Fan Fiction Tips

[Mia]

I'm working on a piece of Batman fan fiction right now. Partly for my own enjoyment, however partly for other fans as well.

However I was wondering what would be the ideal length of a story. I enjoy writing and I like big thick meaty books as well. But not everyone enjoys that sort of stuff. In addition, I can think of maybe five pieces of fan fiction I have read from beggining to end. The rest of it just came across as either bad or didn't hold my attention.


What I am asking here is, what would be the ideal length of a story? How would one know what is essential and not essential to a story?

[grenciamars]

i just re-read Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and, as usual, really just fell in love with it again. if i may quote from the King of Hearts:

"Begin at the beginning," the King said, very gravely, "and go on till you come to the end: then stop."

as you are currently writing a fanfic, i'd suggest that you go as long as you feel is necessary for the story and for your characters. as its a fanfic, its really more about your expression than what someone else (say, like an editor) wants. when you're actually on the job, then i'd suggest worrying about length and format and continuity all that other wonderful stuff.

i'd suggest that you write what you want to write while respecting a reader's intelligence, and trust that they'll stay with you for however long the story may be.

[Mia]

I appreciate the advice, and will keep it in mind. Thanks.

[DLFerguson]

Is this story going to be presented in serialized form or all at one time?

[Mia]

Is this story going to be presented in serialized form or all at one time?


Serialized. I'm posting it a bit at a time, which is why I asked for an idea what is necessary and what isn't. For example I already have 14 chapters posted and all of it just covers the set up.

[grenciamars]

are you posted here or elsewhere?

[Mia]

You mean my fan fic? It's posted on fanfiction.net