Check out AUs, a playground of creativity

I recently got hooked on AUs more than I thought I would. Throughout the times I have read a variety of them, I grew to understand more about those that I prefer to read and look for whenever there’s a story suggestion.

Your idols in an AU (Alternate Universe)

For context, an AU is a type of fanfiction where personalities, such as idols, are imagined to be someone from an alternate universe. This became an avenue for some fans, mostly K-pop fans, to showcase their creativity. Think of it as stories about the BTS members being Filipino students. Or like Blackpink members being doctors and teachers. Thus, these types of stories really show how creative K-pop fans can be.

As an AU reader

The thing about AUs is that you don’t have to think about the character’s appearance in detail anymore. You can already picture them. Honestly, there are AUs that are very well written that it feels wrong to read them for free. That’s how good they are. I find it interesting that some are too well–written that I can’t believe that the author only takes writing as a hobby of theirs. That’s a real talent! With the number of AUs I’ve read, I found some that caught my attention. That’s when I know I’d spotted a good one.

Spotting good AUs

Likes can be deceiving

There are many AUs that have a thousand likes or retweets. With that many engagements, you’d get the idea that the story is actually good since many people tuned into it. I agree about that. Although there are some that are known to be the “hidden gems,” you won’t find them in other people’s recommendations. However, it will surely hit differently when you get to read them. You just have to give the underrated writers a chance because MANY are just unexpectedly good. Even so, you can still start with those highly recommended ones.

The author’s imprint on the AU world

Many authors have imprinted their names in the AU world. It’s when the author can be recognized based on how they write. This way, they have a more distinctive writing style than other AU stories.

Take it with author Ash or @httpyooji. She creates stories that have a specific writing style. You can see it based on how the characters write their emojis in a certain way and how they type their messages.

There might be some other AUs that share the same type of writing. However, Ash seems to pull this style consistently. With this, you can see that this author has made a mark on the world of AU writing.

Twitter | @httpyooji on Twitter can be classified as one of those that you’ll never get tired of reading. With the idols being students, you’d be surprised at how relatable these characters could be. You can start with her Para Sa akin or Whatever It Is if you are curious about how aespa and Itzy could be if they become students instead of idols.

Despite having a noticeable writing style, the author still surprises me with how she gets to experiment with the characters.

Unfamiliar with a hint of familiarity

AUs use characters that seem to connect with the idols. You’d get to question what idols A and B would be like when they become boxers or swimmers instead of their current professions. With AUs, you can be familiar with the person. But, you’ll be surprised at what kind of character they’ll put into life.

It’s interesting to find stories that make you feel like you know the AU character because you know what the idol’s personality is. But, you’ll soon realize you don’t really know them at all.

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Also, authors also tend to change the names of the characters so that the readers can separate what is fiction and what is real. AUs can sometimes create a thin line between reality and fiction. Hence, the authors decide to create new names for their characters to have a clearer distinction.

AUs as a playground for creativity

It’s really difficult to come up with stories like these, even more, a good one. I really find them really good as most of these writers are able to come up with a plot that flows smoothly and their witty remarks.

However, it would be difficult for some to separate the characters from the real person they portray. So I think that it is also important for writers to let the readers keep in mind how they should separate the story from real life.

All AU stories, written as a hobby or not, are creative and unique in their own ways. I think that the author’s writing style describes the author themselves, too. In this way, everyone will be different in how they write and deliver a story.