Your Ultimate Guide to Fanfiction: Terms, Tips, and More
Fanfiction is a captivating genre of writing that invites fans to create their own stories based on beloved shows, books, or fictional universes. With an expansive array of narratives available, the world of fanfiction is a treasure trove for readers and writers alike.
If you’re just stepping into the fanfiction realm, it may feel overwhelming—similar to navigating a foreign country. You’ll encounter a plethora of terms and abbreviations that can be confusing while trying to find stories that match your tastes. However, familiarizing yourself with these terms is akin to mastering a new language; it gradually becomes clearer the more you immerse yourself.
For instance, a sentence like “an angsty canon-divergent AU idfic for my crossover OTP on AO3” might seem cryptic at first glance. But once you decode it, you’ll find it’s not as complex as it appears.
Essential Fanfiction Terminology You Should Know
To ease your transition into the fanfiction community, here’s a handy list of commonly encountered abbreviations and terms. We’ve arranged them in alphabetical order for your convenience.
| Term or Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| A/N | Author’s note; usually comments from the writer. |
| Angst | A story featuring emotional struggles or heartbreak. |
| AO3 | “Archive of Our Own” – A key platform for fanfiction. |
| AU | “Alternate Universe” – A narrative placing characters in different settings. |
| Bashing | Negative portrayal of characters the author dislikes. |
| Canon | The original source material for fanfiction. |
| Canon-divergent | A story diverging from the original timeline. |
| Character Death | A warning that a character from the original canon dies. |
| Crack | Intentional humor or absurdity in writing. |
| Crossover | Blending characters from different universes. |
| Crosspost | Posting a fanfic on multiple platforms. |
| Darkfic | Stories exploring dark or disturbing themes. |
| Denialfic | Ignoring significant canon events to shape a new plot. |
| Drabble | Short fanfiction, usually exactly 100 words long. |
| Enemies to Lovers | Romantic relationships developing from hostility. |
| Fandom | The community of fans surrounding a specific work. |
| Fanfic | Short for “fanfiction.” |
| Fanon | Fan-generated ideas or details not present in the canon. |
| Femslash | Relationships between female characters. |
| FF.Net | “FanFiction.Net” – Another popular site for fanfiction. |
| Fluff | Light-hearted, often romantic stories. |
| Headcanon | Personal beliefs outside established canon. |
| Het | Straight relationships between male and female characters. |
| Hurt/Comfort | Stories featuring emotional or physical pain with healing. |
| Idfic | Written purely for the writer’s personal enjoyment. |
| Oneshot | A complete story in a single part or chapter. |
| OC | “Original Character” – A character created by the author. |
| OTP | “One True Pairing” – A preferred romantic couple. |
| OT3 | “One True Threesome” – A preferred trio of characters. |
| Pairing | A couple of characters in a relationship. |
| Podfic | Audiobook versions of fanfiction. |
| Post-canon | Stories set after the original timeline ends. |
| Schmoop | Overly sweet, romantic scenarios. |
| Ship | A concept of pairing characters together. |
| Shipper | A fan who supports a specific pairing. |
| Slash | Romantic relationships between male characters. |
| Slow Burn | Gradual romantic development between characters. |
| Smut | Explicit sexual content within a story. |
| Songfic | Incorporating songs or lyrics into a fanfiction. |
| WIP | “Work in Progress” – Incomplete fanfiction. |
Now that you’re familiar with common fanfiction terminology, let’s revisit that earlier sentence: “An angsty canon-divergent AU idfic for my crossover OTP on AO3.”
In simplified terms, this means a fanfiction on Archive of Our Own, created primarily for the writer’s own enjoyment, featuring two characters from different universes in a tumultuous romance, and diverging from their original story timeline.
This glossary is just the tip of the iceberg; you’ll encounter numerous other terms while exploring platforms like AO3 or FF.Net. However, mastering these commonly used terms will significantly enhance your reading experience as you delve into the themes that resonate with you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fanfiction
What is fanfiction?
Fanfiction is a genre where fans create their own narratives using the characters and settings from existing works, allowing for unique interpretations and explorations of beloved stories.
Where can I read fanfiction?
Popular platforms for reading fanfiction include Archive of Our Own (AO3) and FanFiction.Net (FF.Net), both hosting a vast array of stories across different genres and fandoms.
Is fanfiction free to read?
Yes, most fanfiction is available for free on various online platforms, allowing fans to access and enjoy diverse stories without any cost.
How can I start writing fanfiction?
To begin writing fanfiction, choose a fandom you love, create your characters or use canon ones, and let your imagination flow. It’s helpful to familiarize yourself with community terms to connect with readers effectively.
What are common themes in fanfiction?
Common themes in fanfiction include romance, adventure, and alternate universes. Many stories explore relationships that differ from the original canon, showcasing “what if” scenarios that engage readers.
As you immerse yourself in the fanfiction community, remember that it’s all about creativity, exploration, and fun!