How important is canon in fanfic?

It's very important. Canon gives authenticity to the shipping fanfic. It helps readers connect the fan - created story to the original work they love. If a fanfic completely ignores canon, it might feel disjointed or untrue to the characters.

Canon in fanfic refers to the original source material that a fanfiction is based on. For example, if a fanfic is about 'Harry Potter', the books by J.K. Rowling are the canon. It includes the characters, settings, and storylines established in the original work. Fanfic writers often use canon as a starting point and then add their own creative twists.

Most of the time, fanfic isn't canon. It's created by fans and not part of the official story.

First, know the canon thoroughly. Read or watch the original work multiple times to understand all the details. Second, pick a small aspect of the story or a minor character to focus on. This way, you can expand on it while still being within the canon. For example, if it's a fantasy world, you could explore the daily life of a side character. Third, keep the language and tone similar to the original. If the original is formal, don't make your fanfic too casual.

Canon in shipping fanfic is basically the official content from the original work that impacts the shipping. Shipping is when fans pair up characters in a romantic or close - friendship way. So, the canon provides things like character personalities, backstories, and interactions that fanfic authors can either follow closely or deviate from when writing about their preferred character pairings. For instance, if a character in canon is known for being shy, a fanfic might use that trait in a shipping story where the shy character is paired with a more outgoing one, and how they interact based on their canon personalities.

The 'canon meaning' in fanfic is basically the standard or the 'rulebook' from the original work. It's what the original creator has established as real in that fictional universe. So, if you're writing a fanfic about 'Star Wars', the canon might be the existence of the Force, the different species like Wookiees and Ewoks, and the fact that Darth Vader is Luke Skywalker's father. Fanfic can then play around with this canon, like exploring what might have happened if a certain canon event had a different outcome.

Canon compliant fanfic is fan - created literature that stays true to the canon. This is important because it allows fans to explore the world of the original work more deeply while still maintaining the integrity of the source. It can add new perspectives and details that the original might not have had the space to include. For example, in a Harry Potter canon compliant fanfic, Hogwarts would still be in Scotland, the houses would have their distinct traits, and magic would work according to the rules J.K. Rowling established. Writers do this to show their respect for the original and also to engage with other fans who appreciate the consistency with the canon.

First, know the canon well. You need to be very familiar with the original story, its characters, and the rules of its world. Then, decide on the point of divergence. It could be a small event like a character making a different choice at a crucial moment. After that, start planning how this change will ripple through the story. Sketch out new plotlines and character developments based on the divergence.

Understanding the canon meaning can greatly enhance fanfic writing. It gives the story a sense of authenticity. If you know the canon well, your story will fit into the existing fictional world seamlessly. For example, if writing a 'Supernatural' fanfic, knowing the canon about the existence of demons, angels, and the Winchester brothers' backstory allows for a more believable plot.

First, know the canon well. Read the original books, watch the shows or movies multiple times. This way, you have a clear understanding of the characters, their personalities, and the overall world. Second, double - check any facts or details you're using. If you're not sure about something, look it up in the official source. Third, don't try to change too much of the canon just for the sake of it. Stay true to the essence of the original work.