Bustle
Welcome to Fan Fiction Week
Like sex, fan fiction sells. Don’t believe us? Take a look at popular classics like The Odyssey or modern phenomena like The Love Hypothesis. Many of our favorite stories are often inspired by, based upon, or serve as an outright homage to others that came before them. And although not everything that pays tribute to another great piece of art could technically be considered fanfic, you will find its spirit woven into the fabric of many of our biggest pop-culture obsessions.
At Bustle and Inverse, we love exploring the most fascinating corners of entertainment, and fan fiction has always piqued our curiosity for the roller-coaster set of emotions it can evoke: After all, the very best fanfic will make your heart race, or elicit a chuckle, or make you blush (or all three!). Over the next few days, we’re teaming up to dive into the all-consuming Heated Rivalry fic boom, how Star Trek created fanfic as we know it, the story behind the Star Wars fic that created The Love Hypothesis, how fans got their own sex education via the spiciest fics, and much more.
You’ll see that you’re absolutely not alone in your obsession — we’re just as fascinated as you are! If there’s anything we’ve learned from writing, editing, and researching this special issue, it’s that, like you, we can never get enough of fan fiction.
— Gabrielle Bondi, Entertainment Editor, Bustle
— Ryan Britt, Features Editor, Inverse
'Heated Rivalry' Is Ushering In A New Era Of Fan Fiction
The hit hockey romance has a secret ingredient that the fanfic community can't get enough of.
Chris Colfer Is Honored To Be A Part Of Your Fan Fiction
The actor and author gets real about going from writing fanfic to becoming the subject — and shares his thoughts on a Glee reboot.
I Owe Everything I Know About Sex To Fan Fiction
Five readers share their stories about how fanfics taught them all about intimacy and identity.
Quinn’s Audio Stories Are Totally Like Fan Fiction
It’s RPF, but your crush gets paid.
How Star Trek Created Fanfic As We Know It
For Fan Fiction week, Inverse is taking a look at the fandom that made the rules of fanfic: Star Trek.
Andy Weir Loves Your 'Project Hail Mary' Fanfic
Andy Weir talks to Inverse about his origins as a fan fic writer, how he wrote a prequel to 'Ready Player One,' his various fanfic pitches, and why he supports 'Project Hail Mary' fanfic all the way.
A Brief, 2,770-Year History Of Fan Fiction
Today, fan fiction exists in legal spirtual grey areas. But was it always like this? Let's look at a very brief history of fan fiction.
How the Most Controversial Star Wars FanFic Created 'The Love Hypothesis'
The fan fic around Rey and Kylo Ren made the twenty-teens very interesting. Now, its the basis for 'The Love Hypothesis.' Let's get into it.
Read More
5 Spicy Friends-To-Lovers Books ‘Nobody Wants This’ Fans Will Swoon Over
These dreamy novels are all about the moment platonic becomes romantic.
How Duncan Sheik’s Final Musical Is Carrying His Legacy Forward
Director Rob Ashford and star Sophia Anne Caruso reflect on bringing the artist’s final project, Memoirs of Amorous Gentlemen, to the stage after his death.
'One Nightstand' with Sophia Bush
The actor and activist, who’s just released a new memoir, shares four books that have shaped her worldview, including works by Gloria Steinem and Cheryl Strayed.
Bethany Joy Lenz's Quiet Rebellion
The former One Tree Hill star opens up about her new novel.
After ‘Sense And Sensibility,’ These 5 Spicy Romances Should Be Next On Your TBR
From reformed rakes to vexing viscounts, steamy stories abound!
The ‘Fourth Wing’ Show Has Its Leads & BookTok Called One Of Them
The viral romantasy series about rival dragon-riders is taking flight.
'One Nightstand' with Daisy Edgar-Jones
The Sense & Sensibility star’s favorite books are a celebration of finding your people, embracing your quirks, and embracing life’s smaller moments.
