How do you write a fanfic?

[Anon_Y_Mousse]

So, I've read a couple fanfics on SH(and god forbid, Wattpad) and I've decided that it would be interesting to try writing one myself, based on Genshin impact.

I'm looking for advice like on how not to make characters act "out of character", and how to keep track of the game lore cause uhh... It's a bit hard tbh.

 

[ArcadiaBlade]

When writing a fanfic, always, ALWAYS have at least the basic understanding of where the source material comes from.

God forbid about how many mistakes I made trying to write a fanfic, only thinking that the mistakes I made are actually the basic source materials that I ignore, thinking I could just rely on the basic understanding in my mind.

Second, when writing characters, I think its usually fine if you change the characters a bit if you can't understand the way they thought but at least make them act as if they are the same person from the source materials. (EX. You can make Sasuke from naruto as playboyish as you want, as long as he acts the same edge lord like in the source material)

Third, when tackling the plot, always divert from the main storylkne when the character acts differently once you begin to change their source material, and not change them completely like they are a different person from the plot itself(EX. A scene in naruto where he fights the merc but you change his actions BEFORE the event happens and the decisions he made will be based differently unlike in the original. Not in the plot itself where the changes didn't even exist but the characters act differently which makes no sense whatsoever).

Finally, do not restrict yourself from the source materials and be creative in your writing. Just don't change too much that it isn't a fanfic anymore and just a crossover with some fanfic characters.

 

[Nhatduongg]

based on Genshin impact.

Interesting… (There’re 2 GI fanfics on SH btw).

 

[Anon_Y_Mousse]

When writing a fanfic, always, ALWAYS have at least the basic understanding of where the source material comes from.

God forbid about how many mistakes I made trying to write a fanfic, only thinking that the mistakes I made are actually the basic source materials that I ignore, thinking I could just rely on the basic understanding in my mind.

Second, when writing characters, I think its usually fine if you change the characters a bit if you can't understand the way they thought but at least make them act as if they are the same person from the source materials. (EX. You can make Sasuke from naruto as playboyish as you want, as long as he acts the same edge lord like in the source material)

Third, when tackling the plot, always divert from the main storylkne when the character acts differently once you begin to change their source material, and not change them completely like they are a different person from the plot itself(EX. A scene in naruto where he fights the merc but you change his actions BEFORE the event happens and the decisions he made will be based differently unlike in the original. Not in the plot itself where the changes didn't even exist but the characters act differently which makes no sense whatsoever).

Finally, do not restrict yourself from the source materials and be creative in your writing. Just don't change too much that it isn't a fanfic anymore and just a crossover with some fanfic characters.

Well, it's gonna be a fanfic featuring mob characters, so I feel like it diverts from the main storyline quite a bit. Problem is it's a game so the lore isn't as straighforward as an anime or the like, so the mistakes i'm prone to amounts to game dialogue that I probably skipped,,, oh boy.

Interesting… (There’re 2 GI fanfics on SH btw).

*checks both fics* both are on hiatus, nice.

 

[Lloyd]

If you are writing a fanfic just don't add a self insert mary sue character. That applies to all fiction, but it applies triple to fanfiction.

 

[BenJepheneT]

I've only ever written one fanfic, and it's only loosely based on the source material, but when writing, I always remember two things:

1. Plan everything out beforehand.

This is crucial, ESPECIALLY when you're dealing with material that's already present. If you're lenient about breaking lore, then forget about this part, but if you're not, then make sure everything's plotted out from beginning to end. Doesn't matter that you don't plan on ending it, just write an outline ahead of the chapters.

This is to prevent any Deus Ex McGuffin's you'd try to pull during the initial run of your story. The best way to prevent breaking lore is to make sure everything's glass-case enclosed beforehand. Research, and research well. Don't create scenarios than find solutions. If this is an OC fic, then you're more than welcome to. But if you're writing a fanfic, especially one regarding a game, think about a problem solver, then create a problem around said solver.

Nothing makes a fanfic reader's cock harder than seeing a game's mechanic being presented as a plot point in the chapters, and I'm saying this as a fanfic reader (occasional) myself.

2. Understand the pre-established characters before going in.

This rings especially true for shippings. I don't mind some married milf doing a little dirty Sanchez with another character she has no business being with. What I mind is a flimsy reason for doing so, or worse, no reason at all. It's not that hard to make a character do something. Influence them towards a direction where their actions coincide with their goals.

More importantly, make sure they stay IN character. Like stated a few posts above, Sasuke can act as a playboy, but give him a reason to, along with a playboy role that's done in his signature aloof personality. Maybe he wants to fuck Naruto because somehow or rather, his bussy is the goal to reviving the Uchiha clan or some shit. I don't read Naruto.

Don't just make a character do something for no reason. Best part about a fanfic is seeing a character do stuff besides the canon material. The best balance is a fanfic that fulfills the reader's desire while keeping true to the canon. It makes no sense that Bakugo wants to fuck Deku out of nowhere, but if you establish Deku as a McGuffin that will bring Bakugo to his goal, that'll elevate the fucking from a porno parody to a What If...?-level product.

That's really all. There's not much difference between writing a fanfic and an original book, only that the former is more linear but provides established material to work with while the latter is, well, vice versa.

 

[Cipiteca396]

Well, it's gonna be a fanfic featuring mob characters, so I feel like it diverts from the main storyline quite a bit. Problem is it's a game so the lore isn't as straighforward as an anime or the like, so the mistakes i'm prone to amounts to game dialogue that I probably skipped,,, oh boy.

*checks both fics* both are on hiatus, nice.

What characters? You're right that the lore is pretty intense. Asking about alllll of them is too much to ask for.

 

[Anon_Y_Mousse]

What characters? You're right that the lore is pretty intense. Asking about alllll of them is too much to ask for.

Well as of now I plan on writing about Timmie's dad and Draff(They were friends in the lore) since the story occurs ~10 years before the canon. I suppose Varka would be there too if that's the case, as well as the younger versions of the main cast.

 

[Cipiteca396]

Well as of now I plan on writing about Timmie's dad and Draff(They were friends in the lore) since the story occurs ~10 years before the canon. I suppose Varka would be there too if that's the case, as well as the younger versions of the main cast.

That is not the response I expected. Probably avoid Varka, since he isn't in game yet, unless you have access to other information sources. For Draff, a lot of his lore is in Diona's stuff.

 

[RaizarP]

First, you need to understand your base material.
Second, if you want to do a crossover with other materials, make sure to have a good backstory. Like Naruto was transported to Genshin Impact world because of the enemy use space-time jutsu on him.
Third, if you wanted to make the story from materials that goes AU, at least gave it a backstory why the world becomes different from the base materials.

And lastly, the most important. If possible if you want to make the MC reincarnated to the base materials world , don't add any other person from MC world to reincarnated in the base material worlds later unless you need to

 

[Anon_Y_Mousse]

That is not the response I expected. Probably avoid Varka, since he isn't in game yet, unless you have access to other information sources. For Draff, a lot of his lore is in Diona's stuff.

Probably a cameo at best. Just to confirm, when was Jean put as acting grandmaster? Also I just realized while writing this that Diona's backstory will be GREATLY affected(MC ensures Timmie's dad survives, making it so Draff stops drinking... No idea if Diona will still want to work at Cat's Tail by then, maybe she'll embrace the wine industry?)

First, you need to understand your base material.
Second, if you want to do a crossover with other materials, make sure to have a good backstory. Like Naruto was transported to Genshin Impact world because of the enemy use space-time jutsu on him.

Nah, no crossovers for me, I want MC to be a relatively normal person who played genshin a lot and wants to help some of the characters. Don't really wanna give Naruto an anemo vision when he can already shoot out tail beast bombs and shit.

 

[Cipiteca396]

Probably a cameo at best. Just to confirm, when was Jean put as acting grandmaster? Also I just realized while writing this that Diona's backstory will be GREATLY affected(MC ensures Timmie's dad survives, making it so Draff stops drinking... No idea if Diona will still want to work at Angel's Share by then, maybe she'll embrace the wine industry?)

Diona's entire character is based on Draff drinking, lol. She wouldn't even get a Vision at that point. You found the thread that breaks reality. But, that's the nice thing about fanfics. Nobody will care if you make it clear that you know what you're changing.

Edit: Oops, she probably would get a vision, my bad.

 

[RaizarP]

Probably a cameo at best. Just to confirm, when was Jean put as acting grandmaster? Also I just realized while writing this that Diona's backstory will be GREATLY affected(MC ensures Timmie's dad survives, making it so Draff stops drinking... No idea if Diona will still want to work at Cat's Tail by then, maybe she'll embrace the wine industry?)

Nah, no crossovers for me, I want MC to be a relatively normal person who played genshin a lot and wants to help some of the characters. Don't really wanna give Naruto an anemo vision when he can already shoot out tail beast bombs and shit.

well, i addressed it in case you want to make a crossover

 

[SailusGebel]

Don't forget to add that sweet-sweet GL+GB tags OR Harem+Smut(Sexual Content) to get dem extra views.

 

[Anon_Y_Mousse]

Diona's entire character is based on Draff drinking, lol. She wouldn't even get a Vision at that point. You found the thread that breaks reality. But, that's the nice thing about fanfics. Nobody will care if you make it clear that you know what you're changing.

Edit: Oops, she probably would get a vision, my bad.

Thanks, this helped a lot. She will still get her vision as long as Draff gets stuck in that storm. I think I'll still have her hate the wine industry(just far less) since a certain friend of her dad acts stupid when drunk(the MC).

Don't forget to add that sweet-sweet GL+GB tags OR Harem+Smut(Sexual Content) to get dem extra views.

Damn, does this work if my MC is a trap? Jokes aside, not a fan of harem but I may consider the GB tag for dem views...

 

[SailusGebel]

Thanks, this helped a lot. She will still get her vision as long as Draff gets stuck in that storm. I think I'll still have her hate the wine industry(just far less) since a certain friend of her dad acts stupid when drunk(the MC).

Damn, does this work if my MC is a trap? Jokes aside, not a fan of harem but I may consider the GB tag for dem views...

GB doesn't work without Gl young'un.

 

[Cipiteca396]

Thanks, this helped a lot. She will still get her vision as long as Draff gets stuck in that storm. I think I'll still have her hate the wine industry(just far less) since a certain friend of her dad acts stupid when drunk(the MC).

Damn, does this work if my MC is a trap? Jokes aside, not a fan of harem but I may consider the GB tag for dem views...

If it's a female trap, it might work. Tomboy?
Well, femboy will also get you views. If you oversexualize them, lol.

 

[Anon_Y_Mousse]

GB doesn't work without Gl young'un.

Hmm... It appears all potential waifus in Mondstadt are either in the knights of useless or are underaged in 10 years before canon... 'tis a shame.

If it's a female trap, it might work. Tomboy?
Well, femboy will also get you views. If you oversexualize them, lol.

Yeah I know it's a joke. The trap thing would be a running gag at best, probably gonna post the story at Wattpad too anyways.

 

[The_Everdistant_Utopia]

Well, it's gonna be a fanfic featuring mob characters, so I feel like it diverts from the main storyline quite a bit. Problem is it's a game so the lore isn't as straighforward as an anime or the like, so the mistakes i'm prone to amounts to game dialogue that I probably skipped,,, oh boy.

You'd be surprised at the sheer amount of lore you can miss on Genshin, since they for some reason took it upon themselves to give three paragraphs to even the most unimportant of items (and said lore probably ties into some other item or story). As I've told to a friend that decided to parse through Genshin lore once, Mihoyo probably runs a sweatshop of ghost writers.

 

[Anon_Y_Mousse]

You'd be surprised at the sheer amount of lore you can miss on Genshin, since they for some reason took it upon themselves to give three paragraphs to even the most unimportant of items (and said lore probably ties into some other item or story). As I've told to a friend that decided to parse through Genshin lore once, Mihoyo probably runs a sweatshop of ghost writers.

Yeah I was surprised indeed, couldn't believe that the annoying kid on a bridge had such a deep backstory to himself. The weapon lore might be a good idea for a plot point, thanks.