Has a Fanfiction Beat Its Original Creator?

In the digital age, fanfiction has become a vibrant and thriving community where fans create stories based on their favorite books, TV shows, and movies. Sometimes, these fan creations can be so compelling that they even impress the original creators. This phenomenon is not new; it has happened in the past, leaving a lasting impact on the original works and their creators. Let's explore some notable examples.

Pre-Internet Era: Fans and Original Creators

Before the rise of the internet, fans often created fan magazines to share their stories and ideas. Despite varying reactions from original creators, some were exceptionally supportive. One such instance is when Katherine Kurtz, the author of the Deryni series, took a commendable step to celebrate her fanbase.

Support from Katherine Kurtz

Katherine Kurtz recognized the quality and creativity of fan stories and decided to channel them into a curated collection. In 2003, she published an anthology titled Deryni Tales. This anthology featured the best canon-compatible stories submitted by her fans. Unlike many creators who might have been wary of fan contributions, Kurtz was proactive in acknowledging and celebrating fan creativity.

To ensure that the anthology was as high-quality as possible, Kurtz took the time to curate each story carefully. She provided thoughtful and respectful commentary on each piece, adding value to the stories. One fan story even inspired her, influencing her own vision of her heroes' longtime enemies. This act of recognition and support from the original creator set a positive precedent for other creators to follow.

The Modern Era: Fanfiction and Impressing Original Creators

Fast forward to the digital age, and one of the most fascinating examples of fanfiction impressing its original creator is JK Rowling and The Cursed Child.

The Cursed Child: A Breakthrough Collaboration

The Cursed Child is a play that stands out as a prime example of how fan fiction can be elevated to the level of canon. The plot revolves around Harry Potter and his family, continuing the story in a new direction. When the play was first announced, many skeptical fans were skeptical. However, J.K. Rowling was immediately supportive and eager to read the scripts.

Upon reading the scripts, Rowling was not only impressed but also deeply moved by the story. She saw potential in the play and collaborated actively, working with the writers to bring The Cursed Child from a fan-created concept to a stage production. The play premiered in London in 2016, and it was met with critical acclaim. The success of The Cursed Child can be attributed in part to the fan fiction that inspired and informed the final product.

Impact and Recognition

The success of both Deryni Tales and The Cursed Child demonstrate that fanfiction can not only be creative and engaging but also hold the potential to influence and improve the original source material. These examples highlight the importance of recognizing and valuing the contributions of fans.

Original creators who take the time to engage with and support their fan communities often reap the benefits. It fosters a sense of community and loyalty among fans, creating a positive feedback loop that can lead to better and more innovative works. Moreover, it sets a precedent for other creators to follow, showing that engaging with the fanbase can lead to unexpected and rewarding outcomes.

In conclusion, fanfiction has the potential to impress original creators and even contribute to the success of original works. By embracing and supporting their fans, creators can foster a thriving community and unlock new creative possibilities.