I used to think fan fiction was reserved only for fans of a certain work. But as an author, I’ve found that even with my own stories, when I hit writer’s block or lose motivation, it can be fun to explore alternate timelines and what-ifs.
New characters and even ideas for full-length novels have sprung from writing fan fiction of my own work and exploring alternate realities.
It gives me the freedom to test ideas, relationships, and scenarios I might never publish or let see the light of day. There’s no pressure for everything to fit perfectly into canon.
Ironically, some of those experiments have helped me strengthen scenes that do make it into canon.
Sometimes stepping outside the story is what helps me find my way back into it.