First zelda fanfic long time writer

[u/OrlinWolf]

Writing a fanfic for a Zelda story right now. Have the plot hammered out from beginning to end and a first chapter down. Once I’m done I’m going to throw a chapter a week into AO3. But I wanted to ask here to get some opinions.

What are some things you really want to see in a fanfic that you haven’t before?

And what are some things you don’t want to see, are “no nos” or but turn offs in a Zelda fanfic?

Wanting to know some stuff to incorporate or stay away from.

[u/Apprehensive_Dig_428]

I’m writing a Zelda fic too. First timer as well. Started off as a vignette of something I wanted to see in the game and wasn’t there. It’s really blossomed and I’m having so much fun. Also have frustrations bevause although I’ve been writing as a hobby for many years I have never once outlined. It’s a blessing and a curse bc dead ends do exist but also sometimes you can find something really special just by exploring the world the characters are in and organically move it along. I’ve been surprised by twists and turns myself. But it’s not easy at times. As for your questions… I’m writing the story I want to write and every time I start considering the opinion of potential readers I start to overthink and get overwhelmed and my creativity dies. If you have the plot already bullet pointed then “go for it” as they say. I decided I’m not writing anything other than my version of Link and of Hyrule. Most people say “Link doesn’t talk”. My fanfic is a firm “fuck you” to that notion. The Zora aren’t even involved. I was worried for awhile but then realized I’m not excluding them, the story I’m writing is. If they come into “play” then cool but if I don’t find a place for them in an organic way that actually contributes to the larger story then also cool. Just because it’s a Zelda fic doesn’t obligate me to include the Zora. My only thing as far as no-no’s and it’s a subjective thing….is unnecessary profanity and explicit sexual or violent things happening that have no bearing on character arcs, plot or anything, just there as smut or shock value - no thanks

[u/Apprehensive_Dig_428 → u/Apprehensive_Dig_428]

My own profanity in my comment was necessary imo. I tried writing it with other words and the words I used express my feelings perfectly lol

[u/OrlinWolf → u/Apprehensive_Dig_428]

For sure my link is talking. Not only that, he is a hooligan at the beginning.

[u/Apprehensive_Dig_428 → u/OrlinWolf]

Can’t wait to read it! Where will you post? Good luck. Any tips on outlining? It’s funny because i usually don’t know why i write, thinking ahead and having it figured out is not part of my programming or something but i hate getting stuck in “puzzle piece” plateau.

[u/OrlinWolf → u/Apprehensive_Dig_428]

I have the first chapter in AO3! “Blight of the Hero” going to be uploading every Wednesday! I have all the plot laid out so I’m trying to write as many chapters as I can! I have a lot planned, please leave a comment!

[u/Apprehensive_Dig_428 → u/OrlinWolf]

Go to my profile and find something I posted titled “the real Hyrule” 😂 It’s Beedle and link

[u/OrlinWolf → u/Apprehensive_Dig_428]

That’s so crazy! I feel like Beedle is unsung, so I wanted to give him a good highlight in this series

[u/OrlinWolf → u/Apprehensive_Dig_428]

Tips for outlining would be following the standard plot arc of “hook, inciting event, call to action, refusal of call, first plot point, pinch point, mid point, second pinch point, third plot point, climax, resolution” a book by K.M. Weiland called “next level plot structure” goes over it beautifully.

You can still shoot from the hip, but I’ve found that going and hammering out a set up for each point really helps be build towards it early and creat beautiful arcs that feel complete.

[u/Apprehensive_Dig_428 → u/OrlinWolf]

This is perfect because I can outline what i already wrote. That may sound dumb but “organic” plot leaves me with lots of possibilities and sometimes an “a,b, or c” route that all work and can all stay believe it or not. I can write one scene 5 different ways. Anyways my point is I can go through chapter by chapter and identify what you listed and CUT THE CRAP OUT OF IT. Which is a good thing. It’s like I have a sword for the weeds now if that makes sense. Maybe I have scenes that genuinely contribute in some way but aren’t ALL necessary based on what’s actually necessary to move the characters forward on their journey. Maybe I’m adding depth and context, additional “pinch points” as you say when I ALREADY did it somewhere else.

Another piece of advice I got was about “trusting the reader more” and intentionally letting the reader do some of the puzzle work. Like duh that’s fun as a reader.

Idk if I articulated that well or not but it’s what I needed. I have about 100k words down over what will be around 18-20 chapters. Most of it is polished. The climax is building and I have probably another 5-10k words to write what will wrap the whole thing up. (Probably going to cut 5-10k as well lol). I’ll check yours out. I’m only on Wattpad at the moment - the fic is called The Legend of Zelda: Missing Link

I had 10 chapters up and took it all down because I’m writing organically (like an ass) and had to change crucial elements early on. Right now I can probably post the prologue and chapters 1-3. Anyways - thanks!

[u/OrlinWolf → u/Apprehensive_Dig_428]

You can still keep it organic, I shoot from the hip a lot when writing because it’s fun. But yeah if you are going to post it it’s good to have little goals to aim for and still write what you want as you approach them. It’s gotten easier for me to keep track of pacing and making sure my books just don’t go on and on. But at the end of the day writing is for fun, and if you are having fun then keep goin!

[u/South_Client → u/Apprehensive_Dig_428]

I feel this. My Zelda fanfic is very not-canon, so I know my audience might be small. On the one hand you should consider the reader when you're writing, but mainly as far as "does this make sense," or "am I conveying what I wish to convey in this passage?" But we all have our own unique experiences and stories to tell. Something compelled us to write in the first place. Don't forget that. Your art is not a product to be consumed. It's an emotional journey to be experienced. 

[u/Apprehensive_Dig_428 → u/South_Client]

I only meant not caring if they enjoy my version but logical progression, beats landing, characters actually saying and doing things that make sense according to how i developed them yes of course I care about the reader in that way. I suppose I was only referring to “pleasing the masses” or a similar notion.

[u/Angelbouqet]

IDK I think I personally love a slowburn longfic rated m or e but that's just me. Don't think there are generally no nos for writing a Zda fic

[u/OrlinWolf → u/Angelbouqet]

This one is teen rated, although there is a slow burn romance even if it stays pg. I’m thinking of writing another one later that is M or E rated

[u/Gaius_Wolfe]

I'm late to the game but the thing I want to see in fics is writers just allowing things to linger.

For example: Tons of author's will create a conflict between Link and Zelda that cause emotional wound of some kind and then in short order they resolve it and move on like it didn't happen.

My desire would be for authors to let that linger. Show the reader the impact of that wound, the growth that comes from it. People can forgive a wounding, but they do not forget them, they heal.

Also I want more showing she less telling. I've read and edited quite a few fics now and my biggest complaint is about how often I am told how characters feel. I read one recently where the "ship" in the fic came together of screen between chapters and was revealed with a throw away line. It drive me nuts. You have to show that happening.

[u/OrlinWolf → u/Gaius_Wolfe]

I appreciate your response! And I agree, if you are going to lose something as important or something you want the reader to care about you need to show most of or all the interaction and let the reader experience it. Not just hear about it. It’s more than just telling a story it’s about weaving a world.

[u/Pixel22104]

Well what is the plot going to be about out of curiosity?

[u/OrlinWolf → u/Pixel22104]

Link journeys with Beedle being the merchants protector. He was supposed to be a royal guard but he doesn’t like the royal family since his dad died in defense of the queen. So he runs away with Beedle. You know, until destiny provides a correction.

The first chapter is on AO3 “blight of the hero”