I chose this picture because I visualize the writing and creativity of fan fiction. Even though it is online, they are still writing. And they are changing the different aspects of the story to fit their own ideals.
As we try to understand fan fiction, we see that it goes all the way back to the 1930s pulp magazine, Fanzines, and in the late 60s during the popularity of Star Trek. I like how Black described fan fiction as "an element of pop culture that is ever growing in popularity as new technologies enable native and non-native speaking fans from all over the globe to meet online to share, critique, and build upon each others' fiction". There are thousands of sites now dedicated to fan fiction writing, where people can borrow ideas from many sources. As fan fiction, "fanfic", has gained more momentum, there has been more academic attention placed on it. I like Harry Jenkins response that "not everything that kids learn from pop culture is bad for them: some of the best writing instruction takes place outside the classroom". I believe sometimes students feel like they can be more creative outside of the classroom because they do not have guidelines to go by. We must allow our students to be creative in their writing.
"What fan fiction offers to these young writers is a great, existing storyline; interesting, three-dimensional characters that have already been developed; and a wealth of back story to both pull from and write about. The inexperienced author doesn't have to spend all his or her time developing something original, but instead can focus on the actual skill of writing. It allows young authors to practice their craft without expending huge amounts of time and energy developing something "original". As they build their "writing muscles", their writing improves and they tend to stray farther and farther from the source material". I felt like this was a powerful quote because I do believe students spend a lot of time coming up with an idea and less time actually writing. I would like for my students in kindergarten to put new twists/endings on fairytales or a favorite story that we read together that they may like. Their ideas are already flowing so why not let them write about it.
This chapter's focus is on a case study of two adolescent females, Tiana and Jandalf who met online and have been collaboratively creating fan fiction for over a year. The author explores the possibilities and benefits of fan fiction from observations of these two girls. I like how Jandalf describes her writing by saying "the best way for me to do that was to basically make her me". As the character progresses through the story, I tell of my own common personal frustrations with small distractions, sudden realizations of the situation, and my insecurities as an artist". I feel like students express themselves and their lives in their writing. It is a way to express their feelings when they may not be able to verbally because they worry about criticism.
We need to recognize the value of writing fan fiction and use texts from pop culture. "Participating in pop culture may help kids to master traditional literacy skills". Marsh and Miller (2000) that teachers are quick to judge pop culture harshly. We must take notice of the pleasure, motivation, and enjoyment of children and young people as they engage and take part in various activities through pop culture. The chapter concludes that Tiana and Jandalf mastered skills that exceed traditional literacy and go beyond the "skill". They "negotiate the affordances of the internet and exploit themselves to their fullest extent, to collaboratively construct rich narrative worlds and deeply satisfying friendships. They work through their adolescent angst using their fictional characters as a safe means for both confronting and distancing themselves from painful experiences". This is a way for children/youth to step out of reality into another world that they, themselves, have created.
Shannon, I agree with you about how students often spend more time trying to decide what to write than actually writing. I feel like this is comparable to drawing a picture. It can be difficult to think of what to draw in order to get to coloring, which is the fun part. Fan fiction allows students to immediately begin coloring in their writing by expanding on their favorite stories and characters. :)
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