Fan Fiction: The Training Wheels of Writing - Comments

@ ThePiesEndure Absolutely! There are unique challenges to writing fan fiction that don't come up when working on an original story. It's unfortunate how many people see fan fiction as illegitimate writing. Some of the very best stories I have read are fan fiction. I'm always happy to hear when a successful novel, movie, etc. was adapted from a fan fiction. Or is successful in its own right (Star Wars and Star Trek as you mentioned).

I love the title of this blog post. And I too consider fanfic good practise for writing original fiction to a point. I actually think sometimes FF can be a lot more difficult than creating something new. Especially when writing book/film FF as you have to try and keep true to character as you write. (Unless you’re going for AU/AR).

I do believe fan fiction can be considered legitimate in its own merit though. Consider all the Star Wars novels written (especially the books that are now considered Legend rather than canon), they are technically fan fiction of Lucas’ original stories. Same with the Star Trek novels.

By no means am I suggesting that you’re saying FF is not legitimate writing, but there are some original fiction elitists who do believe that.