In terms of storylines, fanfiction can be a source of inspiration. The Arrow cast, after reading some fanfictions, might communicate to the writers that a certain type of storyline, like a time - travel or alternate universe one, could be really engaging for the audience. And the writers might consider incorporating elements of such storylines.
You can start by looking on fanfiction.net. It has a large collection of Arrow - related fanfiction. Another good place is Archive of Our Own (AO3). There are many talented writers who post their Arrow fanfiction there, and you can easily search for specific tags related to what you're interested in, like 'Oliver Queen' or 'Team Arrow'.
Sure is. The show takes inspiration from the comic book universe of Green Arrow and brings his adventures to the small screen. It incorporates many elements and storylines from the comics while adding its own twists and turns.
The cast might also be a bit critical in a positive way. They know the characters so well. So, when they read Arrow fanfiction, they could notice if a character is written out of character. They might think, 'This is not how my character would act, but it's an interesting idea anyway.' And this can lead to some interesting discussions among the cast members.
In 'Watching the Future Arrow Fanfiction', a prevalent theme is technology. Since it's set in the future, there are often new and advanced technologies that the characters have to deal with. This could be new weapons or surveillance systems. Also, the theme of family and friendship is common. New relationships are formed, and old ones are tested as the story progresses in this future setting. For example, the children of the original characters might have to deal with the legacy of their parents while also forging their own paths. It adds a lot of depth to the story.
Alternate universes are also quite common. Writers might create a universe where the events of the show happened differently, and the 'watching' aspect could be from a unique perspective in that altered world. Maybe the characters are in a world where they have different powers or face different threats, and the fanfiction delves into how they are perceived by an observer.
People like it because it allows them to explore different scenarios and relationships that might not be shown in the original series. For example, they can imagine different romantic pairings or character developments.
One good resource could be Archive of Our Own (AO3). It has a large collection of Arrow fanfiction. FanFiction.net is also popular, where you can find a wide variety of stories written by fans. Another option is Tumblr. Many Arrow fans post their fanfiction there or share links to other great works.
Another theme could be the legacy of the Arrow. This might involve how the actions of the current Arrow will impact the future generations in the Arrow universe. It could be about the new heroes or anti - heroes that rise up as a result of the Arrow's influence. Also, the theme of redemption for some of the more morally grey characters can be quite common in these fanfictions.