Fanfiction

Here's the definition of fanfiction- Unofficial, unlicensed fictional stories about celebrities or fictional characters, written by fans


Now, I know what you're thinking. "I want to write an original story that I can publish, not something that is basically useless." But fanfiction isn't useless. It can help you improve your writing by a lot. Without the worry of realistic characters, strong backstories and relationships, etc. it's a lot more fun to write. Experience makes you better. 


Half of you are looking at the 'cons'- 
1. The characters are already made so you don't have to worry about them. 
2. You get no practice in making realistic childhoods and relationships.
3. The plot's already there so you get no practice in that. 
4. I can do all of this in original writing. 


What do I have to say about this?
1. The character has been made for you , yes, but it is your job to keep them in character. You can't write a Harry Potter story and make Harry evil without any good reason. You could do something like that, but you have to explain why. 
2. You have to work on making realistic futures and keeping the relationships realistic (arguments, crushes other than their boy/girlfriend, etc.)
3. You're not going to rewrite the story, are you? No, you're going to make Gale the male tribute, Henri a spy, Percy the son of Apollo, etc. The story is always going to change and you have to make sure it's not an overused plot. (Neville being the Chosen One instead of Harry is EXTREMELY overused)
4. In original writing when you take one of your own ideas and write it badly you will shy away from the story, The story will never reach it full potential because you got mad that it was written badly. In fanfiction it's easier to accept that your story is bad.


Fanfiction is great for improving your writing and I definitely recommend it to anyone.