Deep breath. This might be the most embarrassing admission I’ve ever made on this blog. Really, no “might” about it. Deep breath. Sometimes, I read fan fiction. You have no idea how much I want to delete that last sentence.
I read fan fiction because I’m an addict. There are characters and worlds that I love spending time with so much that the authors’ creations simply aren’t enough for me. It’s no excuse, but it’s my explanation. Pushing past my utter horror at the fact that I engage in this behavior, I want to talk about fan fiction for a moment, because I find its existence and boundaries strange.
Before I read any myself, I would read interviews with favorite authors that responded to inquiries about fan fiction by saying it was sad that such talented people didn’t go out and write their own stories. I always brushed this answer off as a way for authors to say, “Paws off my intellectual property!” without alienating card core fans. But now that I’ve read some, I find myself agreeing with their sentiments.
A lot of fan fic is bad. There are far fewer good writers out there than people realize. And even with betas, the lack of a filter (like publishing) makes for an astounding reservoir of crap. That is to be expected. It is uninteresting.
What I find more remarkable are writers who write “alternate universe” stories. Edward is an injured WWII marine and Bella is his nurse. Sookie meets Eric first and is less of a whiney idiot. Hermoine and Ron have a crazy threesome with Neville in
I don’t understand this type of fan fiction. I do, however, understand authors’ comments about how sad fan fic can be. Some of the writers are genuinely talented. They write plots that compel me and turn a phrase that makes me laugh aloud or ache. But what they write isn’t theirs. The ones who write stories that fit with cannon make me happy and I hope they can write stories of their own. The ones whose stories in no way resemble the source make me want to say, “change the names and go get published!” Some of these stories are 130,000 words!
I’ve read all of one fan fic author’s work and then emailed her to say that I enjoyed the stories and I sincerely hoped she was working on something of her own because she is too good to not. The woman plays with narrative structure and writes stunningly beautiful, powerful sentences. I was glad to hear that she is working on her first novel. I would read anything this woman writes. Even alternate universe stories wherein the characters are fighting in Vietnam
I understand that most fan fic writers create their stories for the same reason I read them. Because I don’t want to let beloved series end. I am grateful, saddened by their time and effort, and embarrassed for myself.
