One good reason not to: it turns a hobby into a business. It changes the nature of the writing process. I don't think that fanfic writers are wasting their time; my perception now is that they're doing something out of love, as all hobbies are done. Some people who are writing fanfic do want to get published, and they can learn a lot just doing the writing -- but I don't think one has to lead to the other.
Exactly, and thank you. I've learned a lot through writing fic, but that's not why I do it. I have written some original fiction, using some of what I've learned through writing fic, but again, it's not a conscious process of "first I'll write fic for a while so I know what I'm doing and then I'll become a professional writer."
I write because it's fun, and because I'm pretty good at it. And I've met a lot of smart, funny people through the process.
Also, selling stories? Is work. It's much easier to slap them up on my LJ. *grin*
As Mer says, for many of us (but not all), this is an intensely communal process. I find myself writing things I wouldn't otherwise think to, because I know they'll please friends whom I value.
Hell, I started writing Stargate not because I adore the show (I like it well enough, but it's far from brilliant), but because my friend vonnielake had some TimTams she was willing to ship me and I wanted to give her something in exchange for them. ::shrugs:: And here I am now, five months later, halfway through an epic post-apocalyptic story about the invasion of the planet. Heh.
Anyway. Sorry to barge in on your conversation. ::sits back to watch some more::
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branchandroot
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Date: 2004-10-21 10:11 am (UTC)Exactly, and thank you. I've learned a lot through writing fic, but that's not why I do it. I have written some original fiction, using some of what I've learned through writing fic, but again, it's not a conscious process of "first I'll write fic for a while so I know what I'm doing and then I'll become a professional writer."
I write because it's fun, and because I'm pretty good at it. And I've met a lot of smart, funny people through the process.
Also, selling stories? Is work. It's much easier to slap them up on my LJ. *grin*
As Mer says, for many of us (but not all), this is an intensely communal process. I find myself writing things I wouldn't otherwise think to, because I know they'll please friends whom I value.
Hell, I started writing Stargate not because I adore the show (I like it well enough, but it's far from brilliant), but because my friend
Anyway. Sorry to barge in on your conversation. ::sits back to watch some more::