This book illuminates the relationship between autobiography, fan fiction, and education via philosophical, pedagogical, and formative perspectives.

How might we consider autobiography and fan fiction writing to be educational? How can we harness the potential of fan fiction writing for pedagogical use? How does the practice of creating and consuming fan fiction/autobiographical texts support the formation of identity? This book brings together contributors from across the world to consider the answers to these questions, and more, with the resulting interpretations and perspectives offering something novel in the linking of these three concepts. Separated into three distinct sections, the chapters in this book look first at philosophical perspectives, moving on to pedagogical approaches, and, finally, the role of fan fiction and autobiography in the formation of individual and social identities. The eclectic mix of arguments, methods, and styles aims to provide insights to readers interested in life writing, popular culture and media studies, and those engaged in the multiple sub-disciplines of education studies.

Autobiography, Fan Fiction and Education offers a compelling exploration of how personal narratives and creative storytelling by fans intersect with learning. I found this innovative book to be an illuminating read and would deem it essential reading for scholars, educators, and writers alike, due to the way it beautifully forefronts fresh perspectives on the transformative power of fan fiction in shaping identity and education. * Lucy Bennett, Lecturer in Media Audiences, Cardiff University, UK *
Robertson and Chen stretch the theorizing and application of popular culture through considering the generative intersections of fan fiction with autobiographical writing and education. The diverse chapters reveal fan fiction’s insights into writers’ and readers’ worlds and into philosophy, pedagogy, and identity. Recognizing both the autobiographical traces in fictional writing and autobiography’s fictional components, the authors bring compelling new perspectives to the educational power of fan fiction and its communities of world-making. * Lucy Bailey, Professor of Social Foundations & Qualitative Inquiry, Oklahoma State University, US *

Yueling Chen is a current PhD student at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow.
Nicola Robertson is a Teaching Fellow in Education Studies at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow.