Fanfiction and Original Stories

[Subject 42]

I find it incredibly easy to write x-overs and other types of fanfiction. But, when it comes to writing my own stuff, I usually trash it for lack of development. I just wonder, how I can actually gain the courage to write something original that can't be considered stock or cliche in my eyes. Any pointers? crying

[Aha]

For starters, don't give up on them. Take time to outline them and then look over the outline with a friend who can be objective to help you find areas that might seem to cliche or stock before your too far in.

You could try taking a fanfic idea and mutating it into an original. I've done that with a few of my own. It can be easy sometimes, other times not so much because you have to figure out what needs to change and what can be left.

[Maltese_Falcon91]

If you have trouble writing outside an already well established setting, then try some world building. If you story takes place in an alternate universe, or has some fantasy elements, then it can help to write out what is and wasn't isn't different from our world. If your story is set in a science fiction or fantasy setting, try and write up at least some of your universe's history.

[Cogent Dream]

Practice and think.

If you write fanfic, you should have some experience building scenes. What you need is enough creativity to make something original and enough practice to pull it off in writing.

Start small and build on what you've got. Don't worry about anything but world building until you're confident that you can create something original. You can sort out the details after that.