Hatrack River Writers Workshop: WotF question

This is topic WotF question in forum Open Discussions About Writing at Hatrack River Writers Workshop.

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Posted by darklight (Member # 5213) on :

Many years ago, being young and stupid that I was, I got some short stories 'published' via a small press in various anthologies. I hate admitting this, because it wasn't until five years ago that I came to my senses and realised what I was doing. I didn't get 'paid' for these stories, nor ever saw a penny in royalties. In fact, I 'paid' to have them published in a way, by having to purchase copies of the antholigies they were published in. I doubt they were even read by anyone other than the poeple whose stories were in them.

I don't like to admit this, so I'm being brave, knowing you'll be calling me stupid. Anyhow, question is, one particular story I like a lot, and would like to use aspects of it in a 'sequel' to that story for my next WotF entry. Is this allowed under the rules? Or should I simply forget the idea and move on to something else?

The rules say this:

quote:
All entries must be original works, in English. Plagiarism, which includes the use of third-party poetry, song lyrics, characters or another person's universe, without written permission will result in disqualification

Doesn't say anything about it being the authors own work.

[This message has been edited by darklight (edited August 11, 2008).]

Posted by extrinsic (Member # 8019) on :

My reading of the WOTF rules says you're on solid ground. However, to err on the safe side, I'd post your question at the WOTF forum and pointedly ask Ms. Wentworth through the K.D. Wentworth at the Forum topic. I see no problem with citing a previous work that you wrote, and if it's a new story rather than one previously published even though through a non-promarket then I see no issues for disqualification.

Posted by KayTi (Member # 5137) on :

You're going to write a new story featuring characters and/or a world you've created before? That was and still remains your original work?

I don't see what the issue is. You aren't plagiarizing anyone. You might get into hot water if you try to use the actual prose from the previously published work, but that doesn't sound like you'd want to do that, anyway.

Posted by Kathleen Dalton Woodbury (Member # 59) on :

It's a new story so you should be fine. You own the copyright to the first story, right?

"Original work" means it's your work, not derived from anything by anyone else.

Consider, OSC received the Hugo and the Nebula for ENDER'S GAME, and the next year, he received the Hugo and the Nebula for a story that was a sequel to ENDER'S GAME, SPEAKER FOR THE DEAD.

Why would WotF not be willing to consider a sequel to something you've written?

Posted by darklight (Member # 5213) on :

Thanks all for putting my over active mind to rest.

Yes, I own the copyright for the original story.

Can I widen the question a little more, then? The orginal story is two thousands words. I'd like to start the next one using what happened in the second half of the orignal. I am right then in thinkink, so long as I don't use the actual prose word for word, I can mix it up a bit and use the idea in this new story?

Sorry for being such a pain.

Posted by Kathleen Dalton Woodbury (Member # 59) on :

darklight, I think, if you really wanted to, and the original prose was still that good, you could go ahead and use it word-for-word exactly as you wrote it then.

I'd be inclined to think, however, that you've improved enough as a writer since then that you would rewrite that part anyway.

Posted by Zero (Member # 3619) on :

And, darklight, you're not a pain.

Posted by EricJamesStone (Member # 1681) on :

You could probably submit the original short story if you wanted to.

A careful reading of the contest rules shows that there is no requirement that the entry not have been previously published, just that it "not have been previously published in professional media." (Emphasis added.)

And professional publication is defined as "payment, and at least 5,000 copies, or 5,000 hits."

Since you were not paid for the original publication, the story is still eligible as an entry. Even if you had been paid, it's doubtful the anthology sold 5000 copies, so it would still be eligible.