Fanfiction Reference Works
This is a collection of AO3 works and other resources for creating fan works. (See also the Fanwork Research & Reference Guides tag.)
Some fandoms have wonderful on-line communities (e.g. The Harry Potter Lexicon and Marvel wikis) devoted to creating canon references. Many more do not, but fans still have created deeply thought out essays, maps, tables, histories, and other world building. Hopefully, you can find them here.
AO3 allows custom formatting using limited HTML and CSS (workskins). This collection has a number of formatting "how-to's" in addition to the AO3 docs below.
Note: Works added as bookmarks do not add their tags or fandoms to the collection. Please add your own works
(Open, Unmoderated)
Random works
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Summary
This is a tutorial/live example on how to make large images fit on mobile browsers but remain normal size on desktop browsers.
Series
- Part 18 of AO3 Work Skins/Tutorials
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Summary
This is a simple workskin that mimics a basic forum thread!
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Costume and Armour of the Peoples of Arda by Wordspin
Fandoms: The Lord of the Rings - J. R. R. Tolkien, The Hobbit - J. R. R. Tolkien, The Silmarillion and other histories of Middle-Earth - J. R. R. Tolkien
28 Nov 2016
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Summary
An in-depth look into the dress of the peoples of Arda.
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Meta on How to Write Realistic BDSM by pennypaperbrain
Fandoms: Sherlock Holmes & Related Fandoms
03 Jul 2013
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Summary
A meta on how to keep your BDSM fic physically and psychologically realistic. It isn't and can't be a complete guide, but hopefully you will find some useful tips here.
Thanks to havingbeenbreathedout for the beta!
Series
- Part 1 of Pennypaperbrain's metas
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Marvel Cinematic Universe Timeline by swanpride
Fandoms: Marvel Cinematic Universe, Agent Carter (TV), Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (TV), Daredevil (TV), Jessica Jones (TV)
19 May 2015
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The attempt to put the events in the MCU in a coherent timeline, with extensive notes concerning conflicting dates.
Random bookmarks
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Reference for Modao Zushi Writers: Chinese terms by chaoticjoy
Fandoms: 魔道祖师 - 墨香铜臭 | Módào Zǔshī - Mòxiāng Tóngxiù
07 Sep 2019
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Summary
This is to provide a reference for writers who are unfamiliar with Chinese literary conventions or terms used in canon. Hopefully someone will find this helpful.
Prompted by https://three--rings.tumblr.com/post/187301034228/things-the-mdzs-fandom-desperately-needs-if-they
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Summary
Bored with the default page dividers? This is a tutorial/live example on how customize your page dividers with no images needed (though I do show you how you could use images if you wanted to do such a thing).
Series
- Part 9 of AO3 Work Skins/Tutorials
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How to Mimic Letters, Fliers, and Stationery Without Using Images by La_Temperanza
Fandoms: No Fandom
27 Jul 2017
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Summary
This is a tutorial/live example on how to mimic the look of letters, fliers, and stationery (as well as other forms of written media) without using images. For all your epistolary fic needs.
Series
- Part 17 of AO3 Work Skins/Tutorials
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Alphas, Betas, Omegas: A Primer by norabombay
Fandoms: Sherlock (TV), Supernatural, Supernatural RPF, X-Men: First Class (2011) - Fandom, The Avengers (2012), Sherlock Holmes & Related Fandoms, Teen Wolf (TV), Thor (Movies), Hannibal (TV)
22 Sep 2015
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Summary
A brief primer on the concept of Alpha/Beta/Omega Universes: Also known as that trope suddenly showing up in your fandom that doesn't make any sense.
- Language:
- English
- Words:
- 9,689
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- 5/5
- Comments:
- 1,408
- Kudos:
- 9,622
- Bookmarks:
- 3,017
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- 428,426
Bookmarked by britishdisasters (thoseshadowsalmostkilled)
01 Apr 2021
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Bookmarker's Notes
Reference text