Fan Fiction

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by ShannonP on June 12, 2011 at 2:15pm

JJ,

I think the concept of fanfiction grows from the "if only" part of the brain that makes a reader say "if only this had happened" or "what if" that had happened.  It's a sign that a story has legs, in my view, because obviously readers are still thinking about and pondering the story if they are taking time to write about the characters in ways they find interesting or satisfying to themselves.

 

I don't read fanfiction. I have read a few, but don't anymore. Why not?  Partly because I don't ever find them as satisifying as I do the original, but mostly because I am a writer.  While I know that there are many fine, talented writers of fanfiction, I can't help wondering why those writers aren't striving to create their own concepts and characters and define themselves as storytellers in their own right.  To me, writing fanfiction may be a strong tool in developing a writer's style, but it is the equivalent of a writing prompt with the characters already provided.  There is nothing wrong with that, it's not a criticism.  But to me, there are so many talented writers who are publishing their own original work, I would rather focus on discovering those artists and on developing my own voice as a writer, than focus on extending or changing a work I already know inside out and love as it is.  If that makes sense.

 

Permalink Reply by JJ on April 28, 2013 at 3:12pm

Thank you Shannon 

I agree that fan fiction is a great way to "try" or "practice" writing and if done "just for fun" then no harm done.  I know my own FF was originated by a "if only" and it was fun to take the characters down a different path, but they are certainly not my own. 

I have started writing a story that is my own and it is easier said that done. :D 

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