It’s been a long time since I’ve worked on any new writing projects and even longer since my last blog post. So what did I do in my spare time between work, theocratic, and family responsibilities? One word: reruns. Yes, I’m guilty of binging on TV reruns of some of my favorite teen dramas. I quickly went from a casual viewer to a fan. But what’s the difference between a casual viewer and a fan? And how can authors utilize this knowledge in creating avid fans who can’t put their books down?

First, let’s start with defining the difference between a casual viewer and a fan. Now granted the two terms aren’t exclusive. A casual viewer can turn into a fan. The difference between the two is the emotional investment the viewer has with the character and the plot. Almost any show can make you laugh or smile but that doesn’t mean you’ll keep watching the show. It’s only scratching at the surface of the range of feelings. To convert us into fans, that show needs to tap into deeper emotions within us, whether consciously or unconsciously. To help break down the difference between the two terms I put together this simple infographic. Let’s dissect this further starting with emotional attachment.

A casual viewer– has little or no emotional attachment to a character(s). They can easily compartmentalize the characters from their own lives. If something terrible happens to the character, you may feel a superficial sense of pity. If they miss their flight or stub their toe on the couch you might say, “Oh well.” That’s because the plight of the character doesn’t bother you or get under your skin if something embarrassing or uncomfortable happens to your leads.

Meanwhile, a fan has strong emotions for a character’s plight. They actually care if something good or bad happens to the main leads, especially the protagonist. For example, they empathize with the main character who missed their flight because they know they won’t make it to their father’s funeral and you care enough about the character that you secretly wish that someone could right the wrongs of a very lousy day.

Why important in fiction writing?

You want characters that readers will actually care about. When something tragic happens to your character you want it to pull at your reader’s heartstrings. You want to feel those butterflies in your stomach when your character falls in love for the first time otherwise the story falls flat.

Readers: When you put a book down after reading the first chapters, ask yourself: did I feel invested in the character? The answer is almost always “no.” In any stories especially character-driven stories, it’s essential to create stories with believable and likable characters so that readers can relate to and root for them. Even when the reader is not actively reading the book, you want the reader to still be thinking about that character as if they were a real living, breathing person.

Casual viewers– They are indifferent when it comes to whether they’ll continue watching the show. There’s no rush to stay tuned for that cliffhanger.

Fans – Can’t wait to find out what happens next in the plot because they already care for the character.

Why important in fiction writing?

In addition to writing interesting characters, an interesting plot goes a long way in building anticipation. It takes the right mix of dynamic characters, good pacing, tension, and plot twists to create a story that readers will eat up. One popular way to lure readers to keep on reading is to create cliffhangers at the end of the chapter. Shows like Kyle XY employ this masterfully to keep viewers curious to tune in to the next episode. Every other episode ended on a cliffhanger and the next episode picked up where the last one ended, only to be thrown a new development or twist.

Casual viewers– have a high-level overview of the basic plot, and know at least one or more of the main characters. They may know just enough to get by without being lost with what’s going on in the show.

Fans– their knowledge of the show goes beyond a high-level overview of the characters and plot. They pick up on the details most people may miss. They may even remember the specific dialogue and certain scenes. They are more likely to remember random trivia about a show. Avid fans likely understand the deeper themes of the show and can even pick up on the subtle nuances in the character’s mannerisms to the point they can sense the character’s emotional state just by their body language.

Why important for fiction writing?:

For readers to feel like they know the characters, writers need to create dynamic, 3-Dimensional characters. Readers should understand what drives the character or makes them tick. As for the plot, showing vs. telling will help the character’s world come alive. Transport readers to the scene by engaging all five senses (where possible).

Casual Viewers– A show may be entertaining to them but is easily replaceable. It doesn’t take much for them to lose interest.

Fans– for the most part, fans are very loyal. They will stick it out to the end. They will follow the series faithfully even during the less than thrilling scenes.

Why important for fiction writing?:

Almost every new reader starts off as a casual reader. As a reader, you decided to pick a certain book based on the promise made from either the cover design, the blurb, the free preview, or all of the above.

To writers: if you want a reader to keep reading your book need to convert them to a fan. But you don’t have long to do that. People have short attention spans and too many other options these days. If the story starts with too much exposition or jumps around too much in the beginning, giving readers “whiplash,” they may give up before you get to the “good part.” As a reader you want fans! Why? Because fans and let me add this caveat, “avid fans” will not only finish the book but are more likely to read the other books in your series or any other books for that matter you wrote. Because they are enthused about your story they are more likely to leave a glowing review without you having to prompt them. They are also more likely to tell others about your book. For a new writer with an almost nonexistent fanbase, that is crucial if you want your book to reach even more readers and gain a larger following.

What do Star Wars, Hunger Games, Games of Thrones, and Harry Potter have in common? Well, one thing they have is a large avid fanbase! If you were to ask those fans they are attached to the characters. They are fiercely loyal and attached to the characters and the plot. And because of that attachment they eagerly anticipate or follow whatever sequel comes out next. While it’s unrealistic to expect such a large fanbase, especially for indie writers who are just starting out, you do want some fans to vouch for you. Those fans are the very ones that will encourage you to continue on even when you feel like giving up because you think nobody cares or understands your vision. They motivate you to keep writing and to do better when they offer constructive criticism.

So is it egotistical to want fans? Not necessarily depending on your motive.

Can you expect millions of followers? Maybe. At least not right away. But don’t sweat about the numbers or pleasing everybody. Focus your energy on your target readers. Those that get your vision. Those that support your dreams. Those are the people you want in your corner.

So go find your fans! They’re out there waiting for you.