What is "fanfiction"?

Fanfiction refers to the stories fans write based on existing works of fiction. Fanfic writers create and explore new stories and plots featuring their favorite characters and settings!

Welcome to the 2025 #StoCoFanfic Challenge

October 16 - October 31, 2025

Join us for a 100% free two-week-long writing challenge, complete with guidance on getting started with fanfiction, prompts, and fun resources!

Why write fanfiction?

➡️ The short answer? Because it's FUN!

➡️ The long answer? Because there are a ton of benefits for writers. 

  • Writers often forget that the most important person they should write for is themselves! Fanfiction is the perfect reminder that writing can, and should be, indulgent.
  • It's a great way to practice your writing craft. Make use of existing plots, settings, characters, and more, and reimagine those elements without starting from scratch.
  • Find a community, and even build an audience for your other writing, by using fanfic for friendship and creative networking!


Register now and join us in the #stoco-fanfic channel on Discord.

Sign up for #StoCoFanfic Challenge 2025

This is a 100% FREE challenge, but if you want to kick $5 our way as a thanks, every donated dollar is delegated to our scholarship fund.

Challenge Schedule

Here's an overview of the two-week challenge, and what you can expect

Days 1-2: Selecting a Fandom and Prepping Your Hype Materials

Think about which fandom you want to write for and prep your hype materials (playlists and moodboards!).

Unlocks October 16th

Day 3-4: Fanfiction Basics

Learn about where you can publish your fanfiction and how to make the most of these community platforms.  

Unlocks October 20

Days 5-6: Prompt #1

Time to write! Use this prompt to start writing. 

Unlocks October 20th

Days 7-8: Prompt #2

Incorporate prompt #2 into your work-in-progress OR write a new short fic inspired by it. 

Unlocks October 20th

Days 9-10: Prompt #3

Use prompt #3 to guide your writing.

Unlocks October 20th

Days 11-12: Prompt #4

Use prompt #4 to guide your writing.

Unlocks October 20th

Days 13: Editing and Cover Design

Time to edit your fanfic and prepare to publish! Take some time to polish up that writing, and complete an activity to design a cover for your fic. 

Unlocks October 27th

Day 14: Wrap-up and Extra Resources

Prepare to publish! Then, we'll all share and celebrate!

Unlocks October 31

About the Instructor

This creative challenge was designed and developed by comic book creator, and mega nerd, Kayla Cline

Kayla Cline

Kayla Cline is a graphic novelist and illustrator based on the East Coast. In addition to working for Explosm (Cyanide & Happiness) as a marketing specialist, she's a prolific comic creator and artist. Kayla is the co-writer and illustrator of The Rite of Rumble, which recently raised over 600% of its funding goal on IndieGogo. She has illustrated for Hit Point Press, Wizards of the Coast, and for many other community driven tabletop roleplaying products. Her work is featured in the comics anthology Insider Art. She can be found recording her podcast Spooky Scouts, designing clothing for the brand We Crowing Hens, or just coming up with new creative ways to connect with communities. Learn more at KaylaCline.com.

Join the Storytelling Collective Discord

Join the #StoCoFanfic channel in our Discord and meet your fellow fanfic writers!

Share work, get feedback, and support others.
Join the Discord server
Two women with dark hair sit on either side of a large typewriter. They each write in a notebook, and speech bubbles float above their heads.

#StoCoFanfic Challenge kicks off on October 1, 2025

Register now to join the challenge as soon as it begins

Register for free