A general sense of awed-ness.

[conuly]

New as I am to the world of fanfic, I've never said this before. I know some people who write fanfic who are so talented, I'm amazed. No, really! I won't name names, out of fear of carelessly insulting somebody by neglecting to name them, but some of you are... well, that's why I don't write. Can't ever find a word when I want one.

I do have a question, to bring this off the awkward topic. Is it a sign of my continuing depravity that I'm starting to see relationships like Harry/Draco as more normal and understandable and reasonable than the statistically more likely (and more supported) relationships such as Hermione/Ron?

Comments

[feathered.livejournal.com]

Yes, there are some very talented fanfiction authors. Unfortunately, that talent is completely wasted, seeing that they're spending their creative energies writing derivative work that warps someone else's brainchild unrecognizably and will never be publishable. Pity.

[conuly]

You're not in a good mood today, are you?

Fanfic isn't entirely unpublishable - books about TV shows and movies are a fanfic of a sort, and certain writers have used fanfic inspiration (generally for plots on TV shows, I believe).

Additionally, you could make the argument that fanfic has a strong historical backing. The Illiad was a type of fanfic about the people of Troy, Dante's Inferno was derivative of the Bible (but then, what isn't?), unauthorized sequels were written to Don Quixote. Authors have been ripping each other off for centuries.

And many authors today say that they started writing fanfic. That's an easy way to practice your writing skills, by working in a universe somebody else created. You even have a ready-made readership! Eventually, you can move out into the world of original fiction. That time isn't wasted if it's improved your skill.

[ciara-belle.livejournal.com]

I'm sure there are a TON of people who are going to buy Cassie Claire's book because they like her fanfic. And probably about as many who will get the book to tear it apart.

Historical fiction can basically be seen as fanfic. There are people on livejournal who write about historical figures. It's just that our historical fiction tends to include slightly more gay pr0n. ;D

[appadil.livejournal.com]

Additionally, some people have no intention to ever get published. Some people write fanfic simply for their own enjoyment. For a quick comparison, I draw. Fanart and not, I like to draw, but I have no intent or desire to ever become a professional artist even if I do ever get that good at it. Partially, it's because I have other things I want to do in life, such as biology, and partially, It's because I like to draw- I don't want it to ever be something I do because I have to, because I have a deadline, rather than because I want to. My art is for me, and if other people enjoy it, that's great and that's why I put it online for people to see, but it's not something I'd ever want to make a career of. Many people I've spoken to who do fanfic are the same way- they are amateurs in the oldest sense of the word, doing what they do as a pastime rather than a profession, and doing out of love for the borrowed universe they're playing in.

[conuly]

No, that wasn't fair of me to suggest you're commenting because you're in a bad mood. That's a bad way to win an argument, assuming it even works.

That said, this is the second comment you've made today that sounds as though you're upset. Is that me...?