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Rated: 13+ · Message Forum · Writing · #980111
A sanctuary for weary writers, inky wretches, and aspiring professional novelists.
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Aug 8, 2008 at 10:17am
#1765861
Re: Interconnected
by Amarisa Author IconMail Icon
A lot of times I'll make references or pull ideas from works of literature and myth. I once based a story around the myth of Echo and Narcissus. A friend of mine has a city named Valhall, after the Norse Valhalla. It's fun putting little references in like that because it causes well-read individuals to smirk. Almost a literary Where's Waldo.

If, however, you're talking about writing a spin-off from an already standing piece of fiction, then it's fanfiction. Fanfiction is a wonderful way to practice and learn how to make references. Sometimes known authors can get away with it, as I think Neil Gaiman wrote something like that. But I'm not sure how much it's frowned upon for known authors. You have to make a name for yourself before you attempt anything like that for a profit.

And then there are authors who collaborate a bit, writing a scene that takes place in the background of another story, or using another author's character as a cameo. Usually the authors are great friends and find it amusing, and free publicity. My friends and I plan on doing that when we become famous, or at least well-known. ;)

I probably went on a couple tangents there, but I hope that answers your question.
MESSAGE THREAD
Interconnected · 08-05-08 12:19am
by Lori Basiewicz Author IconMail Icon
*Star* Re: Interconnected · 08-08-08 10:17am
by Amarisa Author IconMail Icon
Re: Interconnected · 08-22-08 2:43pm
by A Non-Existent User

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