[Frida Fantastic]

I like fanfic. I see it as an extension of the wonderful universe that the author has created and keeps fans active when there's nothing left to publish, or while fans are waiting for the next release.

I read fanfic sometimes, but I have pretty high standards for quality. I like "what ifs" that stay true to characterization. I like stuff that challenges some of the canon (i.e. the author always portraying the character in a certain light, some of the author's values) while keeping the rest of it intact. It can be engaging, interactive, and subversive.

I have also written fanfic to practice writing fiction. I took it seriously. I pored over every single page and found good writers to provide feedback and edits, and then I'd revise, and so on. Fanfic's a good way to demonstrate a good handle of characterization, because you got an an entire rabid fan community willing to jump on your back if your characterization is shoddy and inconsistent. It's too easy to go lax on characterization when you're new to writing and dealing with original characters. New writers can fall prey to "Hey, no one can say that my characterization is wrong! I made them!"

Also, fanfic is nice because you already have an audience happy to give feedback. Quality of feedback given is highly dependent on the community. P.S. "Write more!" is nice, but not helpful.