The Art of Fan Fiction-izing

Hello! I’m Kat, and as some of you may know, I love to write Warriors Fan Fictions!

Ever since I have been on the blog, I took an interest into writing. I really wasn’t big on it before hand, although I had some small, odd stories that I lightly touched on but never completed. When I read and learned about Fan Fictions, I realized how fun it is to fill in gaps in the Warriors series, think about hints that were dropped as to secret relationships, hidden battles, or even silent rivalries.

After all of my time, I have found ways to get more people into the stories that I write. I would like to share what I’ve learned with you all.

1. Presentation:

I have discovered that the way that you present Fan Fictions has a big impact on the feedback you receive. If you have proper captitalization, grammar, and spelling, you will often not get comments such as “You spelled ‘grass’ wrong” or “This and that are not the same thing.” Why is that? If you read a paragraph that is beautifully written but too many errors, it is extremely distracting. It turns fascination into boredom.

Word overuse is very common in writers. When I write fan fictions, I keep a mental list of how often I use a word. Especially after quotes. If I write “Hollypaw meowed” once after a quote then say “Jaypaw meowed” in the next quote, it looks repetitive and lazy. When I read things, word overuse drives me insane. The word repeats in my head over and over again…besides, it is boring. Clipping an adverb onto it such as “happily,” will not help if you’ve already used a verb forty times in two paragraphs. I suggest adverbs, but not every single quote.

Last but not least in the presentation catergory, paragraphing and indents. You might not know, but to make things look neat, there can only be one person saying any amount of quotes per paragraph. For example:

<i>Lionblaze passed a wary gaze over Jayfeather and Dovewing. “What are we supposed to do now, that the Dark Forest is gone?” he demanded. “Simply ignore them?”</i>

See? Now, since it is implying that Lionblaze is saying the quoted words in the paragraph, you don’t have to add “Lionblaze said” after every quote. If someone else is saying something, start a new paragraph and indent it. If a story is spaced out equally and not clumped together, it is more pleasing to read because it isn’t jumbled. To paragraph, press enter. If it is still clumped together when you post it on the blog, you have to press enter twice when you write on a program.

2. Where to find inspiration

The first place to find inspiration is <i>always</i> a book. But remember, inspiration just gets your mind creative, thinking of new ideas, heartrending events to include, etc. The right book is important too, and if you can’t find one, I have an alternate way:

Music. When I listen to music I love on iTunes, or dabbling in songs played on the radio, I find inspiration. I don’t often love the songs on the radio, but even if they are simply horrible, I connect on how the song was written and which personalities they would match for a character. For example, the song “Heart of Life” by John Mayer made me think of a secret relationship between Littlecloud and Cinderpelt. Here are some of the lyrics:

“Pain throws your heart to the ground
Love turns the whole thing around
No it won’t all go the way it should
But I know the heart of life is good.”

Why did that inspire, and what did you think of?

I realized how Cinderpelt would feel so crushed on the night Sandstorm and Firestar’s kits were born. Those were supposed to be she and Firestar’s. So what if she turned to her friend Littlecloud, and he talked to her about how she’ll be hurt, but love will turn it around? What if she thinks that he is accepting her love for Firestar, but in reality he is musing on a relationship between each other? How would <i>Littlecloud</i> feel?

The questions made me think of answers. She would most likely feel that he is only being a great friend–and perhaps wants her to love Firestar instead of him–then never learns what he really meant. Littlecloud would feel horrible. He would feel guilt for himself. He would feel angry that his mouth slipped. I can’t answer anymore without making a Fan Fiction about it!

See how it will work out for you?

3. How the story progresses

I am rewriting an after The Last Hope Fan Fiction (I know Bramblestar’s Storm will come out and make all of my book invalid, but it’s a fun hobby anyway) called The New Sun. When I originally wrote it, I reached seventeen chapters. Those chapters got attention among a few people, but I was thrilled that people were reading it and feeling sympathetic for characters, curious about characters, angry at characters.

The reason it happened was mainly because I kept posting. Earlier, no one commented. But I didn’t let that stop me. I later found out that people were reading, but simply not replying. So if you don’t get comments, don’t automatically assume no one saw it, because we did, and we LOVED IT!

Conclusion:

The main focus of Fan Fictions is that you have fun. What else is it for? To be on the pathway to an amazing writer, try to look through writing styles and stories by our amazing writers, specifically Kate Cary, and make what you feel should be in theWarriors series!

Silverflame sent in this fabulous drawing! I’m speechless with admiration…can BlogClan get any more talented?!!

Finally, our Trailing stars Chapter Header Art Trials (TSCHAT) are done!

I am pleased to announce our winner…..

KAT!!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations, Kat!

Well, Kat, as our winner, here are your guidelines:

• Chapter Headers must depict fursona of writer, or if you wish a main cat in that chapter
• Chapter Headers must depict a cat’s head
• Black-and-white
• No computer art, sketchwork
• Have fun!

So, congratulations to the TSCHAT writer!!

Art by Kat

Chapter 1 of Trailing Stars is here!!!! Now, I won’t be making a post for the other chapters, which I’ll post on the Traling Stars age, but since this was #1 I thought it deserved something special.

Anyhow, here it is, written by Sun-For-Two and edited by Cinnamonswirl.

Trailing Stars: Chapter One

By: Sun-for-Two

Edited by: Cinnamonswirl

A chorus of birds awoke the forest with their morning melody. Their noise echoed through the trees and streamed into Dawnmist’s ear like a river of sound. She stirred slightly but fought the urge to wake up, even if her dreams were being swept away by birdsong as it flowed through her ears and trickled from her mouth in a yawn.

She slowly adjusted her eyes to the sunlight as it flickered down from the branches. Her mind was still frozen from sleep as she drowsily stood up and stretched her stiff legs. It was only then, when she began to regain awareness, that Dawnmist realized something was wrong. All of the exhaustion that once possessed her body had vanished.

Dawnmist stared down at where her hands should be. Instead of fingers, she now had paws! Pointed ears were cropped above her head while a muzzle sprouted from her face, shagged in gray fur and whiskers. Her body was shrunken entirely while a tail waved behind her back. I’m a cat!

As Dawnmist gazed around the forest she realized it was not only her appearance that had changed. All of her senses, from sight to sound, were heightened. As she pricked her ears she could hear the slightest noise like a leaf scraping across the earth floor. She sniffed the air and a web of scents filled her nose like never before!

Shock slammed into her. Dawnmist raced forward, barging through a bramble bush. Thorns scraped against her side as she ran, but Dawnmist pushed forward anyway, overcome with confusion. Yet as much as she tried, Dawnmist knew she could never outrun her shock.

This must be a dream! She thought frantically. But when the pain of a thorn pieced through her flesh she knew. Pain only existed in reality.

Dawnmist slowly began to calm herself as a light breeze caressed her fur. After picking a thorn from her pelt she tried to think clearly. There must be a reason why I’m here. Did StarClan send me? She wondered. Maybe if I can find someone else, they may know!

She tested out her nose, hoping to scent another cat. If only Dawnmist could find someone else, than they could help her! She sniffed the air eagerly. The scent of prey was already strung out over her nostrils though and covered up the smell of everything else, making it difficult to tell things apart.

Knowing scents traveled better in the air she tried extending her muzzle towards the sky instead. Dawnmist blocked out all her other senses by shutting her eyes and flattening her ears; this was her sole focus. Come on, come on . . .

At last her nose caught something! The smell of a rogue flooded her nostrils, mixed with a forest-like scent. Something else mingled with the smells though: Blood.

She gulped, beginning to head in direction of the rogue. Even if she smelled blood, this may be her only opportunity to talk to someone. Determination guided her through the forest. Dawnmist weaved through the undergrowth, but her legs were unsteady as she ducked beneath gorse bushes and leaped over logs. Her body felt swift and smooth, but it would take some time getting used to. Fur is like clothing. I have to watch out in case it gets snagged on thorns, she observed.

The scent of both blood and cat grew stronger as she walked. It was only when a sudden cry split through the morning air that her uncertainty grew. Should I turn back? There’s bound to be someone else near.

Her curiosity drew her forward. Soon the pelt of a russet-colored she-cat came into view. Dawnmist shrunk lower to the ground so her stomach brushed against the grass, which was still covered by a blanket of dew. More battle cries shot across the air. She was surprised StarClan didn’t hear them.

Beside the ginger rogue Dawnmist spotted a large creature. As a Twoleg they didn’t seem to be so gigantic, but now they appeared as monsters. A white line sliced across the black creature’s chest and scars lay scattered over its body. A badger!

Fear made her body rattle. Crimson blood lay splattered across the ground from both opponents. This rogue was in no condition to talk. Let alone live after the badger was done with her. Dawnmist took a few paces back. Fear stripped her face of color, making it deathly pale.

Her best opportunity was to run before she was spotted. Dawnmist took off, a gray blur flashing through the trees when all of a sudden something knocked into her. I’m caught!

She waited for her own blood to be plastered across the forest floor as her throat was torn open by the badger. But instead nothing happened. A tabby she-cat stood over top of her. This cat was not the rogue from before though. She smelled different, almost like herself.

“What’s your name?” The cat hissed, her eyes glinting with hostility as she placed a paw over Dawnmist’s neck.

Dawnmist struggled to escape from the she-cat’s grasp. “Dawnmist!” She blurted, gasping for breath.

The tension on her throat loosened as the cat stumbled back. The she-cat looked angered for a moment, but all her anger seemed to melt away like ice.

“Who are you?” Dawnmist stood up, unsheathing her claws in case the light brown she-cat attacked again.

The rogue was quiet for a moment. “Copperclaw.”

Her eyes widened as she recognized the cat. Memories rushed to the surface of her mind. “The deputy of BlogClan…” She paused, trailing off. “But that means all of BlogClan must have been turned into cats!” Dawnmist exclaimed, half to herself.

“What do you mean? Why am I here?” Copperclaw growled, her attitude as prickly as a bramble bush.

Dawnmist took in all her knowledge, hoping what she said was true. “StarClan sent us here, and all of BlogClan. They want us to start a clan.” What if that isn’t true and I’m lying to her? Why else would we be here though?

“Is StarClan mousebrained? Couldn’t they have warned us first?” She hissed, her harsh voice becoming softer. “I’m sorry I attacked you. I didn’t realize who you were.”

Dawnmist placed her tail gentle on Copperclaw’s back. “I probably would have done the same in your position,” she meowed, trying to keep her voice quiet in case the badger was around. Should I tell her about the battle I saw?

“Yeah…” Copperclaw looked ashamed; her face was bright red with embarrassment.

I guess I can tell her later. She decided, glancing back and forth. “If all of BlogClan was turned into a cat that means others should be near. We should form a camp before we search for others though.”

Copperclaw nodded. “Good idea. Let’s leave this forest first. It smells to much like…” She paused, sniffing the air. “Badger.”

Her whiskers twitched uneasily. “Lead the way.” Dawnmist flicked her tail, wondering how Copperclaw knew which direction to head as they began walking. She was glad to be leaving the ominous forest. Dawnmist would much rather be in the open space where she could see the sky perfectly.

She followed Copperclaw through the sloping undergrowth. When she spotted a mouse scurrying through the brushwood her belly rumbled with hunger. She pushed her craving for food aside though and continued on.

“I woke up beside a river. We can start there and search for a suitable camp,” Copperclaw said.

By the time they reaching the churning river dusk was setting on the land. The sun had splashed colors over the sky, its colorful canvas about to be washed away by night’s blackness. They both ventured onward to the riverbank.

“I think I saw a log somewhere when I woke up. We can use it to cross the river,” Copperclaw meowed, pointing her ear farther downstream. “Watch out though, the water is fast and deep.”

“Got it.” Dawnmist bounded in the direction she had pointed, her eyes scanning for a log where they could cross. She let the billowing water lap at her feet, loving the feel of it slip through the folds in her paw.

“Copperclaw!” She called, spotting the log. It stretched over the vast river and was covered by a layer of moss. Water streamed over its surface, making it look slippery. “Copperclaw!” She called again. Her words were left answered.

Glancing over her shoulder, Dawnmist’s whiskers twitched in amusement when she saw Copperclaw staring intently at the fish swimming below. She could have sworn the brown she-cat licked her lips as if she was about to dive head first to catch one.

As if expected, Copperclaw sprang forward, sending a flurry of water into the air. Drops of water sprinkled overhead like rain and the next thing Dawnmist knew a fish lay wiggling in her friend’s mouth. We’re like newborn kits out here. You don’t think we would be able to hunt. She does have the talent to be deputy.

She purred in approval. “Nice catch!”

Copperclaw’s expression was not a look of satisfaction though. Her legs trembled slightly as if the ground was shaking below foot. Her amber eyes were balls of fear. “Badger!”

The creature lumbered towards them. Its black eyes showed no emotion, but were focused intensely on Copperclaw and her. Considering its large size the badger headed towards them quickly, its teeth brought back in a growl that rumbled so loud it seemed as if it could shake the forest. Blood stained its paws, which told Dawnmist this was the same badger that had attacked the rogue. This must be its territory!

“Run!” Dawnmist yowled, racing towards the log. Copperclaw immediately dropped her catch and sprung foreword, her long legs covered a great distance as she followed after Dawnmist.

Water trickled over Dawnmist’s paws as she leaped onto the hollow log first. Her footing suddenly slipped though and she almost went barreling into the water. She shrieked in surprise, trying to stop herself from falling. Copperclaw shoved into her side, helping to balance her. Dawnmist rooted her claws into the moss. “Thanks!” she panted.

The badger had caught up with them and flung itself onto the log. She could see its muscles rippling beneath its fur as it chased after them. Its jaws snapped through thin air; razor sharp teeth ready to tear flesh and fur.

Dawnmist skidded across the log as far as she could, but the badger was still on their heels. She glanced back at Copperclaw who had turned around to slash at the beast. She watched as the badger’s jaws locked down on Copperclaw’s tail. It would be surprising if anything remanded but a stub afterwards. “Copperclaw!” She gasped.

The brown tabby she-cat tried to fend off the badger still. Dawnmist quickly turned ahead, but when she took another step a load crack split through the air. She was frozen in fear. The log was going to break. They would fall into the fast river!

Dawnmist lowered herself so Copperclaw could leap over her and make it to shore first. “Jump!” She yowled.

Copperclaw swung around to look at Dawnmist who was just dodging the badger’s massive paw as it aimed for her head. The she-cat leaped forward without question, flying overhead. Dawnmist didn’t have time to see if she landed safety. The badger advanced towards her now instead, all its paws firmly on the log.

She knew the tree trunk was going to break at any moment. Dawnmist’s nerves pulsed with fear as she waited for the badger to leap towards her. As planned it charged forward, letting out a long bellow.

Dawnmist dodged just in time, watching as the badger landed on a weak point in the bark. She heard an earsplitting crack as the log shattered and went tumbling into the river. The badger yelped and extended a paw towards her, as if trying to drag her with him. The beast only managed to grab a pawful of gray fur though as it crashed into the river with the trunk.

Exhaustion filled her lungs, but she managed to take one final leap to shore, landing beside Copperclaw. Her heartbeat was so loud it drowned out every other sound. She let it be her lullaby as she lay down and regained her breath.

Dawnmist woke up a few minutes later, her energy restored. Beside her Copperclaw sat cleaning her tail, which only had clumps of fur remaining and a gash from where the badger had injected his fangs. If we’re going to form a clan then I’ll have to be medicine cat. I know the herbs, but what if I can’t identify one? Will Copperclaw’s tail become infected?

She shook her head, clearing away any clouds of worry that lingered around her thoughts. “How long have I been asleep?” She asked, smiling. The moon was out and Silverpelt was shining, but now darkness became their enemies. At least now while their sight was limited their hearing and smelling would come in handy.

“Just a few minutes,” Copperclaw meowed anxiously, adding: “But I decided to explore while you were asleep. Just ahead is a gorge! It’ll be our new home!”

“Did you see if there were dens?”

“Yes! I spotted a few dens, but we’ll have to make sure their suitable. It smelled faintly of badger, but the scent was stale.” She flicked her tail, flinching as if she forgot her injury. “Let me show you!”

Dawnmist followed excitedly after Copperclaw. Tussocks formed a barrier around the bank so she stomped them down with Copperclaw’s help. Ahead was a wide stretch of moorland, which only took moments to cross. Half way through the bare landscape they both broke into a run, fueled by anticipation. We’re almost there!

“Here we are.” Copperclaw stopped abruptly at the quarries peak. Dawnmist reached foreword to gaze down at the camp. Far below lay a clearing, but darkness sheltered most of the dens. Sharp rocks could be seen jutting out of the quarry walls, but for the most part things seemed perfect.

“Is there a way to get down there?” She pondered, eyes sparkling with happiness. Bordering the bottom of their camp was a forest, where she could hear crickets chirping their nightly song.

Copperclaw nodded and lead them carefully down a pathway, but by the time they reached their new camp entrance they were both exhausted. The deputy glanced back at her tail often as if she was being bitten by flea’s second after second, while Dawnmist dragged her paws, still tired from their encounter with the badger.

“We should find a den to sleep in for the night. We can collect moss tomorrow and search for others.”

Copperclaw’s words were a relief as Dawnmist entered the clearing. Although she was amazed by the gorge, sleepiness tugged at her eyelids. Tomorrow they would have another adventure.

Wordlessly, Copperclaw began to head into one of the caves, positioned at the bottom of the gorge. The light-brown she-cat turned her head slightly to nod at Dawnmist, in both respect and satisfaction. “Goodnight.”

Dawnmist smiled in return. She waited till her friend had left before collapsing upon a jagged rock. Her silver pelt was bathed in moonlight as she gazed up at the stars. “Why are we here?” She wondered to herself, blinking back tiredness. So many questions whirled around in her mind; they were like a boulder weighing down her thoughts. “Please give me a sign StarClan…”

Her words were met with silence. Dawnmist let out a long sigh that echoed through the camp. “Goodnight world.” she whispered. As she drifted into slumber dreams began to form, one was so short it was only a simple word, yet it clung to her memory the most. Unite.

Now, that was good! Enjoy, BlogClan, and wait for Chapter Two (written by Owlsong)!

I loved these so much , I’m sharing them on a post. Gosh, BlogClan is producing some really imaginative and skilful work at the moment. From Cinderflame’s totally original horse-themed Warrior drawings to these beautiful sketches by Shinglewhiskers. (I spent many an hour as a kid drawing cats. I always had trouble with their noses, but Shinglewhiskers does them beautifully. EPIC as Vicky would say!)

Thank you! Loving you artwork, BlogClan!

Thank you for these

The first one is beautiful and the second made me chuckle. I sent it to Vicky (made her day!). She loves horses. Even as I type, I’m rewriting Warriors in my head with hooves. Horse battles? Not pretty! (Have you ever seen giraffes fight btw? Very strange)

Apologies: Because I originally named this post Fan Art, all the comments and clicks sent you to the Fan Art Page. I’ve learnt something new (well, almost learnt. I don’t quite understand. But I think I’ve fixed it.) Won’t make that mistake again.