Author interview: Toni Geens on fan fiction and the future of publishing
A new feature I’ve introduced to my blog is that of author interviews. In order to help bring you even more information and thought-provoking debate on issues involving writing and publishing, I’ll be using blog interviews to chat with other authors about the future of the publishing industry as well as their styles and methods of writing.
In the first of these interviews, today I’m speaking with Toni Geens, who specialises in writing fan fiction. Although I have a number of published and longstanding authors lined up for interviews over the next couple of weeks, I felt it was important to highlight the changing face of publishing in the digital age. “Being a writer” no longer means you’ve got hardback books available in shops. The lines have been well and truly blurred (and I’m sure you’ll already know I think this is a good thing. A very good thing).
(My questions are in bold; Toni’s answers in regular type.)
Toni, on the subject of fan fiction, it seems that there’s often a stigma attached to that form of writing. Almost as if some writers look down upon it as being somehow substandard. Is this something you’ve experienced?
Yes, quite a bit actually. It’s fine when you talk about it within online communities that endorse it, but if you happen to mention it to someone who’s not as familiar with the concept their initial sort of thought is either “that’s not real writing — you’re using someone else’s characters” or something along the lines of “you mean like 50 Shades of Grey?”
I think people tend to stereotype you for it also. They seem to believe it doesn’t make you a real writer, just another obsessive fan-girl.
You mentioned 50 Shades of Grey, which was originally a piece of fan fiction — do you think that’s been a help or a hindrance?
I think there’s a possibility of it being both. I mostly seem to have heard and seen it having a negative impact. I haven’t read the books myself so I can’t give an honest opinion of any of the content, but by majority vote of what I’ve heard everyone seems to think that the writing quality is poor, let alone the outrageousness of some of the actual content. And a lot of people seem to think that it simply “speaks volumes” when they hear that it started off as fan fiction.
But I’m guessing that in a way it must have also helped the community for it, since it’s obviously sold a lot of copies and even out-sold the Harry Potter books! So there surely must be some good in it.
You’ve been writing fan fiction for more than ten years now, so I guess that goes to show that you’ve made a conscious decision to write in that way and that it’s not just “practise for proper writing”. For you, what’s the appeal of fan fiction and how do you think it helps you to refine and improve your writing in ways which writing novels or original pieces wouldn’t?
I think writing fan fiction rather than an entirely original project can be both easier and more difficult. You have a whole world laid out for you with all of its characters – you don’t really need to create anything extra. But then you have to try to create new and unique plot lines that are also still typical of the ‘fandom’ that you’re writing for. Personally for me I always try to create new characters, throw them into an existing world and see how they fare. My ability to create characters has improved dramatically just by focusing on this part and not having to worry about the existing characters around them. When writing for multiple fandoms it can also give you the opportunity to dabble in different genres, maturity levels, perspectives, character relationships and many other things.
For me fan fiction is a guilty pleasure, as well as the chance to keep on practicing. I’ve yet to put original works online – I like to try with fan fiction to see the kind of response I get, and not have to worry too much about people stealing ideas (though trust me, I’ve still had this happen with fan fiction too!) There are plenty of TV shows, books, movies, etc. I’ve watched or read where I’ve had my own ideas and thought “hey, it would be really interesting if so-and-so got thrown into a situation like this”. It’s a chance to explore into the characters and worlds that you’ve come to love as a fan.
Do you think the inherent nature of fan fiction gives it more of a personal touch?
Exactly! It’s better for audiences on a more personal level too. Some writers can come across as so unreachable – most people would probably never dream of approaching a well-known author for advice on how to progress with their own hopes to get work published. But with the new digital ways of publishing it’s much easier to find a writer, and it somehow makes them seem not so intimidating. Writers who publish through digital means seem to be on more of the same level with their readers. It’s much more personal and I think most readers would like that.
In terms of your writing process, are you a “free” writer who can just put pen to paper and see where things go, or do you have to meticulously plan before you even begin to write?
Honestly I’ve worked with both methods before, but with quite different results. I prefer to plan a ridiculous amount first just to know exactly what I want to achieve with a story, or at least some key points to include. I’ve found that just by trying to write on a spur-of-the-moment idea I start off great, then suddenly hit a wall and realise I have absolutely no idea where I’m going with it. I feel by having a sort of goal to work towards makes it easier, rather than just going crazy with my pen and seeing where it ends up. Plus I do actually really love the whole planning and plotting process!
Do you think the new age of digital publishing is helping writers like you to build an audience and fan base in ways which weren’t possible before?
Most definitely. Obviously the community of writers in the world continues to grow, and it’s much easier now for people to get their writing out there for everyone to see. The introduction of e-books, tablets, online retailers like Amazon… It’s obviously all aimed to make books easier and cheaper for people to buy. Which in turn gives writers more opportunities to put their own stuff out there too. I think the main problem from it is the competition — writers have to fight even harder now to make sure it’s THEIR work that gets noticed, not somebody else’s.
Finally, where can people read your work and get in touch with you?
My Fan Fiction page, or my Wattpad page. I’m also on Twitter as @hamsterpranks.
