So You Want To Be a Fan-Fiction Writer?
Shaman's Tips For Writing in the Smallville Universe.
As technology changes and more and more people are able to gain access to the internet, so grows the world of online fan-fiction. Smallville is only one fandom among thousands, but it is by and large one of the most enjoyable communities that I've ever been involved in. I started writing Smallville about two years ago, even though I've been watching the show since its inception. Ironically, I started watching because John Schneider was cast, but since then I've come to greatly appreciate Tom Welling and Mike Rosenbaum's acting, and the subtext of Clark and Lex's relationship.
Not everyone can write fan-fiction, although that doesn't stop people from trying. If you've ever thought about breaking into the world of fan-based writing, it's a great way to channel your creativity and express your admiration for the characters who play such an important part in our lives. However, before you post a piece of work to a website or a fan-ring, there are a few basic rules that every new writer should know. While only a handful of people may read a story, its important that any work a writer publishes is the best it can be. To keep your work off of websites that showcase badfiction, (such as God Awful Fan Fic,) Here are some tricks of the trade that can help you as you take that first plunge.
Canon: Does it Matter?
There's a lot of talk about canon in fan-fiction, but what is it really? Canon is basically the way that the characters on the show act, speak, and behave, as well as acknowledging events that have happened since the show's inception. Overall, it's respecting the entire 'universe' of Smallville. Sometimes writers change canon to suit the needs of their stories, even though this is frowned upon by hard-core fans. For instance, I recently read a story where the writer changed canon so that Clark never discovered the caves. The caves and it's symbols are a pretty big part of the Smallville universe, but since this writer wanted to change Clark's destiny, he chose to leave it out. Some fans will complain if you don't pay attention to canon, but there are ways around it, and tagging your story as Alternate Universe is one of them. (But you may not always get away with it!)
Name That Cliche
Avoid cliches in your stories at all costs. Nothing is more boring than reading a story full of one-dimensional characters who act out every cliche in the book. Some prime examples of Smallville cliches are: Chloe slurping down coffee, excessive blushing from Clark, Lana wearing pink, or Jonathan having Cark lift the tractor, combine or pickup so he can fix the axle. (They even use that one too much on the show, in my opinion.) To make these characters come to life, inject them with your own interpretations of how they might react. A character can retain his basic personality, yet still show something of the writer's style. Don't be afraid to experiment.
Run! Its Mary Sue!
Having a Mary Sue in one's fan-fiction is just about the worst mistake a writer can make, even though we have probably all done it. I know that my early fandom stories are filled with self-insertions and lame female characters that are there just to interact sexually with canon characters. But who is Mary Sue, really? She's easy to spot in any fandom or fiction, but in Smallville, look for the original female character who:
1. Is So Beautiful that every male characters' eyes bug out, and they fall in love with her instantly.
2. Has purple/violet or silver/coppery eyes, and knee-length hair (usually red or blonde.)
3. Has a multitude of talents. (Can sing, dance, fence, kick-box, milk a cow, and bake a better pie than Martha Kent, all on the first try.)
4. The keeper of Clark's secret, because she's so special that he just HAD to tell her.
5. Has powers that aren't meteor-based, or is half-Kryptonian, or even worse, Clark's half-sister.
6. Saves Clark, Lex or even both of them from some evil presence, and ends up marrying one of them. Or even worse, sacrifices herself so that the whole town can mourn her.
7. Stands up to Lionel Luthor and tells him off, instantly impressing everyone around her, including Lionel.
Avoid this kind of character at all costs. If you do create an original character, make her a little more subtle. Give her flaws, fears, unsurety. Make her believable. Let her interact with canon characters without thrusting her into the foreground and making her the star of the story.
These are just a few tips for new writers, but the most important rule to writing fiction is to have fun and be creative. Good luck!
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