Opinions Wanted: reviewing former fan fic authors
I'm looking for a second opinion in regards to reviewing a book from an author who used to write fan fiction: is it poor form to mention that the author used to write fan fiction? Or that the novel that you're reviewing used to be a fic?
The reason I ask is because I just finished the second book in my 100 book challenge - The Lost Temple by ( Read more... )
The reason I ask is because I just finished the second book in my 100 book challenge - The Lost Temple by ( Read more... )
I've done that a couple of times, but to simply change the names and nothing else? Doesn't work for me.
In this particular case and as a reader, it doesn't work for me either. Don't get me wrong, I really loved the fan fiction series this was pulled from - in fact, I recced it on epic_recs before it was pulled offline (my own version of a stamp of approval) - but a lot of the things that worked for it as a fic just don't work for it as an original series and vice versa. But, that said, I'm wondering if it would be in bad taste to mention the fact that it used to be a fic in my review because I don't want anyone to think I'm complaining about it because it used to be a fic (this is about as far from the truth as you can get; I just want to reference why/how it works and how it doesn't).
I started with Mind Fuck, went to Mann of My Dreams when I made it original, and from there sequed to Spy vs. Spook. While the basic premise is still there, I'd like to think that anyone who bought it would be pleased with the additions and changes.
Speaking as a loyal fan of your writing, I definitely appreciate the changes and tweaks you make to keep things fresh. I just wish more authors who adapt their fics into original works would realize that sometimes you have to do the tweaking to get the most from the story/characters. If Stevie had, I think this series would have gone to the top of my favorites pile...and that makes me a bit sad. :(
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