Crafting Fanfiction: Extending The Life Of The Stories We Love

virtual event; open to mentees, mentors, program alum, and woman-identifying, trans*, and gender-expansive members of the public.

Do you ever imagine new worlds and stories for your favorite fictional characters or new characters for your favorite fictional worlds? Then this is the workshop for YOU!

Fanfiction—writing original stories using preexisting characters and worlds—has long been derided as simply “practice” for “real” writing. While we’re collectively (thankfully!) moving past the idea that fic isn’t real writing, it can still be a great practice tool on a craft level, helping you hone skills for all kinds of fiction writing (including, of course, writing more fic).

In this workshop, GWN Mentor and fan culture expert Elizabeth Minkel will give a brief primer on fanfiction before diving into a variety of craft exercises. With a focus on characterization, perspective, tone, and plot, participants will create their own fanfiction story.