For the many who write, or started out their writing careers pursuing fan fiction, there can be a level of guilt involved.

Hey, good news, maybe not so much anymore... take a peek at the Wall Street Journals write up on the fast becoming 'mainstream' attitudes toward fan fic. (Link brazenly clipped from Miss Snark earlier today.)

Personally I've never truly comprehended the hatred toward fan fic. It's said that copying is the sincerest form of flattery, and in this case, I think it's true. If your stories are loved so much that they inspire more folks to write about them, I see no harm, no foul, and probably a great deal of extra publicity for your own work. I don't know that I'd feel such pieces should be 'publishable' in the financial sense, but if they help others find their own voices, and develop their craft while entertaining a new group of fans... hallelujiah.

I make no real secret of the fact that years ago I started writing fan fic. I developed my own style, and learned where my voice was using favorite music figures. I also found a great many fans, and developed several long term friendships because of it. I'd written my own original work before that, during that, and long after my fan fic days were through, but I'll tell you, I wouldn't trade that time of exposure, development, and commradarie for anything.

Anyway, thanks to articles like these from the WSJ perhaps fan fic artists can begin to hold their heads up, and walk in the daylight once more. LOL Enjoy.

Current Location: Office
Current Mood: working
Current Music: Pink Floyd's The Wall