If one reader is uncertain about a section of the book, I'll have a look at it, but may not change anything. If two share similar concerns, then I have a go at making it clearer, and if all three have the same problem, I will rework the section in question. These are crucial processes in making a work genuinely accessible, and with the current state of electronic publishing, it is a step that is all too often overlooked, and that results in a great deal of bad writing showing up on the Internet. Over time, if electronic publishing is to gain serious respect as a publishing venue, it will have to bite the bullet and start improving its product. At least, that's my opinion in 2008.
Why aren't your own novels available in more formats, after you broke ground in 2000 with Magnificat? What formats might you be interested in experimenting with?
Hidden-knowledge.com has three of my books in e-form, two of which are only available in that format. Some of my print publishers are starting to offer my books in electronic form. As to other formats, since this is how I make my living, I'm interested in whatever comes along that has some reliable method of accounting.
You are known to have strong objections to fanfic, which you have described as stealing ideas, "copyright infringement, misappropriation, and a federal crime." While I totally agree, the legal definition of "copyright" is arbitrary.
Actually, no, it's not; it is defined in federal statutes for the purpose of reserving the claim on intellectual property to its creator.
Derivative fiction is derivative fiction whether the source is "public domain" or not. When I wrote the submission guidelines for my small press, I stated that I would only consider original work. I instantly alienated about half of my friends because they are writing, and publishing, stories based on Dracula and Phantom of the Opera. Fanfic writing, and publishing it online, has become a hugely popular recreational activity. Amateur fanfic writers feel that they're doing nothing wrong, and they even get profiled by reporters.
It is still theft, and actionable if the creator decides to act.
How can fanfic writers learn to respect intellectual property when they see fine authors like P.N. Elrod, Fred Saberhagen and Jeanne Kalodogris publishing derivative Dracula spin-offs, and authors such as Christopher Golden writing tie-in novels based on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer?"
Article comments
1 - Mayra Calvani
Great interview! Thanks for sharing!