fan-fiction

Unauthorized derivative stories

Fan-fiction is fiction written by fans using characters, settings, or worlds from existing works—novels, films, television shows, video games.

Writers extend or reimagine stories they love: She writes Harry Potter fan-fiction where Draco is the hero.

The genre thrives online, ranging from brief sketches to novel-length works.

Also spelled fanfiction or shortened to fanfic.

creative

fanfic

Unofficial stories using existing characters

writing · worldbuilding · characters · plot · narrative · prose · one-shot · drabble · fluff · angst

transformative

headcanon

Unconfirmed fan-created backstory

fix-it · what-if · remix · adaptation · expansion · reinterpretation · spinoff · genderbend · modernization · fusion

community

archive

Stored historical records

reviews · prompt · challenge · exchange · zine · canon · tropes · tags · rating · disclaimer

amateur

hobbyist

Recreational pursuer of interests

self-taught · aspiring · volunteer · grassroots · indie · underground · DIY · informal · unlicensed · homegrown

tribute

homage

Expression of deep respect

admiration · dedication · respect · fangirl · fanboy · obsession · passion · nostalgia · attachment · affection

Opposites
canonicity

fan-fictioncanon

Accepted authoritative works

canonical works · source material

creative origin

fan-fictionsource material

Original work adapted from

primary source · source text · ur-text

authorship/origin

fan-fictioncommissioned work

Creation made by request

work-for-hire

Family

fan, fiction, fans, fanned, fanning, fictions, fictional, fictionally, fictionalize

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated PG