Writing a sequel on another's work.

[SimonDoom]

I agree, it seems common sense to me too, but, based on the number of threads that keep popping up on this topic, it is clearly on the mind of many others.

Like most of Lit's visitors, the OP does not seem to be a regular at the forums. The OP politely asked for opinions in a well-considered post, instead of abusing other people's stories without any permission. So far, they didn't come back, afterwards, whining and complaining about the reactions from others. Try to see the positive.

It would be nice if the advice on this question (and other, often asked questions like... age? non-consent? ...) would be more easily findable(?) on the website. Maybe, at an obvious place, the website could provide a clear and comprehensive list with links to threads in which this kind of often-asked questions has been discussed.

It seems like something worth adding to the site rules and faqs sections.

 

[mcseminole]

No, it's not ethical without permission. Giving credit isn't enough.

You have two options:

1. Take some of the basic ideas of the previous story but rewrite it as your own story. Make it different enough that there are no ethical or copyright infringement problems.

2. Get permission from the author. Somebody asked me if they could continue one of my stories, for which I had never really planned a sequel, and I was flattered and gave them my permission.

Thank you for the feedbac, I enjoy your work.

 

[MajorRewrite]

I agree, it seems common sense to me too, but, based on the number of threads that keep popping up on this topic, it is clearly on the mind of many others.

A while back there was a writer named FinishTheDamnStory who specialized in writing sequels to other writers’ stories. Maybe he got permission, but I doubt it. (Edit: I just checked. He didn’t.)

Then there’s saddletramp1956 who rewrites other people’s stories to fit his desire for consequences for cheaters. He changes character names, so that’s possibly less of an issue?

The sequel activity I’ve seen has been in the Loving Wives category. It might be inspired by the puritanical war going on over there.

 

[mcseminole]

As Simon said, you would need the original author's permission.

One author, Kalimaxos wrote the open-ended story “JUST ONCE… IF YOU DON’T MIND?” in April 2021, in which he encouraged others to write their own ending. He asked in one of his comments that we give him credit for the original story (which I did with web links.)

But when writing my own stories and series, I have a vision for who my main characters are and where I want them to go in the future. So, I'm rather attached to my stories, and would be reluctant for others to take over the story line.

Lifestyle66 your reply was my anticipated response. I totally understand, it is your "child". Thanks for the reply.

 

[mcseminole]

I would be…displeased. Like John Wick displeased.

It’s not the story that is at issue, it’s the characters. Other writers could certainly write excellent sequels to anything I wrote, but they would be peopled with imposters.

I understand, no "mama bear claws" needed.

 

[mcseminole]

Two authors wrote unauthorized sequels to my Office Wife story. I wouldn’t have minded if they were GOOD sequels, but they both wrote clichéd BTB revenge garbage. (The original is a Loving Wives story but is the opposite of BTB).

One of them had the nerve to whine when I trashed his awful sequel in his comments section. What a turd. Haha.

That was also one of my concerns. Even if I could get in touch and support from the original author, find an author willing to create a sequel or, god forbid, dip my toes into the stream and attempt myself,,, what if it sucked? What if my ideal sequel was less than to others?

 

[mcseminole]

I find it somewhat disheartening that this question is asked so frequently because the answer that if its not yours, and you don't have permission, then you don't touch it seems common sense to me, and pretty much the rest of the forum.

If you want to do, and change characters and this and that like the example of above, then go the rest of the way and write your own story "Based on a story by" and a flat out part two of an existing one are two different things.

I understand your frustration and I hope I asked the question with the intended respect I have for the original author. Thank you for replying, am a big fan of your work.

 

[mcseminole]

I want to thank you all for reaching out and answering my question. Your replies were as I suscpected. In this particular case the author in question has not posted here in over 18 years, nor have they published, under that name, elsewhere. This story in question has a 4.78 rating, over 1.65M views, over 900 bookmarks, almost 750 favorites, and over 250 comments, almost all of which are begging for a sequel. It compelled me to ask the question. Please forgive me for my greediness and understand my intended appreciation and respect for both author and the story, I simply did not want to see the story end.

 

[Bazzle]

I want to thank you all for reaching out and answering my question. Your replies were as I suscpected. In this particular case the author in question has not posted here in over 18 years, nor have they published, under that name, elsewhere. This story in question has a 4.78 rating, over 1.65M views, over 900 bookmarks, almost 750 favorites, and over 250 comments, almost all of which are begging for a sequel. It compelled me to ask the question. Please forgive me for my greediness and understand my intended appreciation and respect for both author and the story, I simply did not want to see the story end.

Go back to first principles. Write the story again. With your own flare and vision. Then take it forwards.
Change the location, the characters and various other things, but keep the story arc the same. If you have a dream of how to continue the arc, take it on. But with your philosophy, not the original authors. Own the new characters, rather than theirs?

 

[MelissaBaby]

I understand, no "mama bear claws" needed.

I am glad you took my comments in the same jocular spirit that they were made.

I suspect that if I were to write a sequel to a story I enjoyed, it would not be a satisfying experience. Sort of like when you wake up in the middle of a dream and imagine an ending to it. It may be a great ending, but you know it's not the "real thing."

 

[lc69hunter]

Don't do it without permission. I am currently collaborating with several authors (they are actually doing the writing) on stories in which they left us hanging.

And I have received permission from several authors who haven't posted in a long while, to take their stories in a different direction. I haven't posted any, as I want the original author to give me feedback

 

[Seadog777]

I know that I myself asked about a topic similar to this in 2022.
I've read a few stories on here that spawned ideas in my head for a continuation.
I reached out to them and haven't heard back, so I simply dropped it.