Issue Twenty-Four: A Note from the Editors

Hello, Wanderers!

First of all, thanks for getting in touch with us lately – here’s the letters page so you can see what we’ve been chatting about.

We’re having a bit of a shake-up this issue – our GUST is the beginning of a five-part series, and this issue we’re looking at the Worst Witch books. We’ve also reviewed The Thin Man and Questionable Content, so do have a look at those.

On the editorial side of things, we’ve got a one-off article on responsible fandom in the outside world, as well as FW Tips on creating great original characters, and a look at fandom as a sort of escape.

We’ll be updating with our next issue on the 25th of May, but if you miss us very much before then you can still keep in touch via Facebook and Twitter. We hope to chat with you there!

Fandom Wanderers

Issue Twenty-Four: Letters Page

We love hearing from you, Wanderers – thanks for all your emails, tweets and comments. Please keep them coming, and we’ll continue to share some of them with you! Don’t forget, you can:

• email us at fandomwanderers@gmail.com
• tweet us at @FandomWanderers
• get in touch via our Facebook page
• comment at the bottom of our articles or use the form on our Contact page

Here’s what you’ve been saying since we published Issue Twenty-Three.

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I saw The Bodyguard when I was 9 or 10 years old and it left a deep impression. Whitney Houston’s vocals were amazing in this film! Fast forward to the 21st century, I have both dvd and the original ost. Some romance films (however conventional and fairy tale like they may be) are timeless classics and I would park Pretty Woman right beside this.

Aequus on ‘Not On My Shift: The Bodyguard‘

Thank you very much, I’m glad to hear from a fellow fan. I have to say that ‘Pretty Woman’ is also one of my all time favourite films. Perhaps, it needs a review too in order to share the love?
-Red Hamilton

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I always die a little inside when one of my series ends : (

Lucy Aschmoneit on ‘Lifecycle of a Fandom: Part Four – Cancellation‘ (via Facebook)

It’s a bit heartbreaking. I’m so not over Merlin yet…
-Eleanor Musgrove

-

What we’ve been talking about on Twitter:

• We asked for your favourite romantic films. @AwkCelebEncounters proposed The Terminator, as a sort of gothic love story. Clever!
• @madmaninbedlam kindly linked us to one of our articles featured in Bedlam fanzine, which Adam Lambert fans might like to check out.
• @WickedMyst pointed out that one of the many ways fandom deals with the end of its canon is through bitter tears and ugly sobbing. This is very true.
• Thanks to everyone who gave us an #FF or a retweet this fortnight. We appreciate it!

So, if you’re not following @FandomWanderers you’re missing out on some good gossip!

Hipsters and Hard Drives: Questionable Content

Wanderers, when I was a kid I always wanted a pet robot. I’m sure that some day, when artificial intelligence becomes indistinguishable from actual intelligence, robots will come after me for being so patronising towards them, but it’s true. I thought it would be really cool to have a robot that would just hang out and play games and hopefully not get wet ever (because we all know electricity and water don’t mix).

Fast forward a few years, and I was at college, skulking around in the canteen and generally feeling a bit bitter about the fact that there were no robots around to be revision-buddies with me (human friends have other things to do, after all). I got chatting on a study break and some of my friends started talking about a webcomic they liked. This piqued my interest, partly because I’d never even heard of webcomics before, and partly because this particular webcomic happened to be set in a world where little talking robots – AnthroPCs – were commonplace. And that, Wanderers, is how I came to be introduced to Questionable Content by Jeph Jacques.

One of the things I love most about QC is that nothing is made unnecessarily weird. Many of the main characters’ parents have somewhat unusual occupations – Marten’s and Hannelore’s mother’s spring to mind – which are more or less just accepted by the group. Another character has a robotic hand. Characters of all sexual orientations and identities abound. There are personified computers running around. None of this is treated as a particularly big deal, and this easy-going but sensitive style leads to a very relatable read for anyone who happens across the comic. It’s that much more relatable if you happen to be knowledgeable about indie music, especially at the beginning of the comic.

It’s worth mentioning that if you start at the very beginning (a very good place to start – no, no singing, sorry – [There's something in the water this issue – Ed.] but really, I do recommend it) you’ll notice a distinct evolution both in the art style and in the comic itself as you travel through the archive. Earlier comics tended to focus a lot more on Pintsize’s antics (which are many) and Marten’s indie rock references (which are also many) but over the years the focus has decidedly shifted to more human experiences.

I could tell you more about the comic – I’m sure the Editor would be very pleased if I did – but I honestly wouldn’t know where to start talking. My advice is to check it out. Have a read. There is a slight chance that if you use the ‘random’ button on the site to get a feel for things, you might land on a Yelling Bird comic or a Turkey comic. These, while not part of the Questionable Content continuity, are gold (usually posted when Jeph is at a con or otherwise busy). If this webcomic appeals to you, you’ll know pretty soon after landing on the page, and I’d hate to spoil it for you, so I’m just going to leave you with a link to one of my favourite early strips and, just so you can see what I mean about the art style, a recent scene between Clare and Clinton. Enjoy!

I’d give this 4 out of 5. It would be a 5, but I wish we saw more of Pintsize these days.

Eleanor Musgrove (apologises for the headline… and still wants a robot)

Please note: this comic does occasionally push the boundaries of ‘Safe for Work’, so bear that in mind before you visit. Your mileage may vary.

Fandom As Escapism

I want to break free…

Has anyone ever made an ‘off the cuff’ remark to you that still really resonates with you years later? I remember one such incident. At an undisclosed age, in an unspecified location, after watching an unnamed film (okay, okay, it was part of the Lord of the Rings trilogy but that’s all you’re getting from me), one of my friends told me that apparently fantasy and science-fiction become more popular genres during times of economic and political upheaval as people seek a form of escapism. My initial reaction was to scoff – after all how could one genre be more suitable for escapism than another? However, it did touch a chord within me because I recognised that escapism was often something that I sought from the medium that I was consuming – whether it was Enid Blyton’s Famous Five when I was a child or, more recently, True Blood to help me through the perils of waiting for exam results.

In my opinion storytelling, which is perhaps at the heart of all books, television shows or films, serves a multitude of purposes, one of which has always been escapism. Perhaps the only difference now is that we can package that storytelling in so many different ways. Whether it’s in the yellowing pages of an old book from your childhood or in the pioneering special effects of the latest blockbuster, you can briefly step out of your own life and into another world.

The fantasy and science-fiction genres do seem like the most obvious means of escapism but I would argue that every genre has something to offer. After hours of revising for that truly evil Mathematics exam, you may switch on the television to watch some Friends for a few laughs. Or, perhaps, after a day of dealing with some extremely uncouth members of the opposite sex, you may wish to immerse yourself in Pride and Prejudice where at least the insults are witty and everyone is nicely dressed. If you are a bit of a history geek then you can travel back in time with everyone’s favourite Doctor – I’ll leave it to you to decide whether I’m referring to Doctor Who or Back to the Future…

However, simply enjoying the medium in the first place is not the only way in which fandom can offer a means of escapism. By actively participating in fandom, you can further enjoy the many diversions that it provides. Simply switching on your laptop and hitting the web can enable you to reach out to fellow fans, to develop theories about plot developments or character backgrounds and to make connections with people that you may never otherwise have gotten to know. On a slightly more involved level, there are certain forms of fandom which if you engage in them can really open up further opportunities. Or should I say further distractions?

One form of fandom which allows you to completely immerse yourself within a particular universe is fanfiction. Even just reading that fanfic about Loki’s tragic childhood can help you to gain an entirely new perspective on the Thor franchise. Writing fanfic requires an even deeper level of commitment: you have to be familiar with the canon material, the rules of the verse and the various complexities of the characters before you start tapping away at your keyboard. (Or, maybe that’s just an excuse I use to do research and marathon-watch my favourite television shows/films.)

Cosplay and role-playing are excellent examples of how fandom can offer the opportunity to become an entirely different person even if it is just for a few hours. Now if that isn’t escapism, I don’t know what is! Of course, you may love your job, your studies, your life but who wouldn’t want to wear a fantastic costume and experience the fun of pretending to be someone with super powers? Or, simply to have the experience of acting out a persona which is completely different from your own? That is assuming that most of the time, dear Wanderers, you are NOT a super-villain seeking world domination…

Some forms of fandom, perhaps one of the most obvious being fanart, can also provide a slightly different means of escapism. These forms can open up various opportunities to develop your creative talents. It seems that the vast majority of everyday life doesn’t offer many people the ability to explore and enjoy their more artistic tendencies which is a real shame because there’s clearly a lot of untapped intelligence and talent out there.

It doesn’t matter what form of fandom you choose to seek escapism in, whether, you get your creative kicks from editing fanvids (I’m still waiting for that Young Dracula/True Blood crossover, by the way), writing poetry or producing fanart, you are engaging not just with fandom but with yourself and your individual abilities. In this sense, fandom isn’t just about consumption, it’s also about production, it’s less about escapism as a means of avoiding or getting away from real life and more about fulfilling your own potential.

Red Hamilton (has now got that Queen song stuck in her head!)

Another Martini: The Thin Man

“Pretty girl.”
“Yes, she’s a very nice type.”
“You got types?”
“Only you, darling – lanky brunettes with wicked jaws.”

Our taste here at HQ (well, my taste at least) can be a little eccentric at times, and this film is no exception. Set and filmed in 1934, The Thin Man, based on the novel by Dashiell Hammett, was filmed in just twelve days, after director W.S. “Woody” Van Dyke convinced MGM to agree to the film by promising to shoot the movie in three weeks.

The film stars William Powell as Nick Charles, a former private investigator, who’s given up the sleuthing to settle down with new wife, Nora (Myrna Loy). Several quips are made to suggest that he married Nora for her money, but the love between these two is clear to see, even in a film made at a time when a couple in bed together on screen (even married and sleeping) was considered the very definition of scandalous. As it happens, the two sleep in separate beds, with a constant chaperone in the form of their dog, Asta, who just about steals every scene he’s in and who, for a ‘guard dog’, could give Scooby Doo a run for his money in the cowardly department.

Despite his insistence that he’s no longer a PI, Nick soon finds himself drawn back in, when the daughter of a former client, Dorothy Wynant (Maureen O’Sullivan) pleads with him to help her find her missing father (the thin man of the title). When her father’s girlfriend turns up dead, Nora becomes intrigued, pleading with her husband to take the case. Despite his wife’s pleas, and those of Dorothy, her mother and a potential suspect, Nick manages to hold his ground, at least until the police get involved as well, at which point he steps in with a fairly laid-back manner and solves the case fairly quickly.

Despite the dated technology and black-and-white film (to my knowledge, it has yet to be released in colour), it’s really worth a watch. Nick seems to have been a very popular investigator in his time, and not just with the police and the media – on several occasions, he runs into people he’s ‘sent up the river’ and they greet each other like old friends. Nick and Nora make a fantastic team, despite the stricter gender roles of the day. Indeed, Nora is quite indignant when Nick suggests she let him handle a more ‘dangerous’ trip alone and, when he tricks her into doing so anyway, she doesn’t take it lying down.

“How was Grant’s Tomb?”
“Lovely. I’m having a copy made for you.”

The murder mystery itself seems to be ridiculously obvious, until Nick reveals the culprit in true ‘whodunnit’ style – i.e. gathering all the suspects together for a dinner party and taking them through the crime step by step. And the suspects themselves make for fantastic viewing – from Dorothy’s gold-digging mother, Mimi (Minna Gombell), and eccentric brother, Gilbert (William Henry), to gangster, Joe Morelli (Edward Brophy), to several in between, each one makes the most of their screen-time and owns the part completely.

Maybe due to the age of the film and the time of release, this movie is fairly easy viewing, especially if you’re like my mother, and love murder mysteries without the blood and gore of autopsies. It was also precursor to several sequels: After the Thin Man (1936), Another Thin Man (1939), Shadow of the Thin Man (1941), The Thin Man Goes Home (1945) and Song of the Thin Man (1947) – of which I, personally, have seen none, but am assured that they are just as good as the original.

Honestly, I’m not sure that sentence even makes sense grammatically, but that’s what we have a Supreme Editor-In-Chief for, and I like to throw her a challenge every now and then. [I'm not touching that one with a ten-foot pole -Ed.]

In the meantime, I’m going to pour myself a Martini (metaphorically speaking) and watch Nick and Nora run rings around everyone again.

I’d give this film 4 out of 5 – it’d be nice if they could re-release it in colour.

Roxanne Williams (is on typo duty for the next issue because that’s what happens when you throw challenges at the Editor)

We Are the Girls with Skills in Sorcery

Greetings to all my little Wanderers, new and old, and welcome to your fortnightly GUST review, where we look at stuff aimed at a younger audience that an older audience should really check out for themselves ’cause frankly, it’s pretty good. Okay, I’ve now summarised the basic concept for any newcomers to the scene, so let’s get down to business, to defeat the Hu – Okay, I have just been informed that no, I am not allowed to burst into musical number during a GUST review. [Not this issue, anyway, we've had a noise complaint -Ed.] Sorry guys, gals, and Wanderers of all or no genders.

Right, anyway, so today’s GUST. Well, today we’re going to be setting up something a wee bit different, a series of GUSTs following the one franchise. Oi, don’t you reach for the back button, pay some attention, you might learn something. (No, you won’t.) This isn’t always going to be a GUST thing, but we’re starting it off here because of nostalgia winning out. So the first franchise we’re going to look at?

Well, imagine you’re a child attending a school of magic, having lessons about potions and flying, in this old castle far away from anywhere. But you weren’t exactly raised by people who knew about magic so you keep making mistakes and the Potions teacher really seems to have a grudge against you and … wait, what do you mean Harry Potter? We’re not talking about him today, we’re talking about The Worst Witch.

Yes, believe it or not, there is a series with the basic premise of Harry Potter that outdates it by at least 20 odd years. Originally written by author Jill Murphy, The Worst Witch follows the trials and tribulations of one young witch called Mildred Hubble, who is without a doubt the worst witch at her entire academy. Now, why did I call this a franchise? Because as well as the original books – 6 in the series, two of which have been more recently published (2005 onwards) – this series has also spun on into a tv movie from the 1980s starring Diana Rigg, as well as a well-produced tv show which lasted three series, and created two spin-offs from that in turn. Today, however, we’ll start by looking at the books.

Now, believe me when I say it’s serious nostalgia that lead your friendly neighbourhood Z into picking this franchise as the first to try this little experiment with. This is one of the first book series that I ever really got into so yes, it is fair to say that this is one of those that is really aimed at younger readers. But, like I said, we’re looking at it as a franchise so you’ll need to bear with me because, frankly, the books are freaking adorable, alright?

Okay, so as mentioned, the books follow hapless young witch, Mildred Hubble, as she tries to make it through her schooling at Cackle’s Academy for Witches with as little problem as possible. Unfortunately, Mildred is not the smartest student out there, and despite all the best intentions, frequently makes mistakes which has Potions teacher, Miss Hardbroom, furious at her. Add in a toffee-nosed blonde girl named Ethel Hallow as the school bully who is a teacher’s pet and delights on picking on poor Mildred and well, you get to see why the girl is labelled the worst witch in the Academy.

So, what makes, or rather made, me like these books? Well, apart from the fact that even as a little Z I was always into fantasy, a lot of the appeal rests on the pull of the main character, Mildred Hubble. Mildred – Millie to her friends – is, for want of a better phrase, downright adorable. She’s sweet, good natured, and tries her hardest no matter what is thrown at her. She manages to keep a cheery smile on when the chips are down and, well, like I said, she’s adorable.

Okay, so as far as reviews go, this has been more of an overview than a review, I’ll freely admit that. The fact is, there’s not really much to say about the books except that they’re cute little reads, and I recommend giving them to kids of nursery or beginning primary school age. The language used is clear and simplistic, but there’s never a feel of the author talking down to her audience. There’s an innocence to the books, I realised while re-reading for this overview type review, and as an older reader its somewhat relaxing to be able to get involved in this innocent world of magic. So, yes, I would recommend these books for adults, particularly if you saw the movie or show as a child. It’s always good to know your source material.

Next issue: I take a look at the 1980s made-for-TV movie. Let’s see what we think of the magical happenings in that.

Z McAspurren (Always wanted to go to Cackle’s as a child)

Dude, Show Your Manners: Good Fandom Behaviour

So, this is an editorial type thing and I think it’s going to be a bit more on the rambly side than how we usually do an editorial round these parts because, well, this one is a lot more of trying to get the thoughts collected together and put them in the right order. Also because sometimes life is rambly, and we need editorials to match that occasionally. The common stereotype of the geek is that we are lacking in basic social skills, and are afraid to venture outdoors in the natural sunlight. I’m pretty sure that last one is just vampires, bro.

See, the thing is your average geek, nerd, or whatever terminology you want to use is just as social as whatever people do that is considered ‘normal’ by the mass of society. Why does that make me sound ready to start a revolution? Perhaps I’ve listened to too much in the way of Les Misérables lately. Anyway, that’s not really the point of this editorial, though of course we here at Fandom Wanderers strongly recommend that you go listen to the music of Les Misérables as soon as possible. Oh, and to read the Brick! We always encourage reading here at FW.

But right, point, get back to it. [Please. -Ed.] This past weekend, your friendly neighbourhood Z was inviting out to a socialising event. I know, I know, I was surprised by it as well. A few of the people I know were holding a cosplay meet, and invited me along because I’d never really been to one before, and they knew I had an interest in seeing what one was like. I dressed as Wednesday Addams, and it was kick-ass, thank you very much for asking. But again, not the point. The point was I was invited along to this cosplay meet, and as I had nothing else pressing in the schedule I went, well, might as well, and decided to wander along.

And this is where the title of this editorial starts to come in, and I mean on both sides of the fandom specturm. First of all, I have to hold my hand up and admit it, some of our number probably did get a bit carried away with the hijinks. In order to make it easier for everyone, it had been decided to meet at a public place; in this particular case the local train station where most of the transport areas surrounded. Here’s a quick piece of advice for doing this, guys and gals and others, try not to get carried away and attract the attention of the place’s security. Long story short, there was was squeeing, some hijinks, then we were politely asked to get out and go stand at the door instead. It was just a good thing it was a nice day.

Truthfully, I think there is a lesson to be learnt on both sides here. See, I’m not going to say that the security were in the wrong for asking the group to move along, but at the same time, I’m not exactly saying they’re in the right. The train station used is often used for big groups to meet, and this group was rather small in comparison to some of the groups that gather inside the station. That being said … I don’t think we can say that the groups are blameless. And this isn’t me being all THIS PERSON DID THIS and ruining what was a fun day, but more a sort of general observation on fandom people when a number of us gather. The security men were just doing their jobs and frankly we can’t blame them for that, no matter how unfair it seemed at the time. But it does bring up an interesting point, which I raise to you now:

People, why is it on both sides of the fandom spectrum, we seem to lose sight of basic manners when we’re over-excited? It’s an issue that always seem present, but no one can really recall any smaller moments of it, just really big incidents. But, it’s a thing, isn’t it? Either people at conventions or any other type of ‘geek’ even will be overly polite or it will appear as though they have forgotten that basic manners exist and are there to be used. So what, I hear you ask is this piece about?

Well, to sum it up as simply as I can: Wanderers, when being out being your awesome fandom-filled selves remember that not everyone is in on the in-jokes and memes, and other such things that run around fandom. Yes, I know, it seems very odd for me to be telling you this but it’s surprising how easy it is to forget. What seems like an innocent in-joke to you and your friends could look like something very odd indeed to the outside world, and we want to embrace the outside world, and make it aware that fandom is a nice place to be.

I know, I know, it can be hard because sometimes, well people just don’t get it and then there are the odd looks, and the stares and the mutters, and we’ve all heard tell of the cosplay consent movement that’s sweeping the rounds but that’s not the point of it. Fandom members are just as likely to be rude back to the muggles, and when you think on it, that’s really not not something we can be doing with.

Remember that there are people out there who are going to look and yes, find it a bit odd, but they’ll be curious and probably come ask about what you’re doing. Be polite, be friendly, and above all?

Dude, show your manners.

Z McAspurren (manners matter)

How to Write Original Characters

Perhaps it is just me, but I genuinely think that one of the most divisive issues in fanfiction is the use of original characters. Fanfiction is essentially about using canon to craft your own stories in a well-known universe with characters that are already much loved (or loathed) by your readers. Introducing an original character can be a tricky business as readers will not have the same knowledge of or emotion towards that creation as they may have for longstanding figures in canon. Original characters are perhaps more open to accusations of Mary Sue/Gary Stu-ism than most – although don’t kid yourself, this can be an issue with any character, canon or original. It is something which has always surprised me but there are some fans out there who are extreme in their dislike of original characters, even to the point of refusing to read fanfics which include them.

However, there are also fans, like me, who really enjoy reading about original characters because they can provide a fresh perspective on that particular universe and the established characters within it. Furthermore, I would argue that original characters can also be a valuable tool with which to challenge yourself as a writer. So, in order to get your confidence up, why not check out some of these tips? Some of them are equally applicable to writing canon characters and may be useful if you are trying to get into writing fanfiction.

• Motivation: Before you commit to the idea of using an original character in your fanfic, you should consider your motivations very carefully. This is absolutely key on so many levels. It requires an evaluation of the canon characters, their strengths, weaknesses and the role that they play both in canon and in your potential work. It will help you to determine whether it may be more suitable to use a character from canon instead or if there is indeed a space for a new character. Even if you choose not to use an original character, all of this preparation will still come in useful when exploring those characters later. Understanding your motivation for creating an original character may also help you in terms of plot development. If you understand why you need to use an original character and your goals in doing so then you can develop your plot as appropriate to meet those aims.
• Originality: Try to be inventive about how you introduce original characters or incorporate them into your fanfic. Be careful not to fall into the trap of using a really common plot device such as suddenly introducing them as the long lost relative of a canon character. Okay, I accept that this is done a lot in television shows – Derek Branning/Eastenders, Malik Dracula/Young Dracula – but if you can think of something slightly more unusual then you are more likely to grasp the interest of potential readers.
• Develop: Writing a character, original or canon, can be a difficult process. Before you put pen to paper or fingertip to a snazzy computer device, you should take the time to think about and develop your fictional character. At the very least, you should have a rough idea of your character’s appearance, age, backstory, likes, dislikes and motivations. I appreciate that this may sound like a lot of effort but if you put in the work at this stage it will help you later. For example, understanding that your original character has a fear of snakes may help you explain their reaction to an event later in the fanfic. Don’t be afraid to make your characters rich in detail. Little things like knowing they are a Beatles fan or they drink their tea with honey instead of sugar may help your readers connect with them as a person. 
• Flaws: One of the many criticisms made against Mary/Gary Sues is that they are too perfect, they are the most beautiful, the most intelligent, they are gifted at everything they do, they never do or get anything wrong… I mean does that sound realistic and/or relatable to you? You want your readers to empathise with your character, understand their motivations and maybe even reflect on some of the issues that readers are experiencing themselves. A significant part of achieving this is developing your character as explained above. Don’t be afraid to make your characters flawed, to give them irritating habits, to write about them feeling or reacting in a controversial way. You can give your character a unique super power that the Avengers need in order to fulfil their next mission but balance this out by poking fun at their complete inability to cook something even vaguely edible.
• It is also important to consider how figures in canon would realistically react to your character. A canon character who is well-known for being suspicious of other people’s motivations is unlikely to welcome a long lost relative with open arms. Writing interactions between canon and original characters in a balanced way can develop the plot further and make the relationship dynamics more interesting.
•  Acceptance: Sometimes, no matter how carefully you craft an original character, no matter how essential they are to the plot, you will receive negative feedback. Some fans genuinely refuse to read anything other than canon. Some fans won’t like your character’s personality or the way they react to an event in the fanfic. You have to accept these risks, take any constructive feedback that people have to offer and keep working at it. Writing a character, canon or original, is a craft which requires time and practice. It can be a risk to use an original character but it can be also be very rewarding both in terms of your development as a writer and the positive feedback that you can sometimes receive from your readers.

Why not share your tips or thoughts on original characters with us? We’d love to hear what you think!

Red Hamilton (once got asked to rewrite an entire fanfic because a reader hated the original character so much…)

Issue Twenty-Three: A Note from the Editors

Greetings, Wanderers!

We’ve had a lot of fun chatting to you over the last fortnight – if you missed out, you can catch up a bit on our letters page.

Right, what have we got in terms of reviews this issue? Ah, yes - The Bodyguard, Beetlejuice and our GUST, Rise of the Guardians. Check those out if you’re looking for something to watch!

We’ve also got the last part of our Lifecycle of a Fandom series – fittingly, it deals with cancellation – and we’re having a think about fandom as an economy. Plus, as usual, we’ve got some FW Tips for you – this issue they’re about busting those dreaded creative blocks.

Our next issue goes up on the 11th of May, but until then you can find us on Facebook and Twitter. We hope to chat with you there!

Fandom Wanderers

How to Cope with a Creative Block

It is the curse which plagues the nightmares of all creative people out there and no frankly I don’t think I’m being one bit over-dramatic in saying that. It’s a horrible sensation to be halfway through writing that brilliant piece of fanfiction only to wake up one morning (or evening for those nocturnal creatures out there) to find that all your inspiration has gone.

Suddenly, you are incapable of writing a coherent sentence which you don’t immediately want to smash up into a horrible inky mess, all your characters simply refuse to cooperate, and don’t even get me started on how the grandly ambitious plot has turned into a wibbly wobbly mess of Time Lord proportions. Of course, it’s not just writers who have to endure this problem – a creative block can affect any form of self-expression whether it’s as an artist, a composer or a less traditional form of fandom.

However, do not fear my dear Wanderers, as throughout my dark days of suffering, I have come up with various coping strategies. Yes, some of these are clearly contradictory but depending on your situation you may find that some strategies are more effective than others.

• Seek out inspiration: This may seem rather obvious but it can be one of the most effective ways of overcoming a creative block. Simply re-watching the television series that you love so much may reawaken the creative urge to paint a portrait of its main character. Or, reading your favourite book might remind you of why you started writing that story with an alternative ending. It’s about rediscovering the reasons why you became a fan in the first place and hopefully that renewed enthusiasm will once again spark your imagination.

• Check out the work of fellow fans: It can be incredibly useful to see what other fans are producing and not just in your particular form of fandom. As a writer of fanfiction, with limited technological knowledge or expertise, I still enjoy viewing the work of other fans when it comes to fan-vids and gifs. Just having a nosy around your fandom might generate some ideas, perhaps reading that drabble about Percy Weasley will make you rethink your interpretation of his character. Finding out that no-one else has attempted a cross-over video for True Blood/Young Dracula might motivate you to try making your own. Or, after listening to that vlog about the relationship dynamics in Twilight, you might disagree and incorporate those thoughts into your latest piece of fanfiction. It’s not about copying another person’s work or stealing ideas, it’s about interacting with others in your fandom and developing your own thoughts and opinions.

• Try new challenges: Occasionally (and this really does happen to everyone), you will get stuck on a particular piece of work and you’ll find your motivation somewhat lacking. Just like studying, sometimes you need to take a break and move onto something else. You may find that accepting a drabble challenge in another fandom will kick-start the urge to write again. I personally love drabble challenges as I think that they can be a particularly fun way of trying out new ideas and writing styles. Participating in a roleplaying game might help you get a better insight into your character and the various ways in which they will react to a certain situation. In any case, it’s always fun to try something new even if you find out, much to your disappointment, that you are not the next Steven Spielberg.

• Get into the zone: Okay, so this tip is a difficult one to describe in a short, snappy sentence but please bear with me. Everyone has something, a particular activity, which helps them to switch off from daily life and to start thinking creatively. This can be ANYTHING. Apparently, Agatha Christie said that some of her best ideas came to her when she was doing the washing up. (Or this could simply be a ruse from my housemates to get me to wash their pots). For some people, it’s taking their dog for a long walk in the country, for others it’s listening to that gorgeous piece of music. Taking the time to do this particular activity, whatever it may be, will hopefully result in a creative surge.
   
• Take some time out: There are times, again as when studying or revising, when you simply have to put down your pen (or more accurately these days your laptop) and admit that you need some time out. It can be a difficult thing to do, far more difficult than you think, it can feel like you are admitting defeat. This is not the most helpful way of viewing it. I would suggest that it’s better to think of it as a tactical retreat, just a mere pause in the creative process where you take a breather, collect your thoughts and then return when you feel energised. Trying to force yourself to write or do anything else creative when you are just not feeling it, can actually make matters worse. Doing something you love shouldn’t feel like a chore. When it does, that’s a significant pointer that you need a break.

I hope you find these tips useful and if you have any that you would like to share with us please do get in touch. Equally, if you have created a True Blood/Young Dracula cross-over, please let me – ahem, I mean us - know.

Red Hamilton (is increasingly suspicious of all attempts to make her do housework)