Fan Fiction and Fan Art Contests Coming Soon to Southern Oaks Library

Have you ever become such a fan of a book or movie that you wished you could actually live in its fictional world? Some fans have found a way to do it. They are the ones who create fan fiction and fan art.

The Metropolitan Library System Southern Oaks Teen Advisory Board and the Scarlet Kitsune Anime Club are co-sponsoring a fan fiction and fan art contest with winners to be announced at the Southern Oaks Library, 6900 S. Walker , on Tuesday, Dec. 19, beginning at 5:00 p.m.

What distinguishes fan fiction and art from the kind that doesn't have the word "fan" in front? Both are works, in words or graphics, about a generally recognized creation that was originated by someone other than the fan writer or artist. For instance, a story about one or more of the characters from the Harry Potter books, but one that was not written or blessed by J.K. Rowling, would be fan fiction.

It would ordinarily be a violation of copyright, and still would be if it were created for profit, but many copyright holders have found that fan fiction keeps their concepts alive and provides good publicity. (I like this.)

It's not a new idea. Sherlock Holmes was the subject of much fan fiction at the turn of the Nineteenth Century, and characters from the novels of Jane Austen were popular in amateur "fanzines," or not-for-profit magazines written and produced by fans, in the 1920s and '30s.

Today, fantasy, science fiction, manga (Japanese comics) and animation (Japanese animation) provide the largest segment of the fan fiction and art worlds.

(this is a sharp change of subject. Need a segway sentence. something like "And it's happening in your Metropolitan Library System (bleh)."most people like to tell stories, and now is there chance.. as long as the story is about a well recognized work of fiction.." "Our contest actually began in late September," said Southern Oaks Library Teen Advisor John Hilbert," but we're accepting entries through Dec. 10 at 6:00 p.m. "

Fan art may be in any medium and contain original characters, but must contain copyrighted characters as the main theme. It should be anime or video game related but other entries may qualify, and only one entry will be accepted per person.

Similar rules apply to fan fiction, which must be under 2,000 words in length.

For the complete set of rules, contact the Southern Oaks Library, 631-4468.

"We have three well-qualified people to serve as judges," Hilbert added. "Rob Vollmar, who has taught college seminars in comic book history and won awards for his own original comics work, has been a guest speaker on many aspects of Japanese pop culture at the library.

"Also we have Emily Williams, MLS Young Adult Services Coordinator, and Doug Bentin, who reviews books and movies for newspapers, TV, and a couple of websites. " Hilbert said.

The contests are for participants of all ages and entries can be submitted through email to: jhilbert@metrolibrary.org , or to greenmel555@yahoo.com , or by dropping them off at Southern Oaks Library c/o John Hilbert. Prizes include $100 Visa Gift Cards, gift certificates, and more.

Winners will be announced at Southern Oaks on Tuesday, Dec. 19 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. The announcement party is open to all ages but children younger than 13 must be accompanied by an adult.

The Metropolitan Library System of Oklahoma County includes 12 libraries and five extension libraries. Libraries include Belle Isle, Capitol Hill, Ralph Ellison, Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library and Southern Oaks in Oklahoma City, as well as Bethany, Choctaw, Del City, Edmond, Midwest City, Village and Warr Acres. Extensions are located in the communities of Harrah, Jones, Luther and Nicoma Park and include Wright Library in Oklahoma City . You can also reach us at www.metrolibrary.org.