Don't write for series that you aren't familiar with. If you're unsure of something, look it up. Read through your own updates before posting them. Use spellcheck to double check your spelling, but don't assume it will catch everything. Don't write using anything that has an autocorrect feature. Try to watch some episodes or read some chapters featuring any characters you're going to be using, especially if you haven't written them in a while. Make the plot fit the characters, don't change the characters to fit the plot. Keep in mind that the above are general guidelines, not hard and fast rules.
The biggest thing is getting someone else to read over your story and honestly critique it. Someone who sees your blind spots and constantly pushes you to be a better writer.
Shameful Display
Honestly I feel kind of embarrassed asking people to do that. Nobody I know watches or plays the things I write fan fics about, and I have a sense that the "Beta Readers" know as little as I do about spelling or punctuation, let alone how to tell a good story.
I Bring Doom,and a bit of gloom, but mostly gloom.
Okay, so. I haven't actually written up a fanfic in years (one worth putting online anyway). I used to, until I realized how... bad and amateurish they were. Granted, I was a teenager at the time, doing it mainly for fun, though I'd like to pick it up again. Problem is that my paranoia of not living up to certain standards deters me... Though I'm probably worrying too much.
I have lots of ideas, but I'm at a loss for how to go about them, let alone if they're even viable ideas. Also there's issue of writing existing characters (and possibly original ones successfully) when either I'm not sure which continuity to pick (eg: Sonicthe Hedgehog or Transformers) or worried about details being Jossed (eg: Steven Universe or My Little Pony Friendshipis Magic).
Fanfic writing is supposed to be a fun thing for me, but I can't help but feel some pressure... Can anyone give me some tips? And maybe I'll throw out my ideas for comments and criticism?
edited 17th Nov '16 2:49:27 PM by TheOtakuNinja
Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story?