Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach. If I did, a whole lot of crazy shit would happen.
Author's Note: As the title implies, this is about the "proper" way to write fan fiction (there really isn't a proper way.). It's in my opinion that some people need some help so if you're reading this and don't think you need it, continue. You probably do need the help.
This chapter we will learn about (hopefully) Story formats (Clichés) Plots, plot twists and how to use them, stories, and the difference between plot and story.
Have these wonderful definitions.
Story: A series of events in order.
Plot: A series of connected events in order.
As you can see, there's a difference between the two, but it can, and often will, be very subtle. Let's give an example.
Alex unhappily woke up and brushed her teeth.
She ate breakfast, and her sister gave her a ride to school.
She arrived at school and walked up the steps.
She saw the mean girls at her school.
She quickly walked past them while they laughed.
She looked down and was immediately embarrassed.
This is an example of a story, because these are just facts, and not connected any way shape or form. Now let's give an example of a plot.
Alex woke up while unhappily getting ready for school. Her sister Angela gave her a ride to school. She walked up the steps and saw the mean Megans, a group of mean girls at her local school. She quickly walked past them, and they laughed at her, and then she noticed that she had a piece of toilet paper on her left shoe.
This, as you can very well see is an example of plot, because the events are connected. She sees the Megans, who laugh at her, and then she sees the toilet paper on her left shoe.
Have yet another Definition!
Plot twist: The unexpected change in a plot.
These are the things that make stories interesting! You should have as many as possible in the appropriate places. There can be too many plot twists, so don't overdo it, ok?
An example related to bleach.
There are plenty! Like how Yoruichi is a woman! Aizen's "Death"! Aizen's Betrayal! Tousen's Betrayal!
How these can be incorporated to any fan fiction.
Well, let's make up another imaginary oc. You say in the beginning of the story that they are an orphan, but you later find out that they are alive and well, and are quite badass! They have also known them the entire time! (People like Yoruichi and Urahaura are usually my first choice. Seriously, they'd have some pretty badass kids. If someone reading this made a fan fiction about this it would make my life.)
I could probably tell you about a million other examples, but it's not necessary and I really hope you don't need it, and honestly I am quite lazy. I'll admit it. I embrace it. Seriously, I really should not be writing this right now.
What's Story Format?
A good question, random hyper children in my mind! I'm basically going on a rant about Clichés here! Here is a basic definition about them.
Clichés: an idea that is so overused that looking at you may unintentionally shiver and get Goosebumps on your arms. You have seen it so many times you either love it but hate all these crack pairings, (I saw an Ichigo x Lisa Cinderella story. I wanted brain bleach at the single moment.) Or you have seen it all and are not interested in it at all.
Personally, I believe that the story is only cliché if you, the author, make it so. In fact clichés often, with the exception of a lot of fan fictions, make a story better. They are not always essential, but very useful, and quite often, you can do a lot with a lot with one cliché. They are important.
You can overdo it, or make it seem really, really, lame. I personally think it's within everyone to make a bad cliché into a wonderful fan fiction.