Thoughts on fanfiction?

Lib
Scribbler

Posts: 189

Thoughts on fanfiction? Aug 24, 2013 13:21:50 GMT -5

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Post by Lib on Aug 24, 2013 13:21:50 GMT -5

Wasn't sure where to put this - we don't have a board specifically for fanfiction. I started writing fanfiction about 6 years ago, although I realize now I was making up fanfiction stories even when I was a kid. My very first written story was fanfiction, back in 1978.

Some people say I'm wasting my time with fanfiction (like Orson Scott Card, www.cracked.com/quick-fixes/4-big-reasons-orson-scott-goddamn-lunatic/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=fanpage&utm_campaign=new+article&wa_ibsrc=fanpage). Then again, some people have been very successful knocking off others' stories (not so much Orson Scott Card, www.dailydot.com/culture/10-famous-authors-fanfiction/ ).

But I end up justifying my fanfiction far too often. My usual reply: "Anything I write is good practice." Honestly, these stories get stuck in my head, and if I don't write them down, I'll never get rid of them. So what do you guys think of fanfiction? Is it worth the time? Do you have to justify writing it?

Last Edit: Aug 24, 2013 13:22:59 GMT -5 by Lib

Bird
Ink Star

Posts: 465

Thoughts on fanfiction? Aug 24, 2013 18:42:41 GMT -5 boomboom likes this

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Post by Bird on Aug 24, 2013 18:42:41 GMT -5

Honestly, I never got into fanfiction, reading or writing. But I do think any writing is practice if you want it to be, and some have had great success with it, like the women who wrote 50 Shades of Gray and the Mortal Instruments series. I think the bottom line is, if you enjoy it, who cares what anyone else thinks? I don't feel the need to justify my enjoyment of bowling or harmonica, so why would writing - fanfic or otherwise - be any different?

boomboom
Word Slinger

Posts: 562

Thoughts on fanfiction? Aug 24, 2013 21:51:28 GMT -5 Bird likes this

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Post by boomboom on Aug 24, 2013 21:51:28 GMT -5

Well, Lib, you and I have discussed fan fiction a bit because we met over fan fiction. I agree with Bird, plus it is good writing experience. One of the reasons I want "Varian's Hair" to work out is I am trying to capture or convey something and want to see what it takes to do that without having to create a whole world and character with a known history. Besides, I just love the lad and feel his story - much like you do for the characters you write about.

We also both know that, while there is lots of bad writing in fan fiction, there is lots of stunningly wonderful writing in fan fiction. That prejudice aainst it is garbage. There is nothing to justify in a writing sense.

BUT - there's always a "but" - in end, it depends on what you want your writing to do for you. You can't sell fan fiction, period. It will never be your story; you will never own it. The characters you love and cherish and craft beautiful pieces of work about can be taken by the owner of that story in a completely different direction than you want. In the end, it will always be frustrating.

However, I think you are not done with your fan fiction story and that is why it is hard to let go. I have encouraged you to develop your own stories because you don't need any more writing practice. You are an very good writer and definitely, skillswise, ready to develop your own world. You may not be ready storywise, though, and that is fine. You may just need to complete that cycle. You may also find you don't want to do your own stuff. It's a lot of work, it may not catch to others and it not a world you can share with others until they are fans. A bit of a lonely road.

I have to give up fan fiction because time has come for me to put up or shut up. It is good practice and I definitely need that more than you do, but I simply can't wait any longer, no matter how much I am afraid to face whether I can pull off a whole story by myself. I cannot, one more time, say "I want to be a writer" and not do it. I'm not saying fan fiction isn't writing, it just isn't the writing I want to be known for. The stories in my head that are mine are just as strong as the fan fiction stories, even stronger. But that is me.

TL;DR - There is nothing to justify. If you like writing fan fiction and it gives you satisfaction, go for it!

“Kallor said: 'I walked this land when the T'lan Imass were but children. I have commanded armies a hundred thousand strong. I have spread the fire of my wrath across entire continents, and sat alone upon tall thrones. Do you grasp the meaning of this?'
'Yes,' said Caladan Brood, 'you never learn.”
― Steven Erikson, Gardens of the Moon

Lib
Scribbler

Posts: 189

Thoughts on fanfiction? Aug 25, 2013 22:26:12 GMT -5 Bird likes this

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Post by Lib on Aug 25, 2013 22:26:12 GMT -5

I guess part of it is not having anything to "show" for it. If I tell people I write, they expect me to have a novel for sale at Barnes and Noble. Thanks, Bird, for the comments about bowling and harmonica. That might be a good way to explain it to people. You don't have to do everything to make money; sometimes you can just have fun.

lokanya: Whoot! I finished my 50k words. (Which should have been more but there was much slacking near the end) But still, WHOOT! Apr 30, 2014 10:07:59 GMT -5