by Mayv 'SpearBourne' Amaia

Created on: April 13, 2010   Last Updated: September 21, 2011

For those of us who write fanfiction, our compositions allow us a way to fix a story line we don't like. It gives us a sense of control so we can give beloved characters the happiness we feel they deserve or a villain his just desserts.

It's also a way to bring characters together romantically.

But sometimes the characters we want to see involved come from two different worlds. They could be in two separate series or even different media (movies, television, books, et alia).

This is where the world of crossover pairings begins.

If you're new to writing crossover fanfiction in particular, or fanfiction in general, there are a few things to remember.

Keep it simple. If you want to bring a couple together, keep the setup uncomplicated. Don't have a convoluted series of events lead to the first meeting. On the other hand, a comedy of errors could have the pair just miss meeting until the very end of the chapter.

Consider their geography.

If their fictional worlds are only a few miles apart, or even in the same city, this makes it more likely their paths would cross. If, however, they live on opposite coasts, might one be on vacation and stumble into the life of the other? Perhaps they work in related fields and must collaborate to, say, solve a mystery. A criminal investigator, like a federal agent or police officer, might need the expertise of a doctor to diagnose and treat an inmate with vital information.

Keep the same tone throughout. If you start with an outlandish or comedic plot, don't suddenly switch gears and try to make your story an angst piece.

Provide a rating system to let your audience know for which age groups the story is suitable. Some fanfiction of a romantic nature can easily take an erotic turn, so a brief warning to your readers if your material is of a more adult nature is advisable.

Finally, if you're bringing a couple together in a series of crossover fanfiction, make sure they're compatible. While volatility and friction can form a basis for a long-term relationship, think about the characters and their personalities. Can you really see them together in the long run? Or are they more likely to have a brief, albeit passionate, fling that gives them a lasting connection?

The important thing to remember when writing fanfiction, of any genre or category, is to have some fun with it. Pick your characters wisely, be creative, and see where your story takes you.

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