Paul watched for alien traces: saucers in the sky, hands with swords reaching from the water, giants emerging from a cloud-castle. Thus, he was the first to see two humanoid shapes approaching from the meadow. A shock of fear went through him, but it melted away when one of the figures hoisted a guitar.

 "We are not alone," John intoned solemnly, raising his guitar in reply.

 --Aviva Rothschild, With Strings Attached

The preceding passage is not typical of the news Beatlefan reports, but it exemplifies another form of the Beatles hobby: fan fiction.  Although forms of fanfic have existed for many years, the growth of the Internet has enabled writers to express their enthusiasm for the band on a larger scale.  Some hard-core collectors may find the world of fan fiction puzzling, but fanfic writers and readers insist that this form of Beatles-worship is here to stay.  This belief is strengthened by the fact that this year, for the first time, Beatlefest sponsored fan fiction panels in New York and Chicago.  According to Susan Ryan, publisher and editor-in-chief of Rooftop Sessions, a fan fiction meta-site, these writers are “devoted fans who are capable of entering into musical debates, and the folks who attend Beatlefest with the same fervor as anyone else…it’s just that they choose to express their love for the Beatles in this manner.”

Although no definitive history on the development of fan fiction exists, its beginnings are commonly traced to 1960s-era television shows such as Star Trek.  Fans of the show began creating their own stories utilizing the characters but devising their own plots.  Before the Internet, these stories (ranging from short stories to novels) were published and distributed through fanzines (independent, photocopied magazines with a smaller readership).  According to Henry Jenkins, author of Textual Poachers, writing these stories gave Star Trek fans a sense of community and ownership of the show.  Fan fiction soon expanded to other programs such as Quantum Leap, Xena: Warrior Princess, or Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and movies such as Star Wars.  No matter the subject, fan fiction had one element in common: the stories concerned fictional characters.  The advent of Beatles fanfic, however, added a new dimension to the field: fictional stories about real people; or, as Susan Ryan terms it, “believable make-believe.”

Susan Ryan estimates that Beatles fan fiction began surfacing in the 70s, although it was known then as “Beatles stories.”  Written by second-generation fans, these stories were written longhand in notebooks and passed around within a close circle of friends.  Many writers felt they were the only ones writing Beatles fiction—until the Internet.

When the Internet exploded in the 1990s, more writers decided to post their stories on the web.  Web pages were easy to design, and many free hosting sites existed throughout cyberspace.  In addition, chat rooms and listserves made it possible for writers to network and critique each other’s stories.  Now writers have banded together in virtual communities such as web rings, and the average reader of fanfic can find stories anywhere on the net: when entering “Beatles fan fiction” in the Google search engine, one may find over 35,000 hits.  The prevalence of the web changed the way writers composed and readers read the stories.   “Putting a story on the web is a great way to get feedback on a piece that needs work, and the web does a wonderful job of bringing the Beatle fanfic community closer together, which tends to be even more cause for inspiration,” said Megan Kline, writer of the Planet McCartney series.  Fan fiction also exists on the big and small screen; James Ryan, writer of alternate history stories such as “I Read the News Today” and “Carry That Weight,” points out that the 1970’s film I Wanna Hold Your Hand and the recent teleplay Two of Us are essentially works of fiction based on some facts, a perfect definition of fanfic.

Fan fiction writers range in ages from 19 to 50, are beginners or have written for over 30 years, and are not necessarily writers by profession.  One of the biggest myths about fanfic writers, Susan Ryan stated, is that the stories are “sexual fantasies of horny teenagers or frustrated housewives.”  Romance is indeed a popular genre, but fanfic spans other forms such as science fiction, fantasy, comedy, alternate history, horror, and erotica.  Although 90 percent of fan fiction is written by women (Jenkins 191), some men have also emerged as authors.  James Ryan expressed surprise at being one of the few male writers in the field.  “The Beatles was a quintessential rock act, which means they were involved with lots of sex, drugs and pure ego rushes and more elements to stroke a man’s pleasure centers than a Cameron Crowe movie,” he said. 

In any case, some first and second-generation fans decided to pick up their pens to express their enthusiasm for the group in a unique way.  “Generally, I think it’s a way for people who are more comfortable expressing themselves by writing to feel closer to their heroes, and to express their feelings,” Susan Ryan explained. Science fiction and fantasy writer Sandra M. Ulbrich, author of “The Movement You Need” and “Move Over Ms. L,” writes for personal reasons: “writing fanfic is a way for me to pay tribute to the inspiration [The Beatles] gave me,” she said.  Other authors view fan fiction as an escape for both writers and readers.  Cheryl Mortensen, author of multi-genre works such as “Fairy Tales” and “The Lady in White,” stated that although some may view fanfic as trivial, “it’s fun, an escape from day-to-day reality, and sometimes an escape is a necessary part of life.  If I chose to escape for 20 minutes by reading or writing fanfic, that’s my choice to do so.  Judging by the number of hits on the Rooftop Sessions site, other people feel the same.”

What does it take to become a Beatles fan fiction writer?  According to many authors, there are seven steps.  First, consider the plot: how can it differ from the other 35,000 pages currently on the web?  Tina Kukla, author of the comedy/romances “The Beatles: Live at 12 Cold Creek Street” and “Days in the Life,” states that writers should try to include twists in conventional plots.  “The storyline itself can be a familiar one--for example, the Beatles meet a fan and one of the Fabs falls in love with her,” Kukla said, “but authors have to put their own spin on the story to make it fresh and original so readers won’t be bored.” Aviva Rothschild, author of the science fiction/fantasy novel With Strings Attached, added “a good story explores something different about the Fabs—one that increases your understanding of them as individuals.” 

Second, knowledge of grammar is essential; readers will not be patient with spelling and other errors that mar the story.  Next, read books in general.  “Don’t stay in one genre; read classics as well as modern stuff,” said Rothschild. “Learn what makes a story and what makes it good.”  In addition, research widely; if the story takes place in the 1960s, know what appliances did and did not exist.  “If you’re unsure if a drive-through McDonalds existed in Manhattan when the lads were there in 1964, then for God’s sake check it out, don’t just throw it into the story!” said Mortensen. 

Fifth, know the Beatles themselves—since the band members have been well-documented in print, readers know their personalities.  Mary Spollen, romance writer and author of the “Shelly Series,” recommends studying their movies and other videos to capture their characteristics in print.  “Listen to various interviews to become acquainted with how they talk.  Watch videos to learn the body language.  By doing all of this in advance, a writer can almost capture that Beatle’s soul in print and make him and the story believable.”  However, mastering the Liverpool accent in print can be a challenge.   “Keep in mind a Liverpool accent and upbringing without making it an over-the-top caricature,” advised Bonnie Mullen, author of erotica such as “A Dark and Snowy Nite” and “Mistress and Maid.”

Researching the Beatles themselves brings up an issue particular to Beatles fan fiction: the fact that one is writing about real people and possibly their families, who may actually read the stories.  Therefore writers stress the importance of respecting the real-life “characters” in their tales.  Susan Ryan stresses that Rooftop Sessions will not accept any stories that may defame any member of the Beatles or their circle, such as “slash” stories (see glossary).  Lisha Goldberg, author of comedic stories such as “Terminal Attraction” and inspirational tales such as “The Writing’s on the Wall” warns beginning writers not to forget that the Beatles are real people and to avoid offending anyone at all costs.  “How do you know what might offend them?  Research is one way.  Common sense is another.  If you’re not sure whether a particular scenario is offensive, ask yourself how you would feel if a total stranger wrote about you in that particular situation.”

After drafting the story, find someone to critique it before publication. Goldberg recommends joining writing groups, finding a mentor, or asking the local librarian about fiction writing groups.   Learning to take criticism, Rothschild also believes, is the most important aspect of becoming a writer.  Next—and fanfic authors stress this point most of all—avoid plagiarism.  Unfortunately stories can be easily stolen over the Internet. Plagiarism, writers warn, is illegal and disrespectful. Another legal issue concerning fan fiction involves whether writers can be sued for copyright infringement.  According to Susan Ryan, it is legal to comment on the Beatles’s public personae, but a writer can be sued for defamation of character or libel if he or she misrepresents a band member (making Paul into a serial killer, for example).  Susan maintains that the remaining Beatles and Yoko probably know about fan fiction, but if the stories do not call undue attention to themselves, they are tolerated.

Finally, at the publication stage, the writer must consider how to attract readers to the story.  Tina Kukla, author of the comedy/romances “The Beatles: Live at 12 Cold Creek Street” and “Days in the Life” advises networking.  “Join webrings, submit your page to links lists and search engines.  Be sure to get the word out about your work so you get readers.” After completing these steps, the writer may post his or her work for readers to enjoy.  “Whether you post a story to a list or put it on a website, the hardest part is clicking ‘Send,’” said Leslie Wylie, author of the romance stories “Incident on Cavendish Avenue” and “Full Circle.”  “The people who will read it are looking for fanfic and will appreciate the effort.” 

Susan Ryan stated that although the genres have not changed since the 1970s, the “Martin Luther Lennon” story has appeared on the web more frequently in recent years. Young writers who were not born before he died have learned about him only through print, which often portrays him as a saint.  “Unfortunately, because he’s dead, the legend has taken on a greater importance than the life, which is a pity,” Susan said.  “There is so much more that a writer can build upon.”  Rooftop Sessions will not accept any “Martin Luther Lennon” story, she added.

Although authors are aware that some consider fan fiction a less serious form of Beatles collecting and general fandom, they want to express that writers take their craft seriously and consider it a legitimate art.  “Are the writers really much at variance from the other fans who channel their art?” asks James Ryan.  “How is a writer using the Beatles as subjects any different from the painter who paints them?  How is the writer trying to capture John’s voice on paper that different from the musician trying to capture John’s sound when performing his work?” 

Despite their critics, writers maintain that this form of fandom can only grow in creativity and popularity. However, Susan Ryan predicts that the historical genre will become more popular, since the group broke up over 30 years ago.  “They are definitely a piece of history now, and thus lend themselves more readily to historical applications in stories,” she said.   Other writers believe that the electronic format lends itself to greater possibilities for creativity.  “The electronic market gives writes more of a chance to grow and express themselves,” said Spollen.  “In many ways it is a new and exciting frontier waiting to be explored.”

Most importantly, writers say, fan fiction is a form of expression and fandom that will never disappear.  “As long as people with an artistic bent are drawn as fans, whether to a rock band or a TV show, there will be writers among those fans who will express their feelings through their fiction,” said James Ryan.  Because Beatles fans tend to possess a particular creativity, he believes, even more writers will continue expressing their love of the band through prose and poetry for years to come. 

***          

Sidebars:

Where can I find fanfic links?

The following pages are good places to find links to quality Beatles fan fiction:

Sunday Night at the Palladium: http://members.tripod.com/lyrical_ladybug/index.htm

Rooftop Sessions: www.rooftopsessions.com

Beatles Fan Fiction @ beatlefans.com: http://www.beatlefans.com/fiction.htm

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Essential Fanfic Terms: A Glossary

Ever come across acronyms and terms you’ve never seen before?  Here is a quick guide to some frequently used terms in the fanfic realm:

Alternate History (AltHis): Usually a story using historical facts but using a “what if’ motif (what if World War II never happened?  What if Germany won?) or mixing in science fiction.

Alternate Universe (A/U): According to scholar Henry Jenkins, the author creates his/her own histories or futures for the characters, thereby “expanding textual boundaries.”  The writer therefore designs another world differing from everyday life. (Jenkins, Henry.  Textual Poachers.  New York: Routledge, 1992.  176.)

Beta-reader: A proofreader who looks at the author’s story and critiques it before publication.  The CFAN site (http://www.subreality.com/cfan/terms.htm) postulates that the term comes from the software term "betatesting."

Challenge fic: Any story written as the result of a challenge, or one writer challenging another to write a story featuring a particular plot

Crossover: A story that combines two areas of fandom (e.g. Beatles and Star Wars)

Gutter: sexually explicit stories (similar to erotica)

Slash (/): Usually written by women, the story involves characters having homosexual relationships.  Not all fanfic sites allow these stories, and they are usually marked as “adult material.”

This article first appeared in Issue #133 of Beatlefan Magazine and is reprinted courtesy of William P. King, Editor, and The Goody Press.

For further information about Beatlefan, or for subscription information, go to their website: www.beatlefan.com