I do find fanfic generally easier in terms of a predetermined world. At first I was apprehensive about characterization - keeping in character had never meant referring to an outside source before. But that's where the community came in, because seeing their praise and especially specific comments on the characterization was the most effective reassurance that my instincts were on track. Then just like with original characters, the more you write them the easier it gets.
And I've definitely noticed your point about short stories - I've found myself actually able to write shorter pieces, mainly because I don't have to provide explanation. In that sense it's a lot like the writing I was doing about my own characters - vignettes within a framework. I'm hopeful that the practice might help with figuring out how to write shorter original stuff.
It's also been good for letting me work more on the writing side of things, with less focus demanded for character and plot. I wrote a pair of 400 word snapshots with much more of a flash fiction / poetic essay / no actual action feel, focusing heavily on the tone, language, rhythm and received compliments directed at precisely those aspects. That's what makes me say "testing grounds." Let me try to write something quiet and beautiful and see if they say it's quiet and beautiful. Let me try to write something with an undercurrent of movement from start to finish and see if they comment on the rhythm and flow. It helps that I've picked a sharp little corner of fandom. I plan to try a piece with a little more humor next.
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And I've definitely noticed your point about short stories - I've found myself actually able to write shorter pieces, mainly because I don't have to provide explanation. In that sense it's a lot like the writing I was doing about my own characters - vignettes within a framework. I'm hopeful that the practice might help with figuring out how to write shorter original stuff.
It's also been good for letting me work more on the writing side of things, with less focus demanded for character and plot. I wrote a pair of 400 word snapshots with much more of a flash fiction / poetic essay / no actual action feel, focusing heavily on the tone, language, rhythm and received compliments directed at precisely those aspects. That's what makes me say "testing grounds." Let me try to write something quiet and beautiful and see if they say it's quiet and beautiful. Let me try to write something with an undercurrent of movement from start to finish and see if they comment on the rhythm and flow. It helps that I've picked a sharp little corner of fandom. I plan to try a piece with a little more humor next.