Any tips for writing a well DN fanfiction ?
This is a bit tricky to answer since everyone’s idea of what makes a good story differs. The main thing is to write something YOU like and want to do for fun. But I can give you my process at least.
- Ideas. The idea has to 100% grab me by the neck and shake me. If I can’t get it out of my head, then I know I’ll have the stamina and creative juice to actually write it to completion. If the idea fizzles out after a few days then I doubt I’d be able to make other people interested in it either.
- Characters. Readers like to be able to recognize their favorite characters, so while author interpretation is good and needed, we still want to feel their essence from canon. Closely reading the source material or good meta helps with understanding who they really are/what motivates them. Putting them in new situations but still keeping their personalities, quirks, values, etc. is a good combo. For the same reason, stories centered on OCs will have a harder time attracting readers because the author has to get you to be interested in them. Canon characters have that interest built-in.
- Plots. Have the loose story ending in mind but don’t be afraid to change things up as you write. Twists and turns are fun but when they come out of the blue, not so much. Subtle foreshadowing is your friend! Writing satisfactory character arcs takes some time to build up (multi-chapter), but you don’t need to worry about that in a short one-shot since that’s more like a snap shot in time. Outlining can help you think about the major plot points and it doesn’t have to be detailed. I leave the fleshing out for the writing.
- Vetting. Bounce your ideas off people you trust to tell you something sucks or not. I’m serious, this is solid gold. BUT that shouldn’t stop you if you have an idea you really have to get out of your system. No one can see your vision as well as you can but if you’re writing to appeal to others too, other opinions are worth listening to. Grow some thick skin if you want to grow as a writer because you’ll only receive really helpful feedback if you can listen to it without hurt feelings.
- Proofing. Format it nicely and proofread. Nobody really cares about the odd typo here and there but when there are a lot, it can hurt the enjoyment of the story. Get Grammerly, use spellcheck, grab a beta reader, etc. Break up your paragraphs. When writing dialogue, use line breaks when a new person speaks. Break up long chunks of exposition with dialogue and vice versa. Check a page of a published book to see how professional typographers do it— there tends to be a lot of empty space and line breaks because that is easier for people to read.
- Kill your darlings. No, not your characters, I mean be prepared and willing to cut out writing that doesn’t work. If you don’t get overly attached to any one thing in your writing, you have ultimate freedom to look at it objectively for what works. Your story will be better for that.
- Do something different. The easiest way to carve your niche is to write something unique that isn’t like everything else out there. Maybe you have a unique style? Unique character interpretation? Like to focus on a genre that isn’t very prominent in fanfic?
- Don’t become obsessed with stats, popularity, or comments. It really sucks to write a story that you loved but nobody else seems to. All that hard work! But that’s the game and no one is obligated to read it, like it, or comment on it. If they do, awesome! They have great taste lol! But if not, do not take it to heart, and keep doing what makes you happy. Fanfic is a hobby we do for free and for fun, that’s it. Its popularity will not validate you or invalidate you because it’s not like we’re making money or getting anything else out of playing in the canon author’s sandbox. What I hope you get out of fanfic is from the writing part (the act of creation), not the number of kudos etc.
- DN specifically. This is a complex universe with lots of Death Note rules, shinigami lore, unique personalities, dark themes juxtaposed with humor, moral dilemmas, and complicated mind games. These are the aspects that make canon Death Note an incredible, compelling story. Fans of the series enjoyed it in the main story and will enjoy it in yours, too.
- Have Fun. This is the most important thing. Nothing else really matters because this is where the author’s passion comes from. That means don’t be afraid to break hearts or be fluffy or dark or silly or serious or however it is fun for you to be. If you disregard everything else, just do this.
