I’ve written a lot of fanfiction, much of it novel-length, and for whatever reason, never had too much trouble hitting 80k or 100k or more. Previous novel-length projects of mine had the bonus of already having established characters, and the plots were always based on essentially an escalation of the same scenario because the purpose was some sort of wish-fulfillment.
When switching from fanfiction to original prose, I ran into a major issue: having an intentional plot, that is, a plot that has an intentional structure, a framework that allows for intentional narrative contrast and symmetry. Essentially, writing something that’s meant to be enjoyed on more than one level. That, and constructing a cast of original characters that don’t look, act, or sound the same as each other or previous characters I’ve written.
I’ve been trying to write this novel like fanfiction, only to realize that a different medium requires a different approach.
In case it helps someone in a similar situation who’s stuck, now that I’m entering a place of good flow, I’m putting out a detail of my process for the novel I’m working on. It’s a combination of methods that, imo, takes what’s necessary and beneficial and leaves out the rest
Under the cut.
Novel Writing for the Fanfiction World
Published
Death By Catchphrase 