The boundaries of who can be considered an author are often a topic of intense debate. Fanfiction, which is essentially fans rewriting or adding to existing media content, is a growing phenomenon in the literary world. This begs the question: are you an author if you write fanfiction? In this article, we will explore this question from various angles, taking into consideration critical elements such as creativity, the interpretation of 'author', originality, community and genre recognition, among others.
Authorship and Creativity
One of the arguments in favour of fanfiction writers being authors lies in their creativity. Fanfiction requires writers to delve into pre-existing worlds and characters, and creatively produce a narrative that appeals to the existing fan base. The act of storytelling and exercising imagination is, undoubtedly, a key aspect of authorship.
However, it's also important to note that creativity in fanfiction is different from creating an original work of art. The latter requires the birth of entirely new characters, scenes, and plotlines, while the former builds upon an existing work.
Definition of 'Author'
The traditional definition of an author is someone who originates or creates a piece of work. In the realm of fanfiction, however, this definition becomes complex since the fanfiction writer is not the original creator of the characters or the universe. Their work is dependent on someone else's creation.
On the other hand, one could argue that authorship transcends the mere creation of characters or universes and extends to the storytelling process. In this light, fanfiction writers, through their stories, could be considered authors.
Originality
A significant factor that demarcates an author from a fanfiction writer is originality. It is established that an author introduces entirely novel sequences of events and characters crafted entirely from personal imagination.
In contrast, fanfiction is inherently derivative, as it depends heavily on pre-established characters and universes. Thus, while fanfiction authors do add their own twists and often create complex storylines, the foundation of their work isn't original.
Community
The fanfiction community is a force of its own, with platforms like AO3 (Archive of Our Own) and FanFiction.Net being the focal point for fan-created stories. The community's opinions about authorship differ. Some see fanfiction as a valuable contribution to the original work's universe, therefore treating fanfiction authors as authors.
Others remain more traditional in their classification of authorship, seeing fanfiction as merely an extension of fandom, not of the literary realm.
Recognition from the Original Author
There are instances where fanfiction has been recognized by the original author. J.K. Rowling, creator of the Harry Potter series, has openly praised and even recommended fanfictions to her readers. In such situations, does this recognition confer or negate the status of the fanfiction writer as an author?
The stance here is divided. Some believe this recognition affirms the fanfiction writer as an author, yet others feel it does little to change the derivative nature of fanfiction writing.
Platform Recognition
As earlier mentioned, platforms like AO3 and FanFiction.net are leading hubs for fanfiction. These, along with other platforms like Wattpad, have not only provided a space for fanfiction writers but have also helped in establishing it as a legitimate form of writing, despite reprising existing works.
If we were to regard these platforms as valid publishers and accept fanfictions as published works, it could be argued that fanfiction writers have earned their authorship credentials.
Genre Recognition
Fanfiction, like literary fiction or science fiction or romance, is now categorized as its own genre. The recognition of fanfiction as a genre could be argued as a way of acknowledging the writers as authors in their own right.
Conclusion
The question of authorship in fanfiction is complex, subjective, and ever-evolving. While some argue that fanfiction writers should not be deemed authors due to their work's derivative nature, others assert that the creativity, storytelling, and audience building involved in producing fanfiction merits recognition as authorship. Ultimately, it's a multi-sided debate that hinges on one's interpretation of what being an 'author' truly means.
Common Q&A
1. Q: Are fanfiction writers considered authors? A: The answer tends to vary depending on who you ask. Some consider them authors due to the creativity and storytelling involved in fanfiction, while others feel that because their work is not entirely original, they cannot be classified as authors.
2. Q: Is fanfiction legitimate? A: Despite being derived from existing work, fanfiction is generally considered legitimate. Numerous platforms like AO3 and FanFiction.net cater to fanfiction, giving it visibility and acceptance.
3. Q: Can fanfiction writers publish their work? A: Though typically shared on fanfiction platforms, certain fanfiction stories have been published as standalone books, most notably E.L. James' 'Fifty Shades of Grey' trilogy, which started as 'Twilight' fanfiction.
References
1. Pugh, Sheenagh. The Democratic Genre: Fan Fiction in a Literary Context. Seren, 2005.
2. Hellekson, Karen, and Kristina Busse, editors. Fan Fiction and Fan Communities in the Age of the Internet: New Essays. McFarland, 2006.
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