12 Moments 09: #9
by V.E. on December 28th, 2009
filed under 12 moments
This entry is part of 12 Moments in Anime 2009.
#9 is my ability to work anime into any situation, including school.
Let me explain. I’m finishing an MFA in creative writing this semester and last June was my last official residency at the school. At the residency, students took two tracks: publishing and education. I didn’t manage to work anime into the publishing section, but the education section called for a sample syllabus of a class we’d like to teach. I chose to teach about fanfiction and used a Gundam Wing fic as an example of one of the types of fics. (I later had to use another example because no one knew what I was talking about, but the genesis of the idea came from anime, so I’m counting it.)
THIS IS JUST A SAMPLE, not a real syllabus, though I might teach it if I get enough interest.
— — — — — — — —
Writing Fanfiction
Workshop Syllabus
Instructor: V.E. Duncan
Email: provided on real syllabus
Phone: provided on real syllabus
Description
Writing Fanfiction will meet 6 times, once per week for 6 weeks, in July and August 2010 from 7:00-8:45 PM at the La Canada Flintridge Library. We’ll explore multiple aspects of fanfiction, including terminology, keeping your characters in character, coming up with plot ideas, what not to do, and beta readers. The last week will be a reading of participants’ work with thoughts and suggestions from other participants and the instructor.
Materials
Bring a folder, notepad, and a pen or pencil. Also, have in mind your favorite book, book series, anime, cartoon, television show, or movie. Bring a copy (picture, synopsis, or whatever) to share with us if you like.
I will provide relevant handouts during each class and give a writing assignment due at the beginning of the next class. There will be some time before each lesson for discussion of the homework, and I’ll stay after each class for story-specific questions if necessary.
Day 1: Let’s all get on the same page
• Basic terms: fanfiction, canon, fandom, “shipping”, OC (original character), Mary Sue, OOC (out of character), AU (alternate universe), PWP (plot? what plot?), and others.
• Anime/manga specific terms: yaoi, yuri, het, fan service, etc. Also, other fandom-specific terminology.
• Fanfiction format: disclaimer, warnings, etc.
• Useful links for fanfiction, recommended reading for writers.
Day 2: What not to do
• Authors who don’t like their work/characters used in fanfiction.
• Mary Sue/Marty Stu characters.
• Don’t forget about proper spelling and grammar!
• The importance of having a beta reader.
Day 3: Choosing a fandom and characters
• The canon; choose something you know!
• Characters within your canon.
• Character cluster diagram exercise.
Day 4: OOC and setting
• Keeping your characters in character (or not).
• AU: the differences between (benefits/detriments of) canon setting and alternate universe.
• “Pulling the reader into the setting” exercise.
Day 5: Plot? What plot?
• Freeform writing.
• Strategies for brainstorming.
• Rough draft exercise.
Day 6: Participant readings
• Critiquing other fanfiction stories (if you want to).
• Reading other fanfics (and canon, of course!) to make yours better.
A Note
As the instructor, I reserve the right to change the syllabus to better fit the participants’ needs and learning pace if necessary.
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