Power Up Your Fanfic: Level 1 Writing Tips
Writing your first Dragon Ball fanfiction can feel like a daunting task, but it’s also an exciting opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of your favorite characters while expressing your creativity. This guide will walk you through the basics of writing your very first Dragon Ball story, helping you build confidence as you begin your writing journey. Let’s get started!
1. Pick a Simple Story Idea
When you’re just starting, it’s important to choose a simple, clear story idea. You don’t need to write an epic saga right away! Start small. Perhaps you want to focus on a character like Goku training with Vegeta, or maybe a what-if scenario where someone like Yamcha becomes the hero instead of Goku. Your story doesn’t have to be complicated—think about a fun, achievable plot that excites you. Once you have that, you can always build more on it later.
2. Stay True to the Characters
One of the most important aspects of writing Dragon Ball fanfiction is keeping the characters true to their original personalities. Goku is brave and carefree, Vegeta is prideful, and Piccolo is thoughtful and wise. Think about how your characters would react to the situations you place them in—keeping their core traits in mind will make your story feel more authentic. If you want to explore alternate realities or “what-if” situations, make sure the changes are clear and reasonable within the Dragon Ball world.
3. Start with a Strong Opening
Your opening should capture the reader’s attention immediately. Start with an action, an interesting conversation, or a compelling question. For example, if your story focuses on a new training session, you could begin with Goku challenging Vegeta to a sparring match. Setting the tone early helps your readers get invested in the story right from the first paragraph.
4. Keep Dialogue Natural
Dragon Ball characters are known for their unique voices and lively conversations. Focus on making your dialogue sound natural—avoid making characters speak too formally or unnaturally. Instead, focus on how the characters would talk in real situations. For example, Goku might say, “Let’s do this, Vegeta!” while Vegeta might respond with, “You’ll regret that, Kakarot!” Try reading the dialogue out loud to see if it sounds like something the characters would actually say.
5. Build the World Around Your Characters
While Dragon Ball is known for its action-packed fight scenes, the world-building aspect is also crucial. Think about where your story takes place—whether it’s the Capsule Corp building, the World Martial Arts Tournament, or a new planet. Use descriptive language to paint a picture of the setting, but don’t overdo it. Focus on important details that help immerse the reader in the world. For instance, you might describe the setting sun on Earth or the bright, intense colors of a new planet.
6. Write Your First Draft Without Worrying About Perfection
When you start writing, focus on getting the story down rather than worrying about perfection. Don’t stress over perfect sentences or flawless spelling just yet—just let your ideas flow onto the page. The first draft is for you to explore the story, and you can always revise and refine it later. Write with confidence and don’t be afraid to make mistakes or change things as you go.
7. Revise and Improve
Once you’ve completed your first draft, go back and read through it. Look for places where the pacing could be better, where the dialogue could sound more natural, or where the characters need more depth. Editing is where the magic happens. Maybe you’ll find areas where you want to add more description or improve the flow of a scene. Don’t be afraid to make changes—this is part of the writing process!
8. Share Your Work and Get Feedback
After you’ve revised your story, consider sharing it on fanfiction platforms like FanFiction.net or Archive of Our Own (AO3), or with friends who are also Dragon Ball fans. Feedback is essential to improving your writing. Don’t be discouraged by criticism—use it to grow and refine your skills. Positive comments will keep you motivated and help you see what readers enjoy in your work.
Conclusion
Writing Dragon Ball fanfiction is a fun and creative way to engage with the world of Dragon Ball. By keeping your story simple, staying true to the characters, and focusing on making each scene work, you can craft a compelling and enjoyable narrative. Remember that writing is a journey—take your time, experiment, and enjoy the process. With practice, you’ll grow as a writer and might even discover new stories and characters that excite you even more. Happy writing!
