38 Across
NYT Daily • August 29, 2025
What fan fiction is not
Answer:
CANON
Hint:
Not available
Explanation:
Fan fiction refers to stories written by fans that expand or alter existing works, but they aren’t part of the official storyline. The clue plays on this by asking what fan fiction isn’t—the answer is "canon," meaning the authorized, original material created by the source (like books, shows, or games). It’s a straightforward contrast: if it’s not fan-made, it’s the real deal. Think of it like the difference between a bootleg movie and the theater release.