There are many successful authors in the world who initially cultivated their talent and passion for writing in unique and unconventional ways. Fanfiction is one of such platforms. It has helped writers improve their craft through regular practice and constructive feedback from readers. Sarah J. Maas, a well-known writer of fantasy novels like 'Throne of Glass' and 'A Court of Thorns and Roses,' has been rumored to have started her writing journey from writing fanfiction. Let's explore the extent of truth in this claim.
Dawn of Sarah J. Maas's Writing Career
Originally from Manhattan, Maas began her writing career at the tender age of 16. She was an avid reader since childhood, with the 'Lord of the Rings' series holding a special place in her heart. These initial reading experiences significantly impacted her fantasy writing style observed later in her career.
At 16, Maas embarked upon her writing journey with what would become 'Throne of Glass.' The very first version of 'Throne of Glass' was posted online on 'FictionPress.com,' an independent and popular site for sharing stories. This approach to writing and publishing is often compared to fanfiction, as both involve authors sharing their original work directly with readers, often chapter by chapter, online.
Comparison to Fanfiction
Fanfiction refers to when fans write their own stories about popular fictional characters and settings from books, movies, anime, and more. While Maas doesn't seem to fit the traditional definition of a fanfiction writer, as her works are independently crafted stories rather than tributes to pre-existing works, the platform she used to reveal her work has similarities to fanfiction sites.
Moreover, Maas's participation on the site brought her writing exposure, feedback, and a following–qualities often associated with fanfiction. Therefore, the commonality might be seen as an overlap between where her writing journey started and the platform of fanfiction.
From FictionPress to Traditional Publishing
In 2008, Sarah Maas took the decision to remove her work from FictionPress to pursue traditional publication. This transition marked her shift from an online, serial style of writing to the professional world of book publishing.
This significant milestone paints another contrast between her and fanfiction authors. While some fanfic authors do go on to publish original stories, most remain within their online communities. Yet, Maas's ambition and the potential of her work were recognized by Bloomsbury Publishing, who saw her potential and signed her on.
Impact of Early Online Writing
Despite the differences between Maas's journey and the traditional fanfiction path, it's clear that her early step into online writing had a significant impact on her career. The platform provided her with real-time feedback from readers, ability to test her ideas before a larger audience and helped to build a dedicated fanbase even before traditional publication. This experience often echoes in the journey of a fanfiction writer.
Like many fanfic authors, her experience on FictionPress taught her the importance of regular updates, reader engagement, and narrative pacing. Such an unorthodox start to her writing career was instrumental in shaping her writing style and her approach towards writing fiction.
Conclusion
To sum it up, while Sarah Maas did not explicitly write fanfiction, her work on FictionPress shares similarities with fanfiction culture. Her rise to traditional publishing from an online writing platform shows the potential of these lesser-known platforms in nurturing writing talent and becoming stepping-stones for successful writing careers.
FAQs
- Did Sarah J Maas write fanfiction?
While there are similarities between her early writing experiences and fanfiction culture, Sarah J Maas did not write fanfiction in the traditional sense. Her works are original and not derived from existing characters or settings. - Where did Sarah J Maas start writing?
Maas started writing on FictionPress, a website that allows authors to publish their original stories. - How did Sarah J Maas get published?
Maas removed her work from FictionPress in 2008 and revised it to make it suitable for traditional publishing. She signed up with Bloomsbury Publishing, which ultimately published her 'Throne of Glass' series.
References
1. Sarah J. Maas. (2019). In Contemporary Authors Online. Gale Literature Resource Center.
2. Maas, S. J. (2015). Throne of glass. Bloomsbury Publishing.
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