Professional fan fiction

[lucidscreamer]

In the latest issue of the TOR/Forge newsletter, Kevin J. Anderson talks about the latest novel in the classic Dune series, Paul of Dune* (co-written with Brian Herbert).

"What in the world happened between those two novels [Dune and Dune Messiah]? How can we explain the dramatic shift in Paul’s character? Paul of Dune is the untold story of

Comments

[lucidscreamer]

The thing that really bugs me about the fanfic issue is that it only seems to be writing, of all the arts, that has this stigma.

That's true, and it's a point I hadn't thought of.

Why is it different for writing? Why can't I do it for fun and not try to publish? Hell, why can't I strive to be the best writer I can be and still never attempt to get published? If I practiced my instrument every day--only playing songs written by other people, mind you--even though I never intended to go pro, would that be a bad thing? Of course not.

I don't get that either, but it seems to the same mindset that makes so many "real" writers have coronaries over NaNoWriMo. "OMG, they're not going to get paid for their novels! Why are they writing if they're not going to try to get published! Some are 'writing' fanfic! Why?? Why are they threatening our egos like this??!!"

Sorry, but that attitude just gets on my last nerve. I write because I enjoy it and because the stories in my head demand to be told. I'd write even if no one else ever saw my stories (though I obviously prefer they get read!). Getting paid would be nice, but that has nothing to do with the creative process itself.