The written word holds a power both bewitching and dread. The right words can topple kingdoms, grant immortality—even change the course of the world. Join me in The Laboratory as I delve into the foundations and principles of writing, from developing ideas and crafting an authorial voice to caring for yourself and building your community as a writer. New episodes are released every other Wednesday. Pull up a chair and settle in amongst the bubbling brews and frothing phials of the writer’s craft.
A Storied Conversation: Derivative Works in the Literary Canon
Concerns about a dearth of originality have long haunted writing communities. What’s helpful to remember is that, like their authors, stories have vast and varied roots. One concept could have a thousand different interpretations under a thousand different pens. Even responding to another person’s work more directly—provided it’s done responsibly—can be of benefit to writers the world over.
In today’s episode of The Laboratory, I speak with my good friend, Nowreen Haque—a connoisseur of literary histories, pop culture and fan fiction—about the role that derivative works serve in the broader literary dialogue. We’ll discuss the concept of derivative literature, examples in both the literary canon and in fan fiction, what constitutes a “ripoff” of a work and, lastly, how writers can use derivative work to explore important concepts and strengthen their own skills with consideration to those creators that came before.
Creating Compelling Characters
Last time on The Ingredients we looked at the setting as a starting point for your story. Now let’s look at starting with the drivers of plot: characters.