Fan fiction is one of the most common forms of fan art. Amateur sequels of popular books, films and TV shows are sometimes not inferior to the original in fascination, but in some ways even surpass it.
One of the advantages of fanfiction is the lack of genre and stylistic restrictions. Authors are free to work in any direction: they are not constrained by the expected size of the publication, the need to give exposure and isolation, and clearly structure the text. Such freedom, combined with a reader’s request, led to the formation of an interesting sub-genre “fluff”.
What is a fluff?
The name of the direction comes from the English word fluff, which means "fluff", "fluff". This light, soft, gentle word indicates what kind of impressions readers want to read when reading fan fiction. The ability to create a warm, safe world on paper is especially appreciated by lovers of the genre, even if the story is written in a gloomy universe filled with battles (The Matrix, Star Wars, etc.).
Fluff is a sketch dedicated to the brightest and most pleasant feelings of the characters.
Typically, romantic feelings between the characters are described, but this is not necessary: participants in the events can be just good friends. The main thing is that their friendship is not overshadowed by any drama. Life is beautiful, and every day it only gets better - the main idea of such stories.
Key features of the genre
If for romance or drama it is permissible to omit the details of the world for the sake of a vivid story, then this will not work with a fluff. In good fluff fixation, the following elements will most likely be present:
- Description of items and actions. The hero does not just drink tea, he “admires the glare of the sun in a glass topped with steam”, “enjoys the rich raspberry aroma, squinting with pleasure”, etc. The abundance of details and images immerses you in the storytelling world.
- Warm relations between the characters, usually romatic. As a rule, the status of relations in the fluff does not change: the heroes begin and end with friends, lovers, etc. The main thing that the reader receives is the atmosphere that arises from their communication, which is always special and very important in personal terms.
- Hurt / comfort. Fluff often includes signs of this genre, the name of which can be roughly translated as "hurt / console." One character is experiencing moral discomfort, is very upset. The second calms him. Such dynamics creates the basis for the plot in short sketches and causes a feeling of comfort.
Fluff is also characterized by elements of a “curtain story”: this is a particularly narrow genre in which happy heroes are engaged in some household activities (for example, choosing curtains in the kitchen or making cookies).
This approach allows you to look into the relationship “from the inside”, without resorting to descriptions of high-profile love confessions, dramatic romantic gestures and bed scenes.
What should not be in fanfic fluff?
Classic fluff is one of the kindest fanfiction genres. To create a special cozy atmosphere, the following are excluded from it:
- Chases, fights, action.
- Dramatic events.
- The death of the characters.
- Deep love conflicts.
- Tragic plot twists.
- Violence, torture.
- Aggressive environment (prison, war, etc.).
With the proper level of skill, the author can try to adapt conflicting elements into his fluff story. But in general, it is believed that writing a good drama with elements of fluff is easier than convincing fluff with elements of drama.