger transformed, but still. it would look too weird.) And I wouldn't worry about where the senshi carries her tools/weapons. (Has anyone noticed where Sailor Moon carries half her tools? I haven't noticed any pockets in her scout uniform.)

Common tools, are swords, mirrors, staffs, and crystals. But don't let that limit you a tool can be anything. And remember that your Scout doesn't HAVE to have a tool. Many scouts don't have specialized weapons.

Their are also non-combat tools, such as the scout's communicators. and Mercury has her Mini computer. DO you think your scout should have a non-combat tool?

Personality

Personality might not seem important to more people making a character for a fic, but I think it's one of the most important. Everyone has people they like, or dislike and the reasons why. And everyone in Fic and real lfe has a personality, likes, dislikes, ways they act and don't act. It would be good to have a idea of how your character's going to act. is she/he going to be a bully, tomboy, recovered, outgoing, shy, etc. You might want to keep in mind her past. That might have some bearing on why she would act a certain way.

Example:

If your character had a harsh life, where they lived on the streets, they might have a resentment to anyone helping them and might have tough guy persona.

If your character belongs to a rich family, she might have a attitude of getting what she wants, when she wants it.

When I try to make a person's personality, I try to have a good point for every bad point the character has. (Person might be stuck up, but likes treating friends to treats.) things like that.

History

Goes hand in hand with a persons personality. What was his/her history? What life altering evens happen to make your character? Had he/she been raised in a fortune, with loving parents and siblings? What about a middle class home? or a Orphanage? Maybe he/she lived on the streets stealing to live?

It's always helpful to have a basic idea of your character's background. And previous life before becoming a scout.

Non-Hero Life

What? Non-hero life? Surprise surprise, if your character isn't a 24/7 hero, then he/she will probably have a life outside being a hero. What's that life involve? Does you hero go to school/work? Who is his/her friends? It's a good idea to get a idea of who the character is outside being a hero. Often the persons attitude will melt into the attitude of being a hero.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Well, what are your character's strengths and weaknesses? As I was saying in the section about power, you never want your character to be all powerful.  But your character will also have natural strenghts and natural weaknesses. Such as, your character might be good at one thing and bad at other things.

Example:

Serena's is carrying, considerate, and looks out for her friend, BUT she's a klutz and a bit of a dig-bat.

Ami's smart and academically skilled, but is a bit of a nerd and has trouble socializing at the same level of most girls her age.

When making your character, you should try to include a weakness for every skill or talent your character has.

Minor Characters Vs. Heros

What's the difference? Well a Minor Character is like Melvin or Molly. They are characters who interact with the main character  but doesn't contrite much to the character's personality style or life style. And they are usually rarely around during important events unless a victim or witness. 

Super Hero or Super Dud?

How do you know if your character is a good character or not. Well, you can re a review from a friend. You can also publish the your story in a forum such as http://www.Fanfiction.net . Many people can read it and leave feed back. Or you can publish it on a page and wait for reader feed back. Don't worry too much about negative feed back, just because you get someone who doesn't like your ideas, it doesn't mean everyone  will like it. 

Step 4 : The Plots

Short Story Vs Long Series

Seems like a interesting question, doesn't it? What do you want to write? A long continuous story, or something that is shorter and less committal.  There is merit in both ways. A long continuous series means you can add in aspects and let the story grow and develop. While a short series is less time and you can lead up to a concussion. 

Remember that a short story can always become a long story. 

Example:

In the anime, Tenchi Muyo, the writers thought about doing a "What if" episode with a Sailor Moon theme. They created a Pretty Sammy character and used the Tenchi Muyo characters around this idea. It was suppose to be a short story which grew into a number of different episodes.

What do I need for a plot?

Wow... a plot... Got to think about that one.. I'm just joking. A plot is basicly a idea. Much like what I was talking about in step 1, a plot is just a idea on where you want to the story to be about. But if it'll help, I'll give you a couple things you should consider in your plot.

1. Enemy - Are you going to have one? Who is it, and is it the normal enemy?

2. Event - Most plots have a event that cause the story, or a event that the story leads upto. What is it? and who's it involve?

3. Character - Does the plot revolve around a character, either a normal character in the stories or a new character you've created just for the story?

4. Resolution - What happens or is needed to complete the story?

5. Span - Is this a plot that is going to span into multiple stories? If so, maybe you should consider sub-plots for each story?

How do I know if it's interesting?

"Risk is part of the game if you want to sit in that chair." 
-James T. Kirk (William Shatner), Star Trek Generations

The two hardest critics your going to have is you, then your audience.

The only true way to find out if your story is any good to to have people reading it. You'll get negative sometimes but don't get discouraged, it just means you might need to improve something. And remember, their are jerks in the world.  

To keep a story interesting, I would say, keep things happening. Not too many people want to read a story about a person who sits in a empty room, does and thinks of nothing. You could describe the room to the very centimeter, but you'll accomplish nothing (and who would want to read a story about a room). Even if nothing's happening physically, what is your character thinking. Is he/she thinking about some past memory? Formulating a plan? Rehashing why they are their?  If you keep things going, the more likely the reader won't loose interest.

Step 5: Writing Dos and Don'ts

Wow, I didn't know that!

Well, if you've been reading up till now, you already know what makes a good story, and what doesn't. But Here are some more tips.

• Keep the story going.

• People get really turned off by a lot of crappy spelling and grammar. (This is my fatal flaw)

• As with all things, practice makes perfect.

• Be creative, don't be afraid to going into new territory.

How can I mess Up?

Here's a list of suggestions of things NOT to do.

• Don't be too repetitive. Doing the same thing, episode after episode makes the story predictable.

• Don't COPY other people's work. You lose a good rep quickly if your caught.

• Make it easy to read. Some people don't have dictionaries by their computers at all times and don't like checking every third word.

• Don't give up from negative feedback, take it as a suggestion that you might need to improve or practice.

• Don't have your character all powerful.

• Don't use the same character outlines for different characters. Everyone is different in their own way.

• One of my pet peeves is people who edit a current Sailor Moon picture and say that's their character. Just because a person has different hair color and a different name doesn't mean it's your own character. Be creative. Make a personality and identity for your character.

Step 6: Publication

Where to put it?

If you know how to make web pages, you might want to look into hosting your own website.  Thier are a number of good hosts on the web where you can publish your own page. Some have help and wizards to help build your own website. www.tripod.com, www.geocities.com, www.Lycos.com Are some examples. Do a search on Yahoo or another search engine for more selections.

If you don't have any web page skills, you can always use a site like www.Fanfiction.net, which will let you publish your stories.

Either way, make sure you keep backups of all your stories and your Harddrive and a CD or Floppy. I've personally lost many stories because I didn't back them up and they got lost in cyberspace.

Watch your back

Watch out for those Lawyers. I don't know the legal ramifications of writing fan fic, but I try to be safe and put a disclaimer on my story/site for the original show, characters and ideas. Fan fic writers are usually small game for big business to go after, but it's always safer to put a disclaimer on then be sorry you didn't later. Here's the disclaimer I have put on my website in the past.

 Good Luck writing!!!!!!