On Fanfiction...

Fangirl has been the topic-of-conversation on this blog for weeks now; and, at the moment, I have no plans for that to end. Throughout the book, snippets from Cath's fanfiction, called Carry On, Simon(based on the Simon Snow books by Gemma T. Leslie) are featured, which I really enjoyed reading. I couldn't help questioning why I had never read or even tried writing fanfiction. Thousands of teenagers use sites such as Wattpad to showcase their work, with an even larger number scrolling through reading what is posted.

However, I don't.

 

noun: fanfiction

fiction written by a fan of, and featuring characters from, a particular TV series, film, etc.

Before I begin trying to explain, I'd like to point out that, although I'm not involved in any form of the fanfiction world, I still love the idea. Those who adore a certain book or film are brought together and are able to communicate - it's really an extension of blogging - and it's almost certain to say amongst fans of franchises such as The Hunger Games and Divergent that I would fit in. However, fanfiction is not my 'cup of tea'.
 

 As writers of fanfiction create alternative endings for their favourite series, re-write scenes from a different perspective and change plot details, I know I'd be planning out new chapters too. The Reaping from Prim's perspective; the 74th Hunger Games from Peeta's point-of-view; Snow's thoughts as Katniss outsmarts the Capitol. Four's retelling of the fear landscape; how Christina felt during Dauntless initiation; Caleb's thoughts whilst in Erudite. Admit it: we're all curious. With fanficton, a story is not told once but multiple times. It never has to come to a close. I have so many ideas - yet, I can't bring myself to write them.
 

When I see 'THE END' appear, in block capitals, at the end of a book, I'm forced to accept that it's over. The characters, the storyline and the world are all done; nothing more will be heard about them for now. It's not easy  to come to terms with. Never is the ending tied-up perfectly like a present beneath a tree, though. Instead, there are countless questions, and despite not having a clear conclusion also being the bane of my existence, I like how it's up to me - as the reader - to decide on the answers. From turning the final page, what happens to the characters next is my choice. Fanfiction - and I do applaud it inviting more people to read and write - does take this away. Endings are rewritten; ideas revoked. Storylines taken apart and reassembled in a completely different way. Personally, I worry about my own ideas being tainted if I read something in fanfiction that is almost too plausible. That I can't see past. That is so believable that I can't help but wonder why the author didn't think to write it - and it lessens my love of the book. The ending I had imagined could be completely changed - when I'd rather cling to it.

As a book blogger, I read a lot. I don't read hundreds of books in a year, but enough that I find myself forgetting certain aspects. With fanfiction, I know I'd find it difficult to distinguish between what really happened in the book and what I read in an entry online. I'd be sitting there, waiting for the movie adaptation to start in the cinema(as the majority of fanfiction focuses on franchises), believing I was about to see certain scenes that never actually existed in the original series.  What I've noticed is that a large amount of fanfic focuses on what happened before we first meet a character in the book series but, I like to live out the mystery.  I don't read fanfiction because I'd soon find myself confused - and there's no time to reread.

When listening to the Superfans Unite! panel at YALC last weekend, I soon understood why fanfiction is so popular, though. You can continue with a story even though it has ended. You can hold on to that piece of your childhood and not let go until you're ready. Both Rainbow Rowell and Luxy Saxon talked about how they turned to fanfiction after the final Harry Potter film had been released. During the decade that the movies were being released and the books were becoming best-sellers, I was still reading my Jacqueline Wilson collection. I wasn't ready to read a huge fantasy series, and it took me until Year Seven to finally do so. I've never been a fan of a book/film series that has come to an end. Maybe, when I walk out of the cinema after Mockingjay Part 2 sobbing, I will need fanfiction. Desperately.

Do you read fanfiction?
If yes/no, why?
Should I try reading/writing it?

Tell me in the comments!

Book Review: 'Fangirl' by Rainbow Rowell

Over the past few months, I've read countless five star reviews featuring books by Rainbow Rowell, whether they were about Fangirl, Eleanor and Park or, more recently, Landline. So, imagine my excitement when after months of them being seemingly non-existent in the UK, I started to find her novels in my local bookstores. Of course, I had high expectations of my first read from this author and, thankfully, it met all of them.

Cath and Wren are identical twins and until recently they did absolutely everything together. Now they're off to university and Wren's decided she doesn't want to be one half of a pair anymore - she wants to dance, meet boys, go to parties and let loose. It's not so easy for Cath. She would rather bury herself in the fanfiction she writes where there's romance far more intense than anything she's experienced in real life.

Now Cath has to decide whether she's ready to open her heart to new people and new experiences, and she's realising that there's more to learn about love than she ever thought possible...

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Fangirl is an almost perfect YA Contemporary read, with exactly the right blend of humour and heart. A captivating and cosy read to curl up with, this novel is one any teenager will be able to relate aspects of their own life to, with a cast of characters to fall in love with; such as secondary characters Levi and Reagan. Rowell's simplistic yet stylish writing style is enviable, as she weaves her way through a tale of fanfiction and friendship, adding sections of Carry On, Simon(Cath's fictional fanfic) effortlessly into her novel. Rowell's art form seems to be in characterisation; making sure they all dealt with real-life issues throughout the novel. An absolutely addicting standalone novel, this is the soundtrack of a compulsive reader's life.

Whilst reading this novel, I developed a strong relationship with the set of characters Rowell has created; not wanting to leave them behind at the end. With detailed descriptions and distinguishable traits, they soon became real. Cath's story tells of not only moving away from home and making new friends, but also the struggles that follow that. In Fangirl, her fears and faults and are also depicted; soon only the world she wants to live in is that of Simon Snow. The World of Mages becomes a place Cath can escape into to - and any avid reader will be able to recognise a part of themselves in this. It is not possible to write a review of this novel without applauding Rowell for creating the likes of Levi - whose character is so witty and full of warmth. With him, it soon becomes certain that this is also a laugh-out-loud book. There characters are so human - and that's why I loved it.

For anyone with siblings, this is a must read. The relationship between Cath and Wren is a breath of fresh air; finally there is a realistic fictional family out there! There are obvious differences between these twins - especially as Wren seems to 'steal the spotlight' in their daily life. There's jealousy too, an all-too-familiar feeling between brothers and sisters, as in Wren and Cath's case, one adjusts more quickly to life at university. Personally, I adored how these two characters in particular grew throughout the novel - Cath going from somebody suffering from anxiety, hiding away in her dormroom, to a young person full of confidence. Wren is described by Cath as having the "better umbilical chord" and I fell in love with this reference - it summed up her free-spirited sister perfectly.

 

The storyline is brilliantly plotted; the writing is captivating; the fanfiction is enjoyable, apart from a few 'slip-ups' now and again. I loved the biography of sorts that is Cath's first year at university - and can't wait for my next read by Rowell!

4.5 Stars

So, have you read 'Fangirl'?

Do you read/write fanfiction yourself?

 

Tell me in the comments!