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What Does AU Mean in Wattpad?
AU, or "Alternate Universe," is a term commonly used on Wattpad and in fanfiction writing more generally. The concept behind AU is simple yet expansive: it refers to a fictional world or setting that differs from the canon or original universe of a story. In Wattpad, AU is often used by authors to explore new possibilities for characters or to place them in entirely different circumstances than those originally presented in the source material. This allows for a great deal of creative freedom and is a core element of fanfiction and many original stories on Wattpad.
Understanding AU in Fanfiction and Wattpad
In fanfiction, AU plays a significant role because it offers a way for writers to reimagine and reframe established characters. For example, a fanfiction writer could place characters from a popular book or movie into a modern high school setting, or they could rewrite the characters' backstories, giving them new motivations or personalities. These new scenarios may not fit within the original canon, but they provide a fresh way to explore the characters in different contexts. This freedom is particularly embraced on Wattpad, where fans of all genres regularly engage in creative reworking of stories through AU.
A common feature of AU stories on Wattpad is the transformation of well-known characters into entirely new versions of themselves. For instance, a character from a medieval fantasy novel might be re-imagined as a superhero, a rock star, or even a regular person in an office setting. This new setting and character development open up limitless possibilities for the writer and allow the readers to enjoy these beloved figures in entirely unexpected ways.
Types of AU Stories on Wattpad
The diversity of AU stories on Wattpad is vast. Some common types of AUs include:
1. High School AU: One of the most popular AU subgenres, the High School AU takes characters and places them in a high school environment. This setting often leads to relatable situations involving friendships, romantic relationships, and typical adolescent challenges.
2. Modern AU: In a Modern AU, characters from historical, fantasy, or science fiction settings are transported into the modern world, where they interact with technology, social media, and contemporary societal norms. These stories often feature humorous or insightful commentary on how characters from other eras or universes adapt to modern life.
3. Royal AU: This type of AU reimagines characters as members of a royal family, complete with all the intrigue, politics, and drama associated with royalty. This setup can lead to epic tales of love, betrayal, and power struggles, while still staying within the familiar character dynamics that fans love.
4. Fantasy AU: In contrast to more grounded settings, Fantasy AUs take characters and place them in magical, mythical, or supernatural environments. This could include anything from a medieval kingdom filled with mythical creatures to a world where magic exists alongside technology.
5. Zombie AU: Popular in post-apocalyptic genres, the Zombie AU features characters in a world ravaged by a zombie apocalypse. These stories often explore themes of survival, loyalty, and human nature under extreme circumstances.
Why is AU Popular on Wattpad?
The use of AU in Wattpad stories is immensely popular for several reasons. First, it offers authors the freedom to explore different genres and settings without being constrained by the established canon of a particular universe. Fans of certain books, movies, or TV shows may love the original work, but they often feel inspired to see their favorite characters in new situations or relationships. AU allows them to do that.
Moreover, Wattpad provides a platform where writers are encouraged to experiment with different writing styles and genres. This encourages creativity and allows authors to take familiar characters and develop them in ways that might not be possible within the constraints of the original narrative.
Additionally, AU stories allow readers to experience a unique blend of familiarity and novelty. While the characters and basic themes may be familiar, the new settings and plots offer a refreshing take on beloved stories. For many Wattpad users, reading an AU story can feel like rediscovering a familiar world through a completely new lens, making it an exciting experience.
What Are the Advantages of Writing an AU on Wattpad?
For writers, crafting an AU on Wattpad offers several distinct advantages. One of the most significant benefits is the ability to step away from the constraints of the original canon. Writers can alter character backstories, relationships, and settings, giving them the opportunity to build their own world with their own rules. This freedom allows authors to explore new themes, ideas, and conflicts that might not fit within the original narrative.
Another advantage of writing an AU on Wattpad is the potential to reach a broader audience. AU stories often appeal to readers who are interested in fanfiction but are also looking for something fresh. By taking popular characters and placing them in new settings or situations, writers can tap into a diverse group of readers who enjoy both fanfiction and original stories. AU stories are a great way for writers to experiment with their craft, attract new followers, and even push the boundaries of their own creativity.
What Are Some Common Misconceptions About AU on Wattpad?
While AU stories are a popular and engaging genre on Wattpad, there are a few misconceptions surrounding this style of writing. One common myth is that AU stories are only for fanfiction writers. In reality, many authors create original works using the AU concept, reimagining characters and worlds entirely of their own creation. AU is not restricted to fanfiction, but rather a broader storytelling technique.
Another misconception is that AU stories are less serious or lack depth compared to canon-based stories. In fact, AU can provide a deep and thoughtful exploration of characters' personalities and relationships. By taking characters out of their usual context, writers can delve into new emotional, psychological, and philosophical terrains. An AU can be just as meaningful and impactful as a canon-based narrative, offering readers a chance to connect with characters in a new way.
Conclusion
AU is a creative and versatile storytelling tool that offers writers and readers alike an exciting way to explore characters and narratives on Wattpad. By removing characters from their original worlds and placing them into new and unexpected settings, AU allows for boundless creativity and new interpretations of familiar stories. Whether it's through high school dramas, modern twists, or fantasy re-imaginings, AU offers a unique opportunity for authors to craft stories that are as fresh as they are familiar. For fans of Wattpad and fanfiction, AU remains a beloved and ever-popular genre that continues to evolve and captivate audiences worldwide.
AU, or "Alternate Universe," is a term commonly used on Wattpad and in fanfiction writing more generally. The concept behind AU is simple yet expansive: it refers to a fictional world or setting that differs from the canon or original universe of a story. In Wattpad, AU is often used by authors to explore new possibilities for characters or to place them in entirely different circumstances than those originally presented in the source material. This allows for a great deal of creative freedom and is a core element of fanfiction and many original stories on Wattpad.
Understanding AU in Fanfiction and Wattpad
In fanfiction, AU plays a significant role because it offers a way for writers to reimagine and reframe established characters. For example, a fanfiction writer could place characters from a popular book or movie into a modern high school setting, or they could rewrite the characters' backstories, giving them new motivations or personalities. These new scenarios may not fit within the original canon, but they provide a fresh way to explore the characters in different contexts. This freedom is particularly embraced on Wattpad, where fans of all genres regularly engage in creative reworking of stories through AU.
A common feature of AU stories on Wattpad is the transformation of well-known characters into entirely new versions of themselves. For instance, a character from a medieval fantasy novel might be re-imagined as a superhero, a rock star, or even a regular person in an office setting. This new setting and character development open up limitless possibilities for the writer and allow the readers to enjoy these beloved figures in entirely unexpected ways.
Types of AU Stories on Wattpad
The diversity of AU stories on Wattpad is vast. Some common types of AUs include:
1. High School AU: One of the most popular AU subgenres, the High School AU takes characters and places them in a high school environment. This setting often leads to relatable situations involving friendships, romantic relationships, and typical adolescent challenges.
2. Modern AU: In a Modern AU, characters from historical, fantasy, or science fiction settings are transported into the modern world, where they interact with technology, social media, and contemporary societal norms. These stories often feature humorous or insightful commentary on how characters from other eras or universes adapt to modern life.
3. Royal AU: This type of AU reimagines characters as members of a royal family, complete with all the intrigue, politics, and drama associated with royalty. This setup can lead to epic tales of love, betrayal, and power struggles, while still staying within the familiar character dynamics that fans love.
4. Fantasy AU: In contrast to more grounded settings, Fantasy AUs take characters and place them in magical, mythical, or supernatural environments. This could include anything from a medieval kingdom filled with mythical creatures to a world where magic exists alongside technology.
5. Zombie AU: Popular in post-apocalyptic genres, the Zombie AU features characters in a world ravaged by a zombie apocalypse. These stories often explore themes of survival, loyalty, and human nature under extreme circumstances.
Why is AU Popular on Wattpad?
The use of AU in Wattpad stories is immensely popular for several reasons. First, it offers authors the freedom to explore different genres and settings without being constrained by the established canon of a particular universe. Fans of certain books, movies, or TV shows may love the original work, but they often feel inspired to see their favorite characters in new situations or relationships. AU allows them to do that.
Moreover, Wattpad provides a platform where writers are encouraged to experiment with different writing styles and genres. This encourages creativity and allows authors to take familiar characters and develop them in ways that might not be possible within the constraints of the original narrative.
Additionally, AU stories allow readers to experience a unique blend of familiarity and novelty. While the characters and basic themes may be familiar, the new settings and plots offer a refreshing take on beloved stories. For many Wattpad users, reading an AU story can feel like rediscovering a familiar world through a completely new lens, making it an exciting experience.
What Are the Advantages of Writing an AU on Wattpad?
For writers, crafting an AU on Wattpad offers several distinct advantages. One of the most significant benefits is the ability to step away from the constraints of the original canon. Writers can alter character backstories, relationships, and settings, giving them the opportunity to build their own world with their own rules. This freedom allows authors to explore new themes, ideas, and conflicts that might not fit within the original narrative.
Another advantage of writing an AU on Wattpad is the potential to reach a broader audience. AU stories often appeal to readers who are interested in fanfiction but are also looking for something fresh. By taking popular characters and placing them in new settings or situations, writers can tap into a diverse group of readers who enjoy both fanfiction and original stories. AU stories are a great way for writers to experiment with their craft, attract new followers, and even push the boundaries of their own creativity.
What Are Some Common Misconceptions About AU on Wattpad?
While AU stories are a popular and engaging genre on Wattpad, there are a few misconceptions surrounding this style of writing. One common myth is that AU stories are only for fanfiction writers. In reality, many authors create original works using the AU concept, reimagining characters and worlds entirely of their own creation. AU is not restricted to fanfiction, but rather a broader storytelling technique.
Another misconception is that AU stories are less serious or lack depth compared to canon-based stories. In fact, AU can provide a deep and thoughtful exploration of characters' personalities and relationships. By taking characters out of their usual context, writers can delve into new emotional, psychological, and philosophical terrains. An AU can be just as meaningful and impactful as a canon-based narrative, offering readers a chance to connect with characters in a new way.
Conclusion
AU is a creative and versatile storytelling tool that offers writers and readers alike an exciting way to explore characters and narratives on Wattpad. By removing characters from their original worlds and placing them into new and unexpected settings, AU allows for boundless creativity and new interpretations of familiar stories. Whether it's through high school dramas, modern twists, or fantasy re-imaginings, AU offers a unique opportunity for authors to craft stories that are as fresh as they are familiar. For fans of Wattpad and fanfiction, AU remains a beloved and ever-popular genre that continues to evolve and captivate audiences worldwide.