Umm..!!
What are guidelines for making a story fluff one??
I think i plotted a story and it was supposed to be a short crackfic but now somehow there is accidental adoption so I am not sure I can mark it under family fluff?
Hey there 😊 this is actually a really intriguing question 🤔
Okay, let's start with some "official" definitions I found:
Fanlore says
Fluff is often used in fandom to characterize any pleasant, feel-good work. It is sometimes described as the opposite of angst. Fluff may lack plot; however, unlike a PWP the focus is not sex, but displays of affection between two or more characters, whether their relationship is romantic or not. A fluff story may be gen and focused on family (or found family) interactions. It may also indicate a mood piece with warm, uplifting descriptions (...)
Yeah, I think this is already a very good definition! But let's continue:
WritingBeginner has a lot to say about the topic, like
You write fluff by defining your characters, setting, and goal. Then, you narrate a happy sequence of events between characters who have a strong, sometimes romantic, bond. You include meaningful dialogue and action to show them happy and in love. You also avoid any drama, conflict, or angst.
Honestly? I would say, let's scratch that last part! I love some angsty, whumpy fics that turn fluffy... or the other way around 😉 but they also say
Fluff writing is any story with a positive plot and happy ending. Fluff is popular in fanfiction and some roleplaying games. These stories tend to focus on happy themes and make readers feel good.
I think especially that last part is important here and it's probably what I would've told you if I hadn't searched for "official" answers first. You wanna have your reader leave your fic with a happy smile on their face and a warm, fuzzy feeling. Basically, you want them to be this gif in the end:
Now, all that being said, lemme fall back on our normal mantra: whatever our prompts inspire in you is alright! You think it is fluffy? Then go ahead and submit it 😊
Personally, I had some partially angsty fics among my 2021 entries because I write for fandoms that generally have darker themes. So naturally, those bleed into my fics. But as long as you feel that your fic still deserves the fluff tag (or the fluff & angst tag), then, by all means, go for it 💕
I really hope this answered your question 😊
