How to Write Fanfiction: Templates and Tips for Beginners
By TagTwist Editorial Team12 min readFanfiction Writing
Start writing fanfiction by choosing a fandom you're passionate about, selecting a story type (like fix-it, hurt/comfort, or alternate universe), and using familiar characters in new situations while maintaining their core personalities. The key to great fanfiction is understanding your source material deeply and giving fans something they can't get from the original—whether that's exploring relationships, fixing plot holes, or imagining "what if" scenarios.
Step 1: Choose Your Foundation
Selecting Your Fandom
Pick a fandom you genuinely love and know well. Your passion will show in your writing.
- Popular choices for beginners: Harry Potter, Marvel, anime series, popular TV shows
- Consider the community: Active fandoms provide more readers and feedback
- Know your canon: Understand the characters, world, and established rules
- Check content guidelines: Some platforms have restrictions on certain fandoms
Popular Fanfiction Types
Fix-It Fics
Repair plot holes or character decisions you disagreed with
Hurt/Comfort
One character cares for another who's injured or distressed
Alternate Universe (AU)
Place familiar characters in completely different settings
Missing Scenes
Fill in gaps between canonical events
Step 2: Character Development in Fanfiction
Staying True to Character
Character Consistency Checklist
- Core personality traits: What makes this character unique?
- Speech patterns: How do they talk? Formal, casual, with specific phrases?
- Motivations: What drives them in the original work?
- Relationships: How do they interact with other characters?
- Growth potential: Where can you develop them further?
Character Development Template
Character: [Name] Canon Personality: [Key traits from source material] My Story Role: [What purpose they serve in your fic] Character Arc: [How they'll change/grow] Key Relationships: [Who they interact with and how] Dialogue Style: [How they speak - examples] Internal Conflicts: [What they struggle with]
Step 3: Story Structure Templates
Basic Fanfiction Structure
Beginning (25%)
- Establish the situation
- Show character relationships
- Introduce the conflict/problem
- Hook readers familiar with canon
Middle (50%)
- Develop the main conflict
- Show character growth
- Add complications
- Build toward climax
End (25%)
- Resolve the conflict
- Show character change
- Provide satisfying conclusion
- Leave room for imagination
One-Shot Story Template
Title: [Descriptive title that hints at content] Opening: [Set the scene - when, where, who] - Establish mood and setting - Show character's current emotional state Conflict: [The central problem or situation] - What goes wrong or what needs to be resolved? - How do characters react authentically? Development: [How characters work through the conflict] - Show don't tell emotional responses - Include dialogue that sounds like the characters Resolution: [How things are resolved] - Satisfying but realistic to the characters - Leave readers feeling fulfilled Closing: [Final image or thought] - End on a meaningful note - Connect back to the opening if possible
Step 4: Writing Techniques for Fanfiction
Dialogue That Feels Authentic
Tips for Character Voice
- Study canon dialogue: Reread/rewatch to understand speech patterns
- Use character-specific vocabulary: Some characters are formal, others casual
- Maintain personality in dialogue: Shy characters don't suddenly become outspoken
- Show emotions through speech: How does anger/sadness change their voice?
Describing the Familiar
Since readers know the world, focus on:
- Emotional significance: How does this familiar place feel to your character now?
- New details: What might readers not have noticed before?
- Seasonal/time changes: How has this place changed since canon?
- Character perspective: How does their mood color their perception?
Step 5: Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
Character Pitfalls
- Out-of-character behavior: Don't make characters act completely differently without explanation
- Perfect characters: Even in fanfiction, characters need flaws and challenges
- Ignoring established relationships: Respect existing dynamics unless you're deliberately changing them
Plot and Pacing Issues
- Rushing to the good parts: Build up emotional moments properly
- Too much exposition: Readers know the world; focus on what's new
- Unresolved conflicts: Wrap up the problems you introduce
Step 6: Publishing and Getting Feedback
Choosing Tags and Summaries
Effective Tagging Strategy
- Character tags: Include main characters and important relationships
- Genre tags: Hurt/comfort, fluff, angst, etc.
- Content warnings: Help readers find or avoid specific content
- Trope tags: Enemies to lovers, found family, etc.
Building Your Fanfiction Community
- Read and review others' work: Support the community you want to be part of
- Respond to comments: Engage with readers who take time to feedback
- Join fandom events: Participate in challenges, exchanges, and prompt fills
- Be patient: Building an audience takes time and consistent posting
Your Fanfiction Journey Starts Now
Remember, every great fanfiction writer started with their first story. Don't worry about being perfect—focus on having fun and sharing your love for the characters and worlds that inspire you.