Fanfiction, fan fiction, fanfic, and fan writing are all common synonyms for the term used to describe fictional stories written by fans of a particular book, movie, TV show, or other source material. These stories may be original works that extrapolate from the established universe of the source material or may be derivative works that retell or reimagine existing storylines or characters in new ways. Whether created as a form of homage, a means of exploring further aspects of a beloved world, or simply for fun and entertainment, fanfic has become a popular form of recreational writing among fans of many different genres and fandoms.