Legitimate fanfic

[karen9]

It seems to be fine to use the characters in books by dead authors to write novels, publish them as original works and make money out of them. The latest are Sebastian Faulkes writing a Jeeves story and Anthony Horowitz writing a Moriarty story. In these cases the writers have the permission of the late authors' estates, but what about Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte? to name just a couple of authors whose works have had sequels written by modern authors. I tend to avoid these novels because they are usually not as good as the originals and I think authors should not make money using other writers' original characters. Anyway, when published authors write what amounts to authorised fanfic, can writers blame fans for writing fanfic for pleasure and to share without profit?

Comments

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

I've thought about it and I'm still not sure what my views are on the subject. While I get what you're saying, I can't help thinking that some "professional" fanfic can be good if it gets readers to check out the original source material. Of course, as you say, professional writers could write such works for free, but I very much doubt that their agents or publishers would approve. *g* I do completely agree with you that fans writing fanfic for pleasure rather than profit shouldn't be given such a hard time. I can never understand it when professional writers announce that no fanfic should be written based on their works. If anything, professional writers should encourage fanfic because it could potentially lead to more readers (through simple word of mouth) and can only increase the author's popularity.

[karen9.livejournal.com]

You make a good point about "professional" fanfic being good if it encourages readers to check out the original source material.

[avictoriangirl]

I agree with rusty_armour. IMO professional writers/producers of books, tv & movies should all encourage fanfic, because as rusty said, it increases the popularity and drives up sales of their merchandise. Those authors who ban or belittle fanfic, (or fanart for that matter) only hurt themselves in the long run.

[karen9.livejournal.com]

I think authors should simply not read the fanfic based on their work. They won't get so upset then!

[avictoriangirl]

Exactly! LOL