Letting another author take over?

[cheerful_deviant]

I recieved an email recently from one of my readers. It was in reference to one of my older series of storys that I wrote when I first joined Lit. This person asked if it would be ok if they continued the series.

I haven't written anything in that series in years and have no plans to. Quite frankly I look back on it now and cringe. I hope the stuff I write now doesn't sound that bad. I've actually considered taking it down but it still gets quite a few reads so I've left it up.

So if I don't care about it anymore, why do I feel funny about letting someone else continue it?

Anyone else have this come up? Thoughts?

 

[Guest]

I couldn't do it.

Couldn't let someone else take over one of my story series, I mean. Even if I wasn't going to ever write another word with those characters I wouldn't want anyone else to have them.

 

[cloudy]

I couldn't do it.

Couldn't let someone else take over one of my story series, I mean. Even if I wasn't going to ever write another word with those characters I wouldn't want anyone else to have them.

I feel the same way. They're my creations and feel/act/react in ways that I envisioned. I would be too worried they couldn't stay true to them, or would take them in a direction I wouldn't like. Or worse, would transform them into cardboard cutouts.

 

[tickledkitty]

I'd say no. Let them come up with their own characters.

 

[RogueLurker]

I suppose it comes down to trust in the other author - knowing what they are going to do with your characters and how good a writer they are.

Don't forget that Rob used some of Colly's characters (with permission) and crafted an award winning story that stood perfecly well on its own but also gave a satisfying conclusion to Colly's original story (for those who read both).

If they want to "rewrite" your story to make it come out the way that they wanted (I've seen that being done in LW), then I'd be hesitant. If they want to take the characters and move them into different storylines ... consider it fanfic and that you are now in the realm of Joss Whedon and JK Rowlings.

 

[TheeGoatPig]

I really couldn't complain if someone else were to write a tentacle/celebrity story, but I'd probably complain up a stink over it.

However, if anyone wants to write part II of Little Red Rides the Hood, Little Red Rides Again, by all means hop to it

Over the Sink is mine forever though. I will scream bloody murder and have your great grandchildren banned from the internet if you try to continue it without my permission.

 

[Guest]

There have been times I have thought I'd love it if someone wanted to do that.

I have had requests for sequels to stories, I didn't plan on going further with, but yet, I'd like to know what the characters are up to. They never call or even drop me a quick text message.

 

[Stella_Omega]

I have permission to use someone else's characters as part of a group project. It feels like a terrible responsibility, to me.

 

[Darkniciad]

I couldn't do it if I wasn't completely abandoning wherever my original story was posted and would never see it. Even if my characters haven't talked to me in ages, I'd still know if someone wrote something that missed them in some way. There's no way I could read that without wincing.

Using characters as supporting cast in a story with original characters in my setting, or taking minor characters I haven't done much with and fleshing them out as the center of a story might work. I think I could handle that without much problem. Just don't think I could let someone pick up an unfinished story and continue where I left off if I would ever see the continuation.

 

[cheerful_deviant]

Sorry to post this then leave it.

And thanks for all the replies.

I think I'm pretty much in agreement with most of you. First problem for me: I know absolutly nothing about the author in question. I don't even know if they have ever written anything. They didn't leave a pen name. So I have no idea what that person would do.

Second: As some have mentioned, I created thoes characters. I have a picture of each of them in my head. I know their personalities, who they are, etc. What if that other author takes them in a direction I never intended? Or even wanted? What if he (she?) makes them... *GASP*... STRAIGHT???!!

I don't think I can risk that.

 

[impressive]

I'd do it.

My only proviso would be an author's note giving credit to the original.

 

[cheerful_deviant]

I'd do it.

My only proviso would be an author's note giving credit to the original.

That's part of my issue. Not knowing anything about the other author, I'm not sure I'd want my name attached to it.

Waht if the other author is of the "I kicked down her door and camed in her face." school of writing?

 

[impressive]

That's part of my issue. Not knowing anything about the other author, I'm not sure I'd want my name attached to it.

Waht if the other author is of the "I kicked down her door and camed in her face." school of writing?

Then you continue that author's work in your own parody.

 

[cheerful_deviant]

Then you continue that author's work in your own parody.

That presupposes that I have a sence of humor... which I don't.

Well, not a good one anyway.

 

[impressive]

That presupposes that I have a sence of humor... which I don't.

Well, not a good one anyway.

*sigh*

Hey -- did I ever share this (from JammiesFest '07) ...

 

[cheerful_deviant]

*sigh*

Hey -- did I ever share this (from JammiesFest '07) ...

Hey, my brother and sister!

Actually, I need an angel duckie. I only have little devils so far.