What does FF mean in romance? An in-depth look

FF is a common abbreviation in fiction and fanfiction that stands for "Female/Female". It refers to stories that focus on romantic or sexual relationships between women. But there‘s much more nuance and context around this term and the genres it represents. As a veteran fanfiction reader and analyst, let me provide some expert insights into the world of FF.

A Quick FF Definition

First, a quick definition for anyone unfamiliar with the terminology:

• FF = An abbreviation for stories about relationships between women. You‘ll see it used like "FF fic", "FF romance", etc.
• f/f, f.f. = Other stylizations of the FF abbreviation used in text.
• femslash = Another term for f/f fiction, portmanteau of "female" and "slash".

These terms describe stories ranging from romantic fluff to erotica between female characters. It‘s a broad genre written by and for women exploring relationships alternative to the male/female "default".

The Rise of FF and Femslash

While FF and same-gender romances have likely existed as long as literature, the genre really took off in the late 20th century.

• Fanfiction and online fandom spaces allowed for easier sharing and popularized "shipping" female characters.
• The LGBTQ+ movement increased demand for diverse representations of sexuality and identity.
• TV shows like Xena: Warrior Princess (1995) and Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997) attracted large femslash followings.
• Erotica eBook publishing enabled new access to FF romance/erotica.

Today, FF makes up a sizable chunk of fiction in English, especially fanfiction. Archive Of Our Own, the largest fanfic site online, has over 160,000 f/f works compared to around 210,000 m/f and 95,000 with no romantic focus.

Why Do People Read and Write FF?

There are many reasons this genre resonates with so many readers and writers:

Exploring Sexuality and Identity

• FF allows for exploration of sexuality, emotions and relationships outside of societal assumptions that heterosexuality is the default.
• For those questioning their orientation or identity, FF provides insight.
• FF stories offer a safe space for women to explore intimate topics.

Diverse Relationships and Representation

• Compared to mainstream media, FF provides more diversity of relationships and sexuality.
• For lesbian, bi and queer women readers, FF gives positive representation they can relate to.
• FF explores themes like coming out, discrimination, internalized homophobia, and achieving self-acceptance.

Escapism and Fantasy

• FF offers an entertaining escape from daily life into imaginary scenarios and relationships.
• The emphasis is on passion, romance and eroticism absent in other entertainment targeting women.
• For readers of all orientations, FF provides visceral fantasy material.

Creative Freedom

• Fanfiction authors enjoy playing with characters and stories without the limits of canon sources.
• Original FF works also give writers creative license limited only by their imagination.
• FF allows women-centered stories rarely told in mainstream media.

Community

• FF groups, whether online or in-person, give a sense of belonging and shared interests.
• Readers can discuss plots, characters, and themes with passionate fellow fans.
• Fanfiction sites foster ongoing engagement between authors and audience.

Where to Find FF Fiction

The internet has truly opened up access to FF content. While critiques around quality persist, the breadth of material is undeniable. Here are some major outlets:

• Archive of Our Own – The largest fanfiction archive online, AO3 hosts over 160k FF works from franchises like Harry Potter to indie games. Its tagging system helps manage content.

• Wattpad – A popular mobile app for reader and writers to share original stories. Many teen and young adult FF romance stories. Mixed quality but accessible.

• eBook Stores – Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, Kobo, etc. offer FF romance/erotica for purchase, opening the genre to mainstream audiences.

• FanFiction.net – One of the first fanfic archives online, the site remains popular especially among younger fans. Quality varies but it‘s easy to use.

• Web Fiction Sites – Original FF fiction often serialized chapter-by-chapter on sites like Royal Road, Scribble Hub, etc. Catering to fantasy, paranormal and romance genres.

• Tumblr – Despite policy changes, Tumblr remains a hub for FF content and fandom engagement, ideal for short-form stories.

• LiveJournal/Dreamwidth – Older blogging/community sites with dedicated fans sustaining FF groups and archives, often focused on sci-fi/fantasy.

There are also many online communities, forums and groups dedicated to connecting FF readers and authors. No matter your specific interests within the broad genre, the internet provides access and visibility that simply didn‘t exist even 20 years ago.

Breakdown of FF Fiction Genres

FF encapsulates many genres and niches within women-centered fiction. Here‘s a quick breakdown:

• Romance – Stories focused on romantic relationships, dating, fluff. Often idealized with happy endings.

• Erotica – Sexually explicit FF with emphasis on the physical aspects of relationships.

• PWP (Plot, What Plot?) – Erotica focused solely on the sex without plot or context.

• Sci-Fi & Fantasy – FF relationships set in speculative fictional worlds featuring magic, future tech, etc.

• Fanfiction – Using existing fictional characters and settings for new FF stories.

• Historical – FF historical dramas set in past time periods.

• Teen/YA – Stories exploring first relationships, coming of age themes.

• Action/Adventure – Adding FF romance to stories with danger, mysteries and intrigue.

• BDSM – FF with themes of dominance, submission, bondage, discipline.

• Omegaverse – A specific AU trope where characters have wolf-like biology and dynamics.

• Supernatural – Paranormal and urban fantasy with vampires, werewolves, demons, etc.

This list just scratches the surface, and many stories blend multiple genres. FF offers something for every taste from fluffy vanilla romance to twisted erotica and everything between.

Controversies and Concerns Around FF

As a widely read yet not fully mainstream genre, FF has faced controversies and criticism.

• Content concerns – Since anyone can publish FF online, impressionable readers may encounter mature content. Reliable content rating and filtering is important.

• Ethical debates – Such as portrayals of underage sexuality, non-consensual acts, and appropriateness of using real people‘s names and likenesses.

• Gender bias – FF is sometimes viewed as less "serious" fiction since the majority of authors and readers are female.

• Fanfiction rights – Legally, fanfic occupies a gray area making unauthorized use of existing intellectual property.

• Sexism and misogyny – Women writers/readers of FF face accusation of creating "smut" and catering to male gaze.

• Queer representation – While praised for diversity, FF also sees debates about authenticity in portraying LGBTQ+ experiences.

The FF landscape, like any creative community, is not perfect. But increased dialogue around responsible practices continues. Overall the genre provides a platform for women-loving-women stories that have long been suppressed or sidelined.

The Appeal and Value of FF

So looking at the full picture, why does FF and f/f fiction hold such appeal? And what value does it bring despite ongoing controversies?

For readers, it provides entertainment, escape, and exploration of identity. It gives positive representation of diverse relationships. And it satisfies desires for more women-centered stories.

For authors, FF offers creative freedom to explore new narratives separate from societal constraints. There are built-in communities to engage with. And for some, it even provides income opportunities.

For culture, FF expands the scope of women‘s fiction beyond limited mainstream depictions. It destigmatizes sexuality and queerness through stories. And it creates more understanding of the full spectrum of human relationships.

The FF genre empowers women as readers, authors and protagonists celebrating intimacy and passion on their own terms. And that cultural influence only continues to grow in the internet age.

So whether you‘re a casual reader or aspiring author, I hope this overview has shed light on the rich world of f/f fiction and demonstrated why two little letters carry so much meaning. Happy reading!