A Few Ponderings on Fanfic...
Jul. 19th, 2012 01:25 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
teylaminhLook, it's not about work! ;)
This has been floating around my brain for a while now. As it's quiet today I thought I would finally try and turn it into coherent words.
Has anyone else read the news story lately about the publishing company which is taking classic novels and adding "missing scenes" of a risqué nature? They're using the argument that if they'd be a lot racier if written today, which may well be true, but on the other hand, you've got Lady Chatterley... Phantom was included in the list, along with Sherlock Holmes (they're basically writing slash; the article said this like it was a surprise), Pride and Prejudice, etc. Part of me is sorely tempted to read the Phantom "version" just to see how awful it is; I can pretty much guarantee there will be fanfic (yes, even on FFN) which is lightyears better. (I'm a little scared that it's either going to be C/R centric, terrible off-the-mark E/C, or involve all three in some hideous OT3 scenario...) How many times do we see "official" novelisations where characters bear little to no resemblance to the show? Fans know their fandom inside out; commissioned writers who are given character outlines do not, and I suspect these "reimaginings" are going to suffer the same way.
There's also been a lot of hype recently around Fifty Shades ofShite Grey. My Facebook feed is literally divided between women who are addicted to it, and those who can't understand the fuss. Frankly, I have no intention of reading it myself, because I'm not interested and I don't fall for hype. (I've avoided Twilight this long for the same reason - also, I read a paragraph whilst browing in Waterstone's and thought it was awful. I'll take Spike over Edward Cullen any day. :P) From what I've heard, it's badly-written anyway. Bad writing is a more than reasonable excuse for berating something, but I am getting a little irritated by all the negative press it's been getting because of its origins as a fanfic - for Twilight or otherwise - and people using that as an excuse to badmouth it.
I anticipate the above-mentioned publisher will get similarly berated because it is, essentially, also fanfic; someone pointed out as much in Metro this morning, so I'm expecting some snarky smart-arse responses about that, too. The fact that people have been doing it online for years means nothing in the world of "proper books" because fanfic is still frowned upon as being illegal / pointless / lazy / [insert negative stereotype here]. Fanfic is also still perceived as being nothing but smut. It's true that the majority is 'ship-based, but the percentage of "mature" stories depends on the fandom, the readership, and any number of other factors. There are just as many PG stories as M. Some readers are prudes, as are some writers. A fade-to-black can be just as effective as something overly-descriptive. My worry is these additional sequences in the classic novels will do nothing but further the stereotype.
Here's the thing, though. Fanfic is not the enemy in this situation. The enemy is vanity publishing and bad authors. I have nothing but respect for anyone who can use fanfic as a springboard into "proper" writing; good God, isn't that what every fanfic author secretly hopes for, some metaphorical talent scout waiting in the wings? I've read some fanfics which have been as good, if not better, than published novels. It is no longer a valid argument to criticise someone for not being "clever enough" to create their own characters, and I simply do not understand authors who are precious snowflakes about their books. I am not a Harry Potter fangirl in any sense, but I respect JK Rowling so much as an author: not just because she created a phenomenon, not just because she remains humble despite being worth millions, but because she loves and appreciates and encourages her fanfic-writing readers. If I am ever in a position to have created something for which someone felt inspired to write fanfic or draw fanart, I would be flattered that (a) my characters were so loved and (b) someone understood them perfectly enough to be able to do it justice. (This goes back to my first point about official novelisations being generally terrible.)
I know I'm biased. I've been writing fanfic since I was 14. When I was that age I didn't know that's what it was, and thought I was a bit weird; it's second nature to me now, as it doubtless is for any other budding authors who happen to be part of a fandom. These days it's one of the main cruxes of fandom. In my case, fanfic is my first port of call when something grips my attention, or when a 'ship takes over my brain. I don't frequent message boards any more because they're bad for my sanity, so in many respects, fanfic is the be-all-and-end-all of my fandom involvement (aside from occasional LJ posts and discussions, of course). Fandoms these days pop up before the subject matter has even gone mainstream; they're practically pre-created. The biggest crowning glory of the internet, in my eyes, is its ability to bring people together through common interests - more often than not, through fandom. It's a medium through which I gained some very good friends, whom I doubtless would not otherwise have met, yet I can't now picture my life without them in it. If not for fandom, and fanfic, I would not know Katie, Eni, Eve, or anyone I've ever met online.
I think it's incredibly irresponsible of popular authors to stomp on their fanfic-writing readers. I really do. We should be encouraging creativity in any form, especially in young people, not telling them off for experimenting. Fanfic is an excellent way to practise and hone your writing skills: other members of the fandom (be they writers or readers or both) are always willing to offer constructive criticism, beta things and sing your praises. It builds confidence, allows burgeoning talent to blossom, and encourages social interaction. (Of course, some people still do not consider internet relationships as "sociable", which is a separate issue. Many people with conditions such as Asperger's Syndrome find face-to-face relationships very difficult; fandom involvement can be a pathway to forming satisfying friendships.) Above all of that, imitation is the highest form of praise. One of my greatest fan-moments was Faith Brown reading, enjoying and commending my first Sunset Boulevard fanfiction; I was flattered she'd found time to read it, and she was flattered I'd gone to the effort of writing it at all. I don't think that a fan would get the same reaction from the likes of Stephanie Meyer. Stepping on your fans is not the best way to ensure their continued devotion. Just a thought.
The public eye can frown on fanfiction all it likes. It can criticise it, badmouth it, joke about it, consider it a lower art form than proper publishing, but it will remain accessible, gratifying, socially fascinating, occasionally frustrating, and ultimately as important as mainstream books. You can keep your 50 Shades; I'd rather go through my favourite authors list on FFN.
You'd think, after doing nearly 12,000 words on the subject of fanfiction for my dissertation, I would have got all of this out of my system by now. Mind you, back then the lines were not so blurred...
I need to do another post at some point about season 3 of Glee, as it finished a few weeks back and I've just started a re-watch with Paul. Normally my repeat viewings are not so close behind the initial showing, so it's been quite interesting seeing how certain events at the start of the season have shaped later episodes. I've had some thoughts brewing for a while about the finale anyway, but as this is quite lengthy, it can wait a bit longer...
I have to say, it's refreshing to use my LJ for something a bit more intelligent than office-related rage. If this was a proper blog, I can't quite see it reaching the point of "Julie & Julia". ;)
This has been floating around my brain for a while now. As it's quiet today I thought I would finally try and turn it into coherent words.
Has anyone else read the news story lately about the publishing company which is taking classic novels and adding "missing scenes" of a risqué nature? They're using the argument that if they'd be a lot racier if written today, which may well be true, but on the other hand, you've got Lady Chatterley... Phantom was included in the list, along with Sherlock Holmes (they're basically writing slash; the article said this like it was a surprise), Pride and Prejudice, etc. Part of me is sorely tempted to read the Phantom "version" just to see how awful it is; I can pretty much guarantee there will be fanfic (yes, even on FFN) which is lightyears better. (I'm a little scared that it's either going to be C/R centric, terrible off-the-mark E/C, or involve all three in some hideous OT3 scenario...) How many times do we see "official" novelisations where characters bear little to no resemblance to the show? Fans know their fandom inside out; commissioned writers who are given character outlines do not, and I suspect these "reimaginings" are going to suffer the same way.
There's also been a lot of hype recently around Fifty Shades of
I anticipate the above-mentioned publisher will get similarly berated because it is, essentially, also fanfic; someone pointed out as much in Metro this morning, so I'm expecting some snarky smart-arse responses about that, too. The fact that people have been doing it online for years means nothing in the world of "proper books" because fanfic is still frowned upon as being illegal / pointless / lazy / [insert negative stereotype here]. Fanfic is also still perceived as being nothing but smut. It's true that the majority is 'ship-based, but the percentage of "mature" stories depends on the fandom, the readership, and any number of other factors. There are just as many PG stories as M. Some readers are prudes, as are some writers. A fade-to-black can be just as effective as something overly-descriptive. My worry is these additional sequences in the classic novels will do nothing but further the stereotype.
Here's the thing, though. Fanfic is not the enemy in this situation. The enemy is vanity publishing and bad authors. I have nothing but respect for anyone who can use fanfic as a springboard into "proper" writing; good God, isn't that what every fanfic author secretly hopes for, some metaphorical talent scout waiting in the wings? I've read some fanfics which have been as good, if not better, than published novels. It is no longer a valid argument to criticise someone for not being "clever enough" to create their own characters, and I simply do not understand authors who are precious snowflakes about their books. I am not a Harry Potter fangirl in any sense, but I respect JK Rowling so much as an author: not just because she created a phenomenon, not just because she remains humble despite being worth millions, but because she loves and appreciates and encourages her fanfic-writing readers. If I am ever in a position to have created something for which someone felt inspired to write fanfic or draw fanart, I would be flattered that (a) my characters were so loved and (b) someone understood them perfectly enough to be able to do it justice. (This goes back to my first point about official novelisations being generally terrible.)
I know I'm biased. I've been writing fanfic since I was 14. When I was that age I didn't know that's what it was, and thought I was a bit weird; it's second nature to me now, as it doubtless is for any other budding authors who happen to be part of a fandom. These days it's one of the main cruxes of fandom. In my case, fanfic is my first port of call when something grips my attention, or when a 'ship takes over my brain. I don't frequent message boards any more because they're bad for my sanity, so in many respects, fanfic is the be-all-and-end-all of my fandom involvement (aside from occasional LJ posts and discussions, of course). Fandoms these days pop up before the subject matter has even gone mainstream; they're practically pre-created. The biggest crowning glory of the internet, in my eyes, is its ability to bring people together through common interests - more often than not, through fandom. It's a medium through which I gained some very good friends, whom I doubtless would not otherwise have met, yet I can't now picture my life without them in it. If not for fandom, and fanfic, I would not know Katie, Eni, Eve, or anyone I've ever met online.
I think it's incredibly irresponsible of popular authors to stomp on their fanfic-writing readers. I really do. We should be encouraging creativity in any form, especially in young people, not telling them off for experimenting. Fanfic is an excellent way to practise and hone your writing skills: other members of the fandom (be they writers or readers or both) are always willing to offer constructive criticism, beta things and sing your praises. It builds confidence, allows burgeoning talent to blossom, and encourages social interaction. (Of course, some people still do not consider internet relationships as "sociable", which is a separate issue. Many people with conditions such as Asperger's Syndrome find face-to-face relationships very difficult; fandom involvement can be a pathway to forming satisfying friendships.) Above all of that, imitation is the highest form of praise. One of my greatest fan-moments was Faith Brown reading, enjoying and commending my first Sunset Boulevard fanfiction; I was flattered she'd found time to read it, and she was flattered I'd gone to the effort of writing it at all. I don't think that a fan would get the same reaction from the likes of Stephanie Meyer. Stepping on your fans is not the best way to ensure their continued devotion. Just a thought.
The public eye can frown on fanfiction all it likes. It can criticise it, badmouth it, joke about it, consider it a lower art form than proper publishing, but it will remain accessible, gratifying, socially fascinating, occasionally frustrating, and ultimately as important as mainstream books. You can keep your 50 Shades; I'd rather go through my favourite authors list on FFN.
You'd think, after doing nearly 12,000 words on the subject of fanfiction for my dissertation, I would have got all of this out of my system by now. Mind you, back then the lines were not so blurred...
I need to do another post at some point about season 3 of Glee, as it finished a few weeks back and I've just started a re-watch with Paul. Normally my repeat viewings are not so close behind the initial showing, so it's been quite interesting seeing how certain events at the start of the season have shaped later episodes. I've had some thoughts brewing for a while about the finale anyway, but as this is quite lengthy, it can wait a bit longer...
I have to say, it's refreshing to use my LJ for something a bit more intelligent than office-related rage. If this was a proper blog, I can't quite see it reaching the point of "Julie & Julia". ;)
(no subject)
Date: 2012-07-19 08:44 pm (UTC)But yea, as I said on Twitter, so many thoughts on this subject. I did read the first Twilight book, simply because I felt I couldn't slam it if I hadn't, and it was precisely as horrible and terrible as you've been led to believe. Godawful. But that's by the by...
RE fanfic, though, I kind of just want to echo your thoughts with a resounding "THIS". I have lost count by this point how many fics I have read that surpass the quality of published writing, and it's an insult to talent to consider it a lesser art form.
WRT to the whole creating characters versus writing others people's thing, I have pretty strong opinions anyway, and it basically boils down to -- on a writing perspective, you're doing fundamentally different things, so it actually kind of irritates me when people compare the two. Writing an original character is about making them, about building the character and the world they're in, it's creation. Writing fanfic (at least, y'know, decent fanfic) is about interpretation and evolution, it's about delving into the psyche of a character you feel has more inside them than a show -- for whatever reason -- provides. It's not about creating, it's about exploring. It's fundamentally different, it's a completely different exercise, and the only thing the two have in common is the actual physical act of writing.
Which isn't to say I think there's a separation in terms of what a writer can do -- if they're compelled to, and they're good, a fanfic writer could do original, and vice versa -- but it's not an automatic given that they'll want to. And it bothers me beyond words when people look down on fanfic as somehow a lesser form of writing. It's just doing something different with your writing, and there is nothing less in that.
And honestly, more and more, I find myself more inclined to read fanfic over published fiction, and one of the primary reasons is because of its quality. In the first, I like reading about characters I'm invested in, and, more to the point, if it's every bit as good as published fiction -- which, if you pick your authors, it is -- I'm more and more failing to see why I'd waste my time investing in an entire tree's worth of someone's OCs, when I could read as much or more about characters I already know and love, and gain a new insight into them in the process. For me, personally, I'm finding more and more that fannish work are more intellectually stimulating than original fiction.
...possibly stuff like 50 Shades and the rest you've cited is why.
I had way more to say (a big 'amen' to your praise of JKR and condemnation of artists who refuse to let their stuff be fanwork'd, for a start), but this is already an essay, and every other point I'd want to make would also become an essage, until I used up the word count and spammed you with eight hundred comments. So, yea, basically -- THIS THIS THIS.
Like, to the point I may even ask your permission to pimp this post on Twitter at some point.
(no subject)
Date: 2012-07-20 11:33 am (UTC)I always thought fanfic authors were in the same boat as me, that it was a "practice run" for doing original stuff, because it's a really good way to practice and hone skills and stuff. You basically have a pre-made, willing audience upon which to inflict your efforts. But yeah, I suppose some people are not driven to create original works, just as I imagine there are published authors who are not driven to write fanfic. Although these days, there may well be people who do both.
As to permission to pimp the post - go for it! Anon commenting is turned off anyway. :P
(no subject)
Date: 2012-07-19 09:56 pm (UTC)Lately I flinch every time someone brings up 50 Shades IRL because I feel some twisted responsibility to add disclaimers about fanfiction or erotica or erotic fanfiction.
Some of the most compulsive reading and dazzling writing talent I've come across in the last few years has been in the form of fanfic. And a good chunk of that has been in a fandom whose author has stomped resoundingly on fanfic writers...
(no subject)
Date: 2012-07-20 11:50 am (UTC)Okay. *tries to remember*
Re: the authors who stomp on fanfic writers, I know of several who have demanded FFN remove their books as categories. Obviously, FFN is the biggest fanfic archive out there, and I imagine those authors would have a minor heart attack if they knew there were Other Places where people could read and post their work. It's basically impossible to weed out and close down every single archive out there (including LJ communities and RPG journals) and to attempt to sue every fanfic author in the world would not be cost-effective...
I might be remembering wrong, but wasn't EL James actually one of the authors who didn't want people writing fanfic? LOL at the irony if that's the case.
I'm actually really happy how far fanfic has come in such a short space of time. Most things on the internet become greater than their origins within three seconds these days, but I really hope that one day, fanfic is looked upon as being just as important as published fiction, just like blogs are becoming just as important as proper reporting / columnist work...
Erm, I think that was everything. *copies text just in case*
(no subject)
Date: 2012-08-06 05:40 pm (UTC)But we're in a place now where issues of authorship in fanon and in mainstream publishing are meeting at some very weird angles...
As for 50 Shades, the other day a girl opposite me was reading it in the railway station. That was my first 'encounter' with it. I went for lunch with a friend on Saturday and she told me how her law firm is full of staff reading the bloody thing! We couldn't get over the open reading of porn at work, and figured they must be people who feel extraordinary liberation at being able to buy erotica in Tesco, and possibly this book has been their first experience of fiction pandering to their sexual needs.
So on the one hand, shine on you crazy diamonds. On the other... go! Frolic! Gambol in the big wide internet!