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Author Craft / Re: Fanfiction: Is It Real Writing?
« on: June 25, 2012, 05:42:34 PM »I'm not much into fanfiction, but, like all other fiction, its legitimacy is entirely dependent on the individual work. Consider, for example, all the fantasy compilations out there where multiple authors are given a common world to write in (e.g., Thieves' World); it seems pretty much parallel to fanfic, in that they're using other people's creations, but given that they're pro authors and they get praised for their work in those compilations, that makes it sound as legit as anything else.
Still, for someone trying to make a name for himself, it would seem more effective to do so for his own story, not someone else's. Yes, there's plenty of awful fanfic out there, but there's also a lot of awful pro fiction, so quality has no direct correlation to that question of "originality". So, again, it's an individual thing and what the writer DOES with it.
That's pretty much the way I look at it. I'm just gather ammunition to bop my relative over the head with. Good fiction, to me, comes in any form, whether it's a professional/published author or an unknown fanfic writer. If it's good it's good. I heard about one person who wrote such good fanfic the person was asked to write for the TV show, which did happen and eventually he/she became a producer, I believe. That's very rare, but it does happen. And just because an author or any creative person does good work the majority of the time, doesn't mean their stuff isn't gonna stink at some point.
Depends. I've read some fanfiction that's better than a lot of published stuff, and some that's utter crapola. I think ultimately that creating your own characters and setting is a lot more rewarding (and difficult!) but as long as you respect any rules the original creator may have, and don't do anything dumb like try to sell it on Amazon, I don't see any real harm. It can be good practice and a lot of fun.
Also, bear in mind that a few writers of original fiction (PN Elrod and Peter David come to mind) got their start in fanfic. If you stick to public domain characters, you can publish without fear of litigation--I've read an excellent series of mysteries that are basically Shakespeare fanfic. And don't forget the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy, which is actually Twilight fanfiction with the names changed (I haven't read this, so I can't speak for the quality, but it is very popular.)
I have no urge to be published, just a fun gig for me, but as you say, venturing into your own original characters and stories is ultimately more satisfying.
There was a case I knew of recently where someone published their work on Amazon and it turned out to be someone else's story (several people who knew the original author spotted it and voiced their complaints...and it was immediately removed). But you always run the risk of writing a story that is similar to someone else's, but given the same set of ideas, no one really writes the same story as the next person.
Ugh. I hadn't heard about Fifty Shades of Grey being a knock-off of Twilight. Hmm...thought about reading it, just because it was getting so much hype, but may have to skip that one.
As long as I keep editing, I keep it alive...if you get what I mean.
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