LSMcGill wrote:

... In DB's case, I haven't read
or commented on his latest works mainly because he's a good enough writer he
doesn't need my rather inexpert help, and because I'm still of the opinion
he needs to stop wasting his time writing ONLY fanfiction.  Same with Krista
Perry and a small handful of others.  Fanfiction is great practice, but it's
not an end to itself.  ...

... (comments to Krista Perry)
Dear, stop writing fanfics. you're way too talented for this. Write an
original with this kind of flair and you will be a best seller. This
combination of adventure and romance would make a novel worthy of Foster,
Anthony, or Cussler. You deserve that kind of name recognition...

Why in the world is fanfiction "great practice, but ... not an end to
itself"?  Why declare Ms. Perry (just to use your example) "too
talented" for this type of writing if this is something she enjoys?

Persons A and B each write stories about their favorite American comic
book characters.  Person A posts the stories on a web site, for other
fans to read.  Person B is writing for the comic book company that
publishes the character.

Persons C and D each write scripts for television series they enjoy. 
Person C submits the work to a print 'zine, where it's mailed out to
many other fans of the series.  Person D has been contracted by the
producer of the series to contribute a script.

In each of these cases, there are obvious differences in the legal and
financial issues surrounding the creative works.  Yes, the fanfiction
writer enjoys much more freedom.  On the flip side, the professional
working in this manner gets to see their work distributed in a more
respected medium and they get paid actual money! ^^ 

But in each case I don't see much difference in the act of writing
itself, in the process of creating a story.  There is also not
necessarily great difference in experience or skill.  One assumes that
the professional has gotten the commissions due to sufficient skill and
being able to meet the customer's requirements.  But as we've all seen,
there are a number of writers we know through fanfiction who were
already excellent or have become so, and continue to work hard to
further improve.  That's a necessary characteristic of a real
professional, whether or not your efforts ever garner money.

Of course, none of this says that fanfiction writers *shouldn't* pursue
their own original creations.  Not at all!  There are a number of names
I've learned through fanfiction, that as soon as I see them at the
bookstore, I'll be dropping more money.

Back to the original topic -- I'll beg off on the reasons already
given.  Couldn't state it better myself.

Laurie
milo@winternet.com
http://www.winternet.com/~milo


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