Post by Funk Oni on Sept 24, 2006 1:02:07 GMT -5
Hey everybody. I think this pretty much speaks for itself. I know I always ask for feedback on RoV and typically get little, but I could definitely.
Definitely.
Definitely. Use feedback on this. I want to keep it evolving.
Avatar: A Guide for Fanfic Authors
Hey there everybody. I’ve spent the last few months writing fanfiction for Avatar, and in the course of it I’ve become familiar with just how wild some fanfics can be. I also noticed that while some of these fanfics tend to be absurd, the criticism of them does little to help.
In order to try and help some authors improve, I’ve decided to try writing this guide for fanfiction writers.
Note: I suspect that in the course of writing this, it will only be beneficial to fanfictions pertaining to “Avatar: the Last Airbender.”
But first, I feel I should answer a question that I suspect a few of you are asking by now:
“Who is this guy to tell my anything about writing?”
My Credentials:
I have none. I’m a college student who writes fanfiction. There is no reason for you to be listening to me, unless you agree to some point I make.
You’re a writer. You write what you’re comfortable with, what makes you happy. I’m just hoping to try to point some stuff out that I think will help to make fanfiction more agreeable.
On the subject of writing that which makes you comfortable; the intention of this guide is in no way, shape or form to tell people how they should be writing. I encourage creativity and new approaches, and some people prefer to take a few steps further outside of canon than I would. More power to them, especially if they execute it well.
This guide will be updated constantly as I’m given new ideas and sections to add. I do not advise reading through the entire guide, it’s over twenty pages long. My personal advice is to search through the guide for the sections that you feel will be of use to you.
With that said, let’s move on!
Section One: Critiquing[/u]
Flaming does nothing to aid a writer, but neither does a trivial compliment. We enjoy words of support and encouragement; that goes without saying. But often a response will do little to actually help a writer improve.
There is a key difference between bad criticism and negative criticism.
Examples of bad criticism:
Negative - This fanfictions sucks so hard, I think you gave my eyeballs cancer. I’m serious. If I concentrate hard enough, I can hear my eyes screaming in pain.
Positive - OMG this is so good!!1!one!
Examples of good criticism:
Negative - Alright, this is ridiculous. Toph wouldn’t act like a frightened little girl just because Momo got bit by a were-penguin. She tends to be more stoic, less energetic in her actions. Try thinking of her as having a colder personality when you write.
Positive - Wow, I really like what you did here. I especially like how you let your OC develop subtly instead of forcing a sudden change on them.
If you’re going to criticize someone, whether it’s negative or positive, you should be applying some tip or note that will allow them to understand what worked and what didn’t. If they need something said in order for them to improve, say it.
A few general tips on criticism:
-It’s true, sometimes flaming can be funny. But it’s useless to the writer, and you run the risk of coming off as a Jack Russell Terrier.
-If you don’t have something nice to say, that doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t say anything at all. But you should be giving some form of advice instead of pointing out mistakes.
-If a writer has done something that hundreds of others have done, don’t take all the pent up frustration at the sheer dumbassery of it out on said writer. Chances are they weren’t looking to shoulder the blame.
-For the love of ninja Buddha; go back. Read it. Make sure it makes sense. There are some responses I’ve gotten that make me think two people tried typing two separate thoughts on the same keyboard.
-No matter what your experience, no matter how new the author is to writing, do not give suggestions on which direction the plot or characters should go. You can comment on everything else, but those things are the author’s choice alone. Comments like that tend to be ignored and regarded as pompous.
Section Two: Bending[/u]
If there’s one thing we’ve seen a ton of in the fanfic community, its “_____bending.” People taking anything beyond the four canon elements and inserting a character capable of manipulating that.
These characters and authors are usually met with a bunch of flames, and some even find their way over to the avatarsues livejournal listing.
Note: Avatarsues is hilarious, and in paying attention to reoccurring traits in the fanfictions that are listed there and reading through her criticisms, you can improve as a fanfic author. The key is paying attention.
I’ll start this section with an explanation of the bending disciplines in Avatar, then move on to _____bending cases that have the potential to work. (There are very few of them) I will then move on to cases of _____bending that cannot work. More importantly, I will explain why.
Canon Bending Notes:
The nations and bending disciplines of the canon universe lead us to believe their origins to be western, specifically Greek. The Greek elements included the following:
-Fire
-Wind
-Water
-Earth
However, to say for certain that the show follows the Greek elemental arrangement would be nothing more than a guess.
While the Greeks concluded their estimation of the elements as the four, many other cultures included a fifth into their perception. Hinduism, ancient Japan and many medieval cultures estimated a fifth element, “ether.” (“Aether” in Hinduism, “heaven energy” in most medieval documentation)
“Ether” is the energy that the heavens and spirits are composed of, impossible to find within the mortal realm.
The canon realm has an established relationship to the spirit world, one where there is no capacity for standard bending. Though there is and perhaps never will be any confirmation of “ether” being some facet of the spirit world, it makes it impossible for us alone to determine which elemental classification the canon universe follows.
The only certain method of determination is asking the show’s creators. I have no idea if there have been any interviews or quotes on their part giving us an answer on this, but I’ll update the guide accordingly if there is.
_____Bending that has the potential to work:
Many people will read the title of this section and propose that I am completely mentally challenged. I agree, there are no _____bending styles that will function in the canon universe. This section is reserved for bending styles that I feel have potential, but would have to follow a specific execution.
Metalbending and Woodbending
These two find themselves grouped together because they follow the same logic. The basis for these two styles finding themselves in this section is the following:
Western elements:
-Fire
-Wind
-Water
-Earth
Chinese elements:
-Fire
-Earth
-Metal
-Water
-Wood
The existence of Aang and the airbenders establishes that it is impossible for wood and metal to serve as bending disciplines within the canon universe, for it gives definite evidence that the Chinese elements are not involved.
However, their standing as elements does give them more clout than the other _____bending forms. Whereas most other ______bends are ridiculous, these do follow a definite elemental set.
It is for this reason that I consider these two bends to be somewhat feasible. However, it comes with this definite limitation: Metal, wood and wind cannot exist as elemental disciplines within the same realm. Therefore, to be executed properly, these two can only exist in an alternate universe where airbending has and will never exist.
Etherbending
With the spirit world comes many possibilities, including the distant possibility of a fifth element; ether. (Also known as “Aether” or any word that is arguably synonymous with “heavenly energy”)
It is for this reason that a character capable of etherbending would be more feasible than other instances of _____bending. However, much like woodbending and metalbending, this follows specific guidelines.
The character would have to be of the spirit world, having no ties or origin in the mortal world.
As Aang cannot bend any of the standard elements while in the spirit realm, it can be inferred that any character capable of etherbending would be rendered powerless upon entering the mortal world. This brings us to another key point.
While the character would be capable manifestation within the mortal world, they would be inclined to follow the same rules of other spirits. (Hei Bei, Won Shi Tong, etcetera) These spirits show signs of being fixed to a specific point or purpose while manifested, so too shall any spirit in the mortal realm until canon proves further possibilities.
Note: As of right now, these are the only _____bending styles I have come across that seem somewhat feasible. Others will be addressed as they’re developed or imagined, something the Avatar fan community has shown an incredible talent for.
_____Bending that doesn’t work:
Many people have pointed out the ridiculous nature of some fanfictions incorporating _____bending, but few take the time to explain why such styles are infeasible. Like the former section, I will group bending styles by logic.
Animalbending, Beastbending, Dreambending, Mindbending, Psychebending, Telekinesisbending, Wisdombending
The reason these seven _____bending disciplines find themselves grouped together is because they involve some manipulation of the mind and actions of other living beings.
Such bending styles incorporate no trace of the four elements, and therefore are impossible within the canon realm. Furthermore, it involves the manipulation of something that has no physical manifestation, as is the case with the canon elements.
If you wish to write a character capable of gaining the favor of animals and people, the proper approach is to give the character traits of empathy, not ESP.
Bloodbending, Icebending, Lavabending, Lightningbending, Thunderbending
These five _____bending styles find themselves grouped together due to their being related to canon styles.
While the manipulation of ice is a confirmed ability of waterbenders, the control of blood within an opponent’s body is something we have yet to witness. The Nickelodeon website has listed it as a technique of master waterbenders, thus securing it in this category.
The manifestation of Avatar Roku in Aang’s body on Crescent Moon Island gave us an example of lava being used as part of a bending technique. However, we have yet to receive confirmation as to whether this is an Avatar ability or a technique of advanced earthbending. Regardless of which is the case, it establishes that the technique already exists in canon, thus rendering it a trait of a particular bending discipline rather than something capable of standing on its own. Further reasononing for lavabending’s infeasibility lie within a second section further down the listing.
The discharge of lightning is technique master firebenders have displayed in the show time and time again. Thus, it stands not as a separate bending style, but merely a capability of one of the already existing standard disciplines. Thunderbending is listed alongside this, for the two are often synonymous in author’s execution.
These five _____bending disciplines are aspects of canon disciplines, lacking the variety and potential to stand as a balanced developed style.
Chibending, Energybending, Lifebending
These _____bending styles have been grouped together due to their involving the manipulation of life energy, or “chi.”
“Chi” is a standard concept found throughout East Asia, its existence confirmed in canon. However, though canon has acknowledged and applied the existence of chi within the canon universe, no manipulation of it or visible physical manifestation of one’s life energy has occurred. (And will most likely not occur)
However, many feel inclined to include the manipulation of life energies on the basis of distant possibility. Such is a flawed argument, for if the manipulation and control of life energy was possible within the canon universe, there are many characters that would have already made some attempt at mastery of such to further their conquests. (Any of the Fire Lords, any of the Avatars, etcetera)
Corporalbending, Formbending, Shapebending
These _____bending styles have been grouped together due to their involving improvement or altering of the physical body.
The only characters to have exhibited any capacity for the transformation of their physical bodies are those whose origins lie in the spirit world. Though characters have displayed the capacity for controlling the elements to enhance or shield their bodies, no master or Avatar has demonstrated any ability to physically alter their actual being.
Though the existence of the standard bending disciplines defies the rules of physics, science dictates that any such altering of the body would be at least painful, if not lethal. The human body has many organs within it, each delicate and susceptible to tearing.
The application of physically altering ones body is best reserved for characters from the spirit world.
Crossbending, Dualbending, Doublebending, Maruchoibending, Stormbending, Lavabending
This category of _____bending styles has been reserved for actions or manipulations that are available only to the Avatar.
The manipulation of more than one element is a popular trait among original characters, yet such is fundamentally flawed. No canon character has ever demonstrated the ability to manipulate more than one element beyond the Avatar.
The argument can be made that such characters potentially exist, and have yet to be discovered or acknowledged by canon. If such were the case, these characters are few and far between, as indicated by such abilities having no place in common knowledge of the characters.
If two characters of different nations were to produce offspring, it is most likely the case that they would be capable of bending the element that is most prominent in their spirit and personality rather than both.
In regards to stormbending and lavabending, these disciplines would require the manipulation of more than one element. (Lava is nothing more than molten rock. In this regard, it can be related to both and fire, thus identifying it as something that only an Avatar would be capable of manipulating)
If you truly desire to develop a character capable of such traits, my personal suggestion would be to try to write an Avatar character prior to Kyoshi. The canon universe has revealed a long line of avatars, each with many stories to be told. Feel free to explore this history.
Darknessbending, Lightbending, Shadowbending
This section has been reserved for _____bending styles pertaining to light and shadow, or anything synonymous to the two.
The concept of “dark and light” is a very popular concept throughout literature and media. The two have no acknowledged place in canon, yet many have incorporated such traits into their fanfictions.
Darknessbending and shadowbending are fundamentally flawed, for shadow and darkness exist only in the lack of light. Therefore, it can be inferred that to manipulate these would be based more on the manipulation of the light around it, or its removal.
Secondly, though these two are visible and definite presences within daily life, they have no tangibility. To manipulate them is to manipulate an image, something incapable of introducing any change to a scenario. Furthermore, it is hard to consider the manipulation of these when they are intangible.
Flowerbending, Naturebending, Plantbending
I was tempted to include these three _____bending styles among the category of “things only the Avatar has the capacity for,” yet lack of canon evidence has led them to their own category.
The growth of nature and plants has been used by many fanfiction authors, yet this too is a bending style that is incapable of standing on its own.
Many argue the point that the execution of such would be a combination of earthbending and waterbending. This falls into the flaw of a character capable of manipulating two elements, as addressed a few entries prior.
This is a separate section from the one pertaining to things that only the Avatar is capable of due to there being no evidence of an Avatar ever causing the growth of plants of any sort. Earth can be manipulated and made fertile, but it alone lacks the seeds to birth flowers or plants, no matter what level of water is applied to it.
This is all in regards to the growth of plants. The manipulation of such has been proven by canon in the Froggy Swamp, such abilities being a trait of advanced waterbending.
Lovebending
The manipulation of any emotional quality or character trait pertains to no elements or arguable source. Such is impossible and is ill-advised as a trait in any character.
Matterbending
Though the Avatar world is filled with amazing characters that perform impossible feats, it still adheres to some basic rules of physics.
In regards to matterbending, this defies the physical law of equivalent exchange. Nothing is capable of growing or forming without subtraction from another source.
The suspension of disbelief in regards to Avatar does have a limit; personal recommendation would be to have your character defy only laws of physics or science that canon has.
Tips for those who wish to incorporate some innovative or original trait to a bender:
Remaining within the boundaries of that which canon has defined is a safe bet, yet you shouldn’t feel limited to it. If you would really like to bring something fresh to a character or to the universe, it is possible. There are tips I would recommend, however.
-Do not allow your character to be skilled in more than one bending discipline. (Unless they themselves are an Avatar prior to Kyoshi) These characters are rarely taken seriously, and are almost always instantly labeled as a “Sue.” Your character should adhere to one of the four bending disciplines.
-(In regards to the former tip) Don’t be afraid to write an Avatar character. There is a lot of unexplored history to the canon universe, and many stories to be told.
-If you are looking to apply some innovative trait, make sure it is something that can be argued or thought of as an extension of the bending discipline your character follows. (Example: It’s not feasible for your character to be a “bonebender” capable of giving themselves claws, but a waterbender might be able to trail water from their fingers and freeze it to execute similar effect)
-A good rule of thumb is to try and envision one of the canon characters being capable of performing the feat. (Toph, Katara, Iroh, Gyatso, etcetera)
Section Three: Writing Within Canon: [/u]
Many fanfiction writers find themselves wanting to involve canon characters or events in their writing, whether it’s for their original character or just for a select set of canon characters. Many of these fanfic authors have fallen into certain pitfalls or traps of writing that have led to flames and bitterness on the part of the readers.
Whatever style you write in, regardless of which approach you take, there are certain methods and tips you can use to further your writing and make the characters act more accurately to their canon selves
Writing Canon Environments
Perhaps there was a particular setting of the show that stuck out to you that you’d like to explore further. Perhaps an idea played out in your head when you saw the characters enter a particular region that they never touched upon. No matter what your reason, writing the canon environments can be enjoyable, yet provide a few challenges.
-People have seen Omashu twice now. They are well aware of what the city looks like, have a feel of its layout. Don’t feel obliged to describe an area in painstaking detail when the show has already done well to establish it.
-Just because your fanfiction involves Meng does not necessarily mean lady Wu must make an appearance. If you feel it’s natural for the character you’re writing for to interact with another canon character, then write for them. If you feel the two would have no interaction, don’t go out of your way to include them.
-An environment is influenced by those residing within it. The Gan Jin will have a different impact on a region than the Zhang would. (The two tribes from the Great Divide) Make sure to think about who is occupying the region when you write, as well as what influence they would have on the area.
-The story exists beyond your characters. You may be writing dialogue for four characters in a village square, yet there are dozens of people mingling about as they speak. Be sure to keep them in mind so you have a clear picture.
-If anything has changed, mention it. The reader will be confused if they have to understand something that’s different from before as the characters are interacting with it.
Definitely.
Definitely. Use feedback on this. I want to keep it evolving.
Avatar: A Guide for Fanfic Authors
Hey there everybody. I’ve spent the last few months writing fanfiction for Avatar, and in the course of it I’ve become familiar with just how wild some fanfics can be. I also noticed that while some of these fanfics tend to be absurd, the criticism of them does little to help.
In order to try and help some authors improve, I’ve decided to try writing this guide for fanfiction writers.
Note: I suspect that in the course of writing this, it will only be beneficial to fanfictions pertaining to “Avatar: the Last Airbender.”
But first, I feel I should answer a question that I suspect a few of you are asking by now:
“Who is this guy to tell my anything about writing?”
My Credentials:
I have none. I’m a college student who writes fanfiction. There is no reason for you to be listening to me, unless you agree to some point I make.
You’re a writer. You write what you’re comfortable with, what makes you happy. I’m just hoping to try to point some stuff out that I think will help to make fanfiction more agreeable.
On the subject of writing that which makes you comfortable; the intention of this guide is in no way, shape or form to tell people how they should be writing. I encourage creativity and new approaches, and some people prefer to take a few steps further outside of canon than I would. More power to them, especially if they execute it well.
This guide will be updated constantly as I’m given new ideas and sections to add. I do not advise reading through the entire guide, it’s over twenty pages long. My personal advice is to search through the guide for the sections that you feel will be of use to you.
With that said, let’s move on!
Section One: Critiquing[/u]
Flaming does nothing to aid a writer, but neither does a trivial compliment. We enjoy words of support and encouragement; that goes without saying. But often a response will do little to actually help a writer improve.
There is a key difference between bad criticism and negative criticism.
Examples of bad criticism:
Negative - This fanfictions sucks so hard, I think you gave my eyeballs cancer. I’m serious. If I concentrate hard enough, I can hear my eyes screaming in pain.
Positive - OMG this is so good!!1!one!
Examples of good criticism:
Negative - Alright, this is ridiculous. Toph wouldn’t act like a frightened little girl just because Momo got bit by a were-penguin. She tends to be more stoic, less energetic in her actions. Try thinking of her as having a colder personality when you write.
Positive - Wow, I really like what you did here. I especially like how you let your OC develop subtly instead of forcing a sudden change on them.
If you’re going to criticize someone, whether it’s negative or positive, you should be applying some tip or note that will allow them to understand what worked and what didn’t. If they need something said in order for them to improve, say it.
A few general tips on criticism:
-It’s true, sometimes flaming can be funny. But it’s useless to the writer, and you run the risk of coming off as a Jack Russell Terrier.
-If you don’t have something nice to say, that doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t say anything at all. But you should be giving some form of advice instead of pointing out mistakes.
-If a writer has done something that hundreds of others have done, don’t take all the pent up frustration at the sheer dumbassery of it out on said writer. Chances are they weren’t looking to shoulder the blame.
-For the love of ninja Buddha; go back. Read it. Make sure it makes sense. There are some responses I’ve gotten that make me think two people tried typing two separate thoughts on the same keyboard.
-No matter what your experience, no matter how new the author is to writing, do not give suggestions on which direction the plot or characters should go. You can comment on everything else, but those things are the author’s choice alone. Comments like that tend to be ignored and regarded as pompous.
Section Two: Bending[/u]
If there’s one thing we’ve seen a ton of in the fanfic community, its “_____bending.” People taking anything beyond the four canon elements and inserting a character capable of manipulating that.
These characters and authors are usually met with a bunch of flames, and some even find their way over to the avatarsues livejournal listing.
Note: Avatarsues is hilarious, and in paying attention to reoccurring traits in the fanfictions that are listed there and reading through her criticisms, you can improve as a fanfic author. The key is paying attention.
I’ll start this section with an explanation of the bending disciplines in Avatar, then move on to _____bending cases that have the potential to work. (There are very few of them) I will then move on to cases of _____bending that cannot work. More importantly, I will explain why.
Canon Bending Notes:
The nations and bending disciplines of the canon universe lead us to believe their origins to be western, specifically Greek. The Greek elements included the following:
-Fire
-Wind
-Water
-Earth
However, to say for certain that the show follows the Greek elemental arrangement would be nothing more than a guess.
While the Greeks concluded their estimation of the elements as the four, many other cultures included a fifth into their perception. Hinduism, ancient Japan and many medieval cultures estimated a fifth element, “ether.” (“Aether” in Hinduism, “heaven energy” in most medieval documentation)
“Ether” is the energy that the heavens and spirits are composed of, impossible to find within the mortal realm.
The canon realm has an established relationship to the spirit world, one where there is no capacity for standard bending. Though there is and perhaps never will be any confirmation of “ether” being some facet of the spirit world, it makes it impossible for us alone to determine which elemental classification the canon universe follows.
The only certain method of determination is asking the show’s creators. I have no idea if there have been any interviews or quotes on their part giving us an answer on this, but I’ll update the guide accordingly if there is.
_____Bending that has the potential to work:
Many people will read the title of this section and propose that I am completely mentally challenged. I agree, there are no _____bending styles that will function in the canon universe. This section is reserved for bending styles that I feel have potential, but would have to follow a specific execution.
Metalbending and Woodbending
These two find themselves grouped together because they follow the same logic. The basis for these two styles finding themselves in this section is the following:
Western elements:
-Fire
-Wind
-Water
-Earth
Chinese elements:
-Fire
-Earth
-Metal
-Water
-Wood
The existence of Aang and the airbenders establishes that it is impossible for wood and metal to serve as bending disciplines within the canon universe, for it gives definite evidence that the Chinese elements are not involved.
However, their standing as elements does give them more clout than the other _____bending forms. Whereas most other ______bends are ridiculous, these do follow a definite elemental set.
It is for this reason that I consider these two bends to be somewhat feasible. However, it comes with this definite limitation: Metal, wood and wind cannot exist as elemental disciplines within the same realm. Therefore, to be executed properly, these two can only exist in an alternate universe where airbending has and will never exist.
Etherbending
With the spirit world comes many possibilities, including the distant possibility of a fifth element; ether. (Also known as “Aether” or any word that is arguably synonymous with “heavenly energy”)
It is for this reason that a character capable of etherbending would be more feasible than other instances of _____bending. However, much like woodbending and metalbending, this follows specific guidelines.
The character would have to be of the spirit world, having no ties or origin in the mortal world.
As Aang cannot bend any of the standard elements while in the spirit realm, it can be inferred that any character capable of etherbending would be rendered powerless upon entering the mortal world. This brings us to another key point.
While the character would be capable manifestation within the mortal world, they would be inclined to follow the same rules of other spirits. (Hei Bei, Won Shi Tong, etcetera) These spirits show signs of being fixed to a specific point or purpose while manifested, so too shall any spirit in the mortal realm until canon proves further possibilities.
Note: As of right now, these are the only _____bending styles I have come across that seem somewhat feasible. Others will be addressed as they’re developed or imagined, something the Avatar fan community has shown an incredible talent for.
_____Bending that doesn’t work:
Many people have pointed out the ridiculous nature of some fanfictions incorporating _____bending, but few take the time to explain why such styles are infeasible. Like the former section, I will group bending styles by logic.
Animalbending, Beastbending, Dreambending, Mindbending, Psychebending, Telekinesisbending, Wisdombending
The reason these seven _____bending disciplines find themselves grouped together is because they involve some manipulation of the mind and actions of other living beings.
Such bending styles incorporate no trace of the four elements, and therefore are impossible within the canon realm. Furthermore, it involves the manipulation of something that has no physical manifestation, as is the case with the canon elements.
If you wish to write a character capable of gaining the favor of animals and people, the proper approach is to give the character traits of empathy, not ESP.
Bloodbending, Icebending, Lavabending, Lightningbending, Thunderbending
These five _____bending styles find themselves grouped together due to their being related to canon styles.
While the manipulation of ice is a confirmed ability of waterbenders, the control of blood within an opponent’s body is something we have yet to witness. The Nickelodeon website has listed it as a technique of master waterbenders, thus securing it in this category.
The manifestation of Avatar Roku in Aang’s body on Crescent Moon Island gave us an example of lava being used as part of a bending technique. However, we have yet to receive confirmation as to whether this is an Avatar ability or a technique of advanced earthbending. Regardless of which is the case, it establishes that the technique already exists in canon, thus rendering it a trait of a particular bending discipline rather than something capable of standing on its own. Further reasononing for lavabending’s infeasibility lie within a second section further down the listing.
The discharge of lightning is technique master firebenders have displayed in the show time and time again. Thus, it stands not as a separate bending style, but merely a capability of one of the already existing standard disciplines. Thunderbending is listed alongside this, for the two are often synonymous in author’s execution.
These five _____bending disciplines are aspects of canon disciplines, lacking the variety and potential to stand as a balanced developed style.
Chibending, Energybending, Lifebending
These _____bending styles have been grouped together due to their involving the manipulation of life energy, or “chi.”
“Chi” is a standard concept found throughout East Asia, its existence confirmed in canon. However, though canon has acknowledged and applied the existence of chi within the canon universe, no manipulation of it or visible physical manifestation of one’s life energy has occurred. (And will most likely not occur)
However, many feel inclined to include the manipulation of life energies on the basis of distant possibility. Such is a flawed argument, for if the manipulation and control of life energy was possible within the canon universe, there are many characters that would have already made some attempt at mastery of such to further their conquests. (Any of the Fire Lords, any of the Avatars, etcetera)
Corporalbending, Formbending, Shapebending
These _____bending styles have been grouped together due to their involving improvement or altering of the physical body.
The only characters to have exhibited any capacity for the transformation of their physical bodies are those whose origins lie in the spirit world. Though characters have displayed the capacity for controlling the elements to enhance or shield their bodies, no master or Avatar has demonstrated any ability to physically alter their actual being.
Though the existence of the standard bending disciplines defies the rules of physics, science dictates that any such altering of the body would be at least painful, if not lethal. The human body has many organs within it, each delicate and susceptible to tearing.
The application of physically altering ones body is best reserved for characters from the spirit world.
Crossbending, Dualbending, Doublebending, Maruchoibending, Stormbending, Lavabending
This category of _____bending styles has been reserved for actions or manipulations that are available only to the Avatar.
The manipulation of more than one element is a popular trait among original characters, yet such is fundamentally flawed. No canon character has ever demonstrated the ability to manipulate more than one element beyond the Avatar.
The argument can be made that such characters potentially exist, and have yet to be discovered or acknowledged by canon. If such were the case, these characters are few and far between, as indicated by such abilities having no place in common knowledge of the characters.
If two characters of different nations were to produce offspring, it is most likely the case that they would be capable of bending the element that is most prominent in their spirit and personality rather than both.
In regards to stormbending and lavabending, these disciplines would require the manipulation of more than one element. (Lava is nothing more than molten rock. In this regard, it can be related to both and fire, thus identifying it as something that only an Avatar would be capable of manipulating)
If you truly desire to develop a character capable of such traits, my personal suggestion would be to try to write an Avatar character prior to Kyoshi. The canon universe has revealed a long line of avatars, each with many stories to be told. Feel free to explore this history.
Darknessbending, Lightbending, Shadowbending
This section has been reserved for _____bending styles pertaining to light and shadow, or anything synonymous to the two.
The concept of “dark and light” is a very popular concept throughout literature and media. The two have no acknowledged place in canon, yet many have incorporated such traits into their fanfictions.
Darknessbending and shadowbending are fundamentally flawed, for shadow and darkness exist only in the lack of light. Therefore, it can be inferred that to manipulate these would be based more on the manipulation of the light around it, or its removal.
Secondly, though these two are visible and definite presences within daily life, they have no tangibility. To manipulate them is to manipulate an image, something incapable of introducing any change to a scenario. Furthermore, it is hard to consider the manipulation of these when they are intangible.
Flowerbending, Naturebending, Plantbending
I was tempted to include these three _____bending styles among the category of “things only the Avatar has the capacity for,” yet lack of canon evidence has led them to their own category.
The growth of nature and plants has been used by many fanfiction authors, yet this too is a bending style that is incapable of standing on its own.
Many argue the point that the execution of such would be a combination of earthbending and waterbending. This falls into the flaw of a character capable of manipulating two elements, as addressed a few entries prior.
This is a separate section from the one pertaining to things that only the Avatar is capable of due to there being no evidence of an Avatar ever causing the growth of plants of any sort. Earth can be manipulated and made fertile, but it alone lacks the seeds to birth flowers or plants, no matter what level of water is applied to it.
This is all in regards to the growth of plants. The manipulation of such has been proven by canon in the Froggy Swamp, such abilities being a trait of advanced waterbending.
Lovebending
The manipulation of any emotional quality or character trait pertains to no elements or arguable source. Such is impossible and is ill-advised as a trait in any character.
Matterbending
Though the Avatar world is filled with amazing characters that perform impossible feats, it still adheres to some basic rules of physics.
In regards to matterbending, this defies the physical law of equivalent exchange. Nothing is capable of growing or forming without subtraction from another source.
The suspension of disbelief in regards to Avatar does have a limit; personal recommendation would be to have your character defy only laws of physics or science that canon has.
Tips for those who wish to incorporate some innovative or original trait to a bender:
Remaining within the boundaries of that which canon has defined is a safe bet, yet you shouldn’t feel limited to it. If you would really like to bring something fresh to a character or to the universe, it is possible. There are tips I would recommend, however.
-Do not allow your character to be skilled in more than one bending discipline. (Unless they themselves are an Avatar prior to Kyoshi) These characters are rarely taken seriously, and are almost always instantly labeled as a “Sue.” Your character should adhere to one of the four bending disciplines.
-(In regards to the former tip) Don’t be afraid to write an Avatar character. There is a lot of unexplored history to the canon universe, and many stories to be told.
-If you are looking to apply some innovative trait, make sure it is something that can be argued or thought of as an extension of the bending discipline your character follows. (Example: It’s not feasible for your character to be a “bonebender” capable of giving themselves claws, but a waterbender might be able to trail water from their fingers and freeze it to execute similar effect)
-A good rule of thumb is to try and envision one of the canon characters being capable of performing the feat. (Toph, Katara, Iroh, Gyatso, etcetera)
Section Three: Writing Within Canon: [/u]
Many fanfiction writers find themselves wanting to involve canon characters or events in their writing, whether it’s for their original character or just for a select set of canon characters. Many of these fanfic authors have fallen into certain pitfalls or traps of writing that have led to flames and bitterness on the part of the readers.
Whatever style you write in, regardless of which approach you take, there are certain methods and tips you can use to further your writing and make the characters act more accurately to their canon selves
Writing Canon Environments
Perhaps there was a particular setting of the show that stuck out to you that you’d like to explore further. Perhaps an idea played out in your head when you saw the characters enter a particular region that they never touched upon. No matter what your reason, writing the canon environments can be enjoyable, yet provide a few challenges.
-People have seen Omashu twice now. They are well aware of what the city looks like, have a feel of its layout. Don’t feel obliged to describe an area in painstaking detail when the show has already done well to establish it.
-Just because your fanfiction involves Meng does not necessarily mean lady Wu must make an appearance. If you feel it’s natural for the character you’re writing for to interact with another canon character, then write for them. If you feel the two would have no interaction, don’t go out of your way to include them.
-An environment is influenced by those residing within it. The Gan Jin will have a different impact on a region than the Zhang would. (The two tribes from the Great Divide) Make sure to think about who is occupying the region when you write, as well as what influence they would have on the area.
-The story exists beyond your characters. You may be writing dialogue for four characters in a village square, yet there are dozens of people mingling about as they speak. Be sure to keep them in mind so you have a clear picture.
-If anything has changed, mention it. The reader will be confused if they have to understand something that’s different from before as the characters are interacting with it.