fic

Fic is short for fan fiction, a genre of writing created by fans that reuses characters, settings, or plot elements from an existing work. Fics are produced for entertainment, exploration, or practice and are typically shared within fan communities and archives.

Fan fiction spans media, including books, film, television, video games, and comics. Writers often tag their fics with information about pairings, genres, and content warnings to help readers find stories that suit their interests.

Common terms include AU (alternate universe), canon (official source material), fanon (unofficial shared assumptions), ships (romantic pairings), and OC (original character). Works range from one-shots to long multi-chapter narratives.

Online platforms such as Archive of Our Own (AO3) and FanFiction.net host large fic communities. Fics are usually non-commercial, though some authors self-publish. Many communities emphasize tagging, consent in representation, and constructive feedback through reviews.

Legal and ethical considerations center on copyright and transformative use. Fics generally rely on fair use or permission from rights holders, but platform policies vary, and authors may be asked to remove works despite fan support.

Impact and reception: Fan fiction has influenced mainstream publishing and media; some celebrated works began as fan fiction, such as Fifty Shades of Grey, which originated as Twilight fan fiction. Critics note variable quality, while supporters cite creativity and community.