Fanfiction Types, Pt. 1: The Power of an Alternate Universe

Three common types of fanfiction stories include: post-canon, canon divergence, and alternate universe.

In this mini-series, we’ll look at all three of these fanfiction forms along with canon compliance.

Not all fanfiction is written out of frustration with the source material, however, a significant portion of it is.

Alternate Universe (AU): (Def) - A work which builds from canon but changes foundational elements of the world.

We’ve all read/seen/heard stories we wish were different. I’ve come across a few that I looked at and said, “I can do better than that.” The power of fanfiction is, you can make something better, but it takes a lot of work.

Challenges of AU work:

1. Maintaining Continuity:

   Without it, you risk reader confusion.

   You don’t want Character A dying in book two and then walking right back into the room in book three like nothing happened because you forgot they died.

2. Balancing Familiar and Unfamiliar:

   Ignore canon completely, and you risk losing readers.

   Many AU works incorporate canon elements to keep readers grounded in the story world—or simply because the writer likes said elements. Whatever the reason, to embrace pieces of canon can keep readers from feeling alienated when reading alternate universe work. But which pieces of canon do you include?

3. Keeping Your Audience:

   Not all readers like alternate universe material. Some prefer strict adherence to canon. And that’s perfectly fine. AU isn’t for everyone, and it doesn’t have to be, but if your audience likes your work, they’ll be more willing to branch out and try something they might not normally engage with.

Rewards of AU work:

1. New Perspective:

   Writing alternate universe content can provide previously unconsidered viewpoints. For example, a character who canon used a few times and then ignored could become a major player in an AU setting. Or, a big canon event could shift enough to bring other characters into the spotlight alongside the main character, thereby affording the audience (and writer) a new set of eyes through which to see events.

2. Opportunity for Change:

   When in an alternate universe, literally anything is possible. Canon events might not happen the same way they did last time, or said events could involve completely new characters who don’t even exist in canon material. Don’t want X-character to die? No problem. Want X-situation to resolve differently? Go for it. Whatever you can imagine can become AU reality.

3. Showcase Your Distinctions:

   All writers have their uniquenesses. It’s part of what makes fiction work so endearing. When a fanfiction writer digs into canon and makes their own alternate universe, readers get to see and interact with what makes that person who they are. Even two writers working with the same base canon will create differing alternate universes, because they’re different people. Yes, some elements might emerge similarly, but most will be shaped into something irreproducable—something beautifully one-of-a-kind.

As an alternate universe creator, I’m constantly checking and re-checking events. I have timelines, genealogical charts, folders of notes, even a Sterilite tub of scene bits, drawings, concept work, etc.

But all that work is more than worth it, and I love every moment I spend with the characters inhabiting my work. At their core, they’re the same people from canon, but in a way, they’re so much more, because now, they’re a part of me.