Special thanks to everyone on the NaNoWriMo website who helped me out with this!
When people say that they want to be famous, a lot of times, they just want validation. For writers, validation means getting published. But then what? Do you want your novel to just sit there? Of course not.
I have noticed over the years that books can skyrocket to stratospheric profits, but within a year or two of their release, no one cares anymore. Some books, however, seem to stick around long after they are no longer produced in print by the publishing companies.
So what’s the difference?
Easy: An active fanbase.
Activity among fans covers a spectrum of things. Fanart, Fanfiction, conversations, debates, etc. And the level of activity isn’t always directly proportionate to how good a book is. On the NaNoWriMo website (which I very actively participate on) there is a forum for different fandoms and followings. These range from the very popular to the very obscure, but it’s all about reaching out and connecting with others who like the same things as they. I have been puzzled time and time again how the fan thread for huge, internationally bestselling books like The Ranger’s Apprentice are not nearly as active as the thread for Les Miserables, the book. Not that there’s anything wrong with either of them--they both have a spot on my list of favorites. So what causes the drastic difference in fan activity?
For the most part, it’s things to discuss.
For most writers of contemporary fiction, sorry. Your fanbases usually aren’t as active. That doesn’t mean that your book is bad or won’t do well; it means that your genre generally doesn’t have a lot to talk about.
Fantasy, YA, post-apocalyptic, science fiction, now we’re cooking with gas. See, the thing that these genres have going for them is the level of worldbuilding. The better the worldbuilding, the more the fan activity.
Take Grandaddy Tolkien's books for example. How many people have attempted to learn elvish, cram every iota of Hobbit History in their heads, or memorized the names, personalities, birthdates, zodiacs, and favorite dessert of every major and minor character in the book? No judgement from here: I’ve done all that and more with some other books. But the real point is why it’s so fascinating to learn about. The mere existence of such worldbuilding invites people to learn more about it. When people learn about it, they spread the word. And when people spread the word, more people want to learn about it. So the cycle continues forever and ever, amen.
Now, this isn’t to say that you have to spend a decade fleshing out every little detail. I personally hate worldbuilding. I’d much rather work on having an airtight plot with no logical fallacies or deus ex machina. However, in the interest of creating a solid basis for a fan community, there must exist a balance between story and world.
Of course, there are other ways in which to spur this discussion. And there are ways to ‘cheat’ the system. For example, having any type of Hogwarts House, Divergent Faction, Camp Half-Blood Cabin deal will result in the creation of tests to determine where the reader would fit (In case you were wondering, Slytherin, Candor, and Athena, respectively). It’s just fun to put ourselves into the world that way, and then connect with others who share similar traits as you. In this way, the groups become analogous for communities. Not a day goes by that I don’t see some sort of Hufflepuff pride thing. However, unless these groups are an integral part of your story, don’t put them in. If you just add it to gain a following, people will notice (On that note, if you do make houses of sorts, please add diversity within the group. Don’t make all the Gryffindors brave, cocky and arrogant and all the Slytherins clever, manipulative, and evil).
Another, less favorable path is the love triangle, or something to do with picking a romantic partner. I don’t know what it is about people, but they love to root for their favorites. Maybe in their heads it’s similar to supporting a football team. *Hides team Xander shirt*
Still, this method feels more contrived.
In my personal experience (and not so humble opinion) the best books are the ones that leave me wondering. Andrew Stanton, in a wonderful TED Talk linked here, describes how the best stories instill you with a sense of wonder. And that’s true. While listening to him speak, I thought about all of the movies (since that’s what he was specifically talking about) that left me wondering. Once again, they are the consistently the movies with not only an intriguing plot, but an intriguing world. Movies like The Giver, with a solid story basis, but interesting worldbuilding and concepts was brought to life in such a way that I felt power from watching the movie. I wanted to do something. I wanted to share ideas with the world. I wanted to make a difference.
Ender’s Game had a similar effect. I read the book five times before seeing the movie, but the movie itself had the power to fuel the next four years of my writing life, and here I am now. I was enchanted by the battle room, by the simulators, by the conflict and the inherent interestingness of the world in which the movie was set.
So what specifically in worldbuilding triggers that fanbase activity everyone craves? The short answer: I have no idea. Because no one does. Just like no one knows what books will sell, no one knows how active a fan base will be until the plan is set in motion. I’ll restate that the activity of a fanbase has little to do with how good a book is.
However, there are ways to increase the ability to reel in fans and keep them there.
1. Shipping
This one is difficult for me, because I feel like the only ships that ever take off are with huge books. But still, sometimes a ship can drive a series (*Ahem* Team Xander). Try to create interesting characters with conflicts that prohibit a proper relationship so people will be screaming for them to kiss and cheering when they actually do.
2. Tons of Minute details about the world
Brandon Sanderson’s The Way of Kings is insanely detailed. From the little magical creatures known as spren (that we still don’t understand because the Branderson is mean) to the mysterious honorblades, there is so much stuff that isn’t even relevant to the plot at hand. It’s just in there. So much of it. It’s fun to challenge people to trivia. Like With Harry Potter, knowing the most spells is a high honor. It’s all about putting stuff out there to be learned on and memorized. (Plus it makes your setting a lot richer)
3. Moral Quandaries
My good friend suggested this one. Having ethical debates and dilemmas in your book will be a huge turn on to readers. People want to fight about stuff. Give two or three equally right or wrong sides to an argument and you’ve got debate for centuries.
4. Fanfiction Starters
As you’re writing your book, try to deliberately put in things like big decisions, points of conflict, etc. that will load the plate with fanfiction prompts. Speaking as a fanfic writer, any and all opportunity for an AU can and will be taken. Putting those deliberately in your story will increase the chance that other aspiring writers will be inspired by the two magical words: What If.
5. Rich Scenes And Fleshy Characters
Never underestimate the power of fan art. I can’t number how many fandoms I’ve joined because I’ve seen a particularly beautiful piece of art and wanted to know what inspired such majesty. Writing with all the colors of the wind will give fanartists the fuel to their fires. (Bonus: If people do draw stuff for your book, compliment it. Seek it out and praise it, even if it’s just ‘I’m so honored you took the time to do this for me’. Fan artists love that sort of stuff)
6. The Element of Wonder
The Selection by Kiera Cass is my guilty pleasure. I am selective about my literature (*cough*book snob*cough*) but this series took me in completely. Why? I’m a sucker for catty girls and pretty dresses. And rags to riches is my kryptonite. I loved being able to experience the magic of the palace, even if I didn’t like America very much. That element of wonder was key to getting me into the story, and it’s key for any story to attract readership and attention.
7. Activity Within The Fanbase
This ship ain’t gonna drive itself. You have to take the reigns. If you have the time, try to look at what people are doing and saying about your book. Read some fanfics. Comment on some fan art. Reply to people’s comments and reviews on your facebook page. Retweet a fan’s tweet. 100% guaranteed it will make their day, and your generosity will not be forgotten. This will make people all the more eager to participate within your fandom.
This post should not be taken as hard fact. This is based from mine and others’ experience in being in a fandom. The things that intrigue my friends and I about books. Maybe it’s different for you. Whichever road to Rome you take, just keep in mind that the people who read your books want to share with the world what they love: So give them something to love.
