I'm thinking about starting my first "fan-fiction" story and I was just wondering if any other writers had any tips? Anything different than writing a normal story(which I enjoy doing and am good at)? Since I plan on showing it to non ES players, how should I explain certain things? Put a * next to a word that is going to be explained and put the explanation/definition in brackets [like this]? ? Any other general tips? Also, any ideas? My general premise so far is that an Argonian(thinking of making him from the "Sarpa" tribe) from Black Marsh is called before the Hist and is told that he must travel to Skyrim for a reason not explained to him. The story would tell his journey from Black Marsh, through Cyrodiil, and into the Skyrim border, leading into the events of Skyrim.

If you're planning on showing it to people who know nothing about the Elder Scrolls series, it would probably help to have a character (either the main character or a companion) who isn't very world wise, and as a result, has things explained to him/her. That way, it fits into the story and doesn't draw the reader out of the immersion. Also, don't feel the need to explain everything: sometimes it's better to show the reader something through the story, rather than explain it to them.

Other than that, I'd say go with what you want to write about, and that you should take into account the advice of others, without letting it dictate what you're writing. Just sort of do your own thing, see what people recommend, and see if you can use that to improve your writing.

Good luck with your first fanfic; I know that mine was an absolute blast.

First off. don't use brackets or foot notes to explain things. This destroys the narrative. Try to slip definitions as seamlessly into the narrative as possible. Think of the A Dance In Fire ingame book series. Several times the main character sees something for the first time, and only later learns what it is. For example, when his caravan is attacked by a band of Cathay-raht Khajiit. He's never seen a Khajiit before, much less does he know what their subtypes are. He describes them as lithe, bipedal beasts, and first assumes they are werewolves, something that not only he, as a character, would have heard about, but something the reader can easily picture. It isn't until someone else describes them as Khajiit does he begin making the association. The same thing for a variant of insect that tries to kill him in his sleep later on. And so forth.

My recommendation would be to have the main character be a human race, something that is easily understood. Introduce the more alien and fantastic elements of the world slowly. If you start off with Argonians, you'd have to explain a metric ton of material, and that would really ruin the pace of the story.

Only thing that differs between fan fiction and personal fiction is the source material. When writing a fan fic, it is usually considered good form to do research and not violate the universe completely. Since you're writing about Black Marsh, I strongly suggest that you read the Infernal City and Lord of Souls (if you haven't already).

I'll second what Vrek said: don't do footnotes or parentheses or anything similar. Work it into the narrative if you can, leave it out of you don't. You can assume some basic level of TES knowledge, so you don't have to explain every single term. Personally, I'd write it in such a way that Black Marsh seems familiar and the human realms seem totally alien. But that's just me and my tendency towards the nontraditional.

Another good way to go about it is start with something you understand do research as people have said. UESP wiki and The Imperial Library are great sources of information. Be creative but remember to make the characters feel organic. If you get stuck just free write, where you let your brain run and fingers just work to what ever comes to mind. If you like it, keep it and edit it in. If not. Remove it. Helps with brain juice.

Thanks for the advice!

Not sure how useful my advice to you would be, but I suggest emulating two of the greatest general/non-TES fanfic writers of all time, Peter Chimaera and the guy known as Squirrelking (I'm serious. The Half-Life: Full Life Consequences series is the greatest fanfic ever). Don't just ignore/forget anything you may know about spelling, grammar, or any of that other technical stuff, but outright subvert them, while focusing on writing a story that's truly enjoyable to read.

I might not be a great writer. (Seriously my Fan-Fics svck) But one thing I will say is write about what you want to and make sure you enjoy it. If you love what you're writing then other people will. Good luck with your Fan-Fic.