Fanfiction lets you play in the worlds you love — but with your own voice and spin.
Whether you’re rewriting endings, exploring side characters, or building alternate universes, fanfiction is pure creative freedom.
These 10 ChatGPT prompts are built to help fanfiction writers spark new storylines, deepen characters, and craft immersive fan worlds.
Use them to break writer’s block, reimagine canon, or simply explore your what-if scenarios.
Let’s write your next favorite fic.
1. Creating a ‘What If’ Alternate Universe (AU)
#CONTEXT: You want to explore a fun twist on your fandom’s original setting.
#GOAL: Generate a unique AU setup for your fanfic.
#RESPONSE GUIDELINES:
Use fandom: [insert fandom name]
Suggest an AU setting (e.g., coffee shop, royalty, sci-fi)
Include how the main characters would change
Match tone: [insert tone]
Add one central plot hook
#OUTPUT: A short AU fanfic concept.ChatGPT Output
2. Writing a Canon Divergence Plot
#CONTEXT: You want to take a key event in the original story and rewrite it differently.
#GOAL: Create a story idea based on diverging from canon.
#RESPONSE GUIDELINES:
Choose event: [insert canon moment]
Explain what changes and why
Include effects on 2–3 main characters
Fit fandom: [insert fandom]
Match tone: [insert tone]
#OUTPUT: A 4–5 sentence canon divergence summary.3. Exploring a Side Character’s Backstory
#CONTEXT: You want to write a fanfic that centers on a character who didn’t get much attention in canon.
#GOAL: Create a backstory that adds depth and makes them shine.
#RESPONSE GUIDELINES:
Character name: [insert character]
Describe one childhood or defining moment
Show how it shaped their current self
Match tone: [insert tone]
Fit fandom: [insert fandom]
#OUTPUT: A 5–6 sentence backstory summary.ChatGPT Output
4. Writing a Ship-Focused Fanfic Prompt
#CONTEXT: You want to write a romantic or emotional scene between two characters.
#GOAL: Generate a scene idea that highlights their relationship.
#RESPONSE GUIDELINES:
Ship: [insert character names]
Choose mood: [insert tone – fluff, angst, slow burn, etc.]
Set the scene (location or moment)
Add one conflict or miscommunication
Include a closing emotional beat
#OUTPUT: A romantic or emotional fanfic scene concept.5. Writing a Crossover Fanfic Prompt
#CONTEXT: You want to combine characters or settings from two different fandoms.
#GOAL: Create a crossover concept that feels exciting and natural.
#RESPONSE GUIDELINES:
Fandoms: [insert two fandoms]
Suggest a shared world or portal/event that brings them together
Choose main characters to interact
Match tone: [insert tone]
Include central conflict or mission
#OUTPUT: A crossover fanfiction concept summary.ChatGPT Output
6. Turning a Song into a Fanfic Scene
#CONTEXT: You want to combine characters or settings from two different fandoms.
#GOAL: Create a crossover concept that feels exciting and natural.
#RESPONSE GUIDELINES:
Fandoms: [insert two fandoms]
Suggest a shared world or portal/event that brings them together
Choose main characters to interact
Match tone: [insert tone]
Include central conflict or mission
#OUTPUT: A crossover fanfiction concept summary.7. Writing a Fanfic Episode for a ‘Missing Moment’
#CONTEXT: You want to write a story that fills in a missing moment between scenes in the original series.
#GOAL: Describe the gap and build a short story around it.
#RESPONSE GUIDELINES:
Canon event before and after: [insert details]
Suggest what could’ve happened in between
Include which character(s) it focuses on
Match tone: [insert tone]
Fit fandom: [insert fandom]
#OUTPUT: A missing moment fanfic idea.ChatGPT Output
8. Writing a Character Monologue or Inner Voice
#CONTEXT: You want to write a short fanfic in the voice of a character, showing what they think but don’t say.
#GOAL: Write a 1st-person inner monologue.
#RESPONSE GUIDELINES:
Character: [insert character name]
Fandom: [insert fandom]
Set the moment (e.g., right before or after major event)
Tone: [insert tone]
Keep under 150 words
#OUTPUT: A short character POV monologue.9. Building a Fanfic Plot Around a Trope
#CONTEXT: You want to write a story based on a fan-favorite trope (like enemies-to-lovers, fake dating, time loop, etc.).
#GOAL: Create a story setup using that trope.
#RESPONSE GUIDELINES:
Choose trope: [insert fanfic trope]
Fandom and ship: [insert fandom + characters]
Set up the initial problem or scene
Add twist or complication
Match tone: [insert tone]
#OUTPUT: A 4–6 sentence trope-based story concept.ChatGPT Output
10. Writing a Fanfic Summary or Tagline
#CONTEXT: You’ve written or planned a fic and need a short summary or hook to post online.
#GOAL: Create a catchy 1–2 sentence summary.
#RESPONSE GUIDELINES:
Include ship or characters
Mention the AU or canon moment
Hint at the main conflict or emotion
Match tone: [insert tone]
Fit platform: [insert platform: AO3, Wattpad, Tumblr, etc.]
#OUTPUT: A brief fanfic summary or tagline.How to Use These Prompts Effectively
Always Fill in the Blanks: Replace placeholders like [fandom], [tone], or [character] for best results.
Write Short Scenes First: Use prompts to warm up with a drabble or flash fiction.
Use as Inspiration, Not Replacement: Rewrite and remix AI outputs to suit your voice.
Save Good Results: Keep your best outputs to expand into full chapters.
Try Combining Prompts: Use a song prompt + AU prompt + monologue to create richer fic ideas.
Wrap-Up
Fanfiction gives you a way to stay in the worlds you love — but with your own spin.
These ChatGPT prompts help you explore every corner of those stories, whether through fluff, angst, or adventure.
Use them to write, share, and connect with your fandom in new creative ways.
Your next favorite fic starts here.