Breaking spines
Fanfiction has been a stalwart of the interweb almost since its inception so this is no surprise to some - but the Spinebreakers Artemis Fowl fan-fic throws up some very interesting insights. Two diary entries - one from Artemis and the other from Holly - they make for two very different readings and allow a brief look at what readers take from the books. There is certainly plenty of room for publishers to encourage readers to engage with books by posting their own sequels/prequels or alternative endings online - and for an author to know their audience by discussing the changes…
A general overview of the fanfiction genre featured in the Autumn issue of Inis - including the little fact that in the 17th century, fans of Cervantes wrote their own sequels to Don Quixote. More over here.
(Update: Say hi to the Spinebreaker folks - they’re reading too)
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Haven’t read the link David, so this is probably a bit off topic, but I think it’s generally wise advise that authors should not read fanfic based on their work ( though I have no problem with fanfic itself. I loved the idea of people becoming so engaged with a writer’s characters and setting that they are inspired to write. To me it’s the highest form of compliment)
But I do think it’s a dangerous idea for the author or publishers to have anything to do with fic. You’re laying yourself wide open to accusations of having taken ideas from fic and used them in your work. IMHO fic should remain what it has always been, a great big sandpit for people to play in, free and happy and without any influence or participation by the authors themselves.
I also think it’s a bad idea for an author to listen too much to what their audience thinks it wants. While it’s always a good idea to pay attention to markets, the stories that work best ( and end up being imitated) are often those that come from the heart/brain of one individual. If there are too many voices involved, there’s always the danger that a good strong and unique story can be diluted by ‘too many cooks’ syndrome. You see this particularly in the movie business where you have too many people worrying over what they think the audience wants to see. The creative folks end up looking over their shoulders all the time, and grow too afraid to take chances.
Hi Celine - I don’t know how much of a danger there is in an author pilfering from fanfic, it would depend on the author though. Spinebreakers is publisher run and gives readers a place to put their opinions, fanfic, blogs and more that will be read by other members, as well as the author and publisher.
I think every author, or at the very least publishers, should have a similar site available to readerships that want to engage with authors, and where authors can respond if they want.
I’m not saying there’s a danger of an author pilfering, I’m saying being accused of pilfering is a headache worth avoiding :0) And I genuinely think that fanfic should be kept as far from publishers and the authors whose work it’s based on as is humanly possible. Fanfic has always been a very independent free and easy form of self expression and in this humble brat’s opinion, it should stay that way :0)
The humble brat’s opinion is very welcome - I do see it as a good thing for publishers/authors to be engaging with readers on any/all levels. It is interesting to get a different opinion about it.
Fancy elaborating your point in a guest post??
[...] He has adapted it into a series of 2 minute vlogs (video blogs), just as Sara does in the book. I’ve harped on enough about the great ways writers can deliver their work to fans online - and Penguin seem to betrying [...]
hi David, sorry I missed your post there ( didn’t get the usual wee note thingy) I don’t even know what a guest post is! Why don’t you e me and explain? ( web-trog? Me? Yes!)