Yes, Tank, thanks for sharing that. I personally believe that any form of writing is worthwhile to help a fledgling writer improve his or her craft. And having the "training wheels" of characters, settings and a general premise already established, the writer can focus on other aspects of storytelling.
It's always nice, too, to hear professionals in the publishing field validate fanfiction rather than condemn it. It seems too often those types look down their noses at what they call stealing rather than legitimate writing.
Sounds like that would have been an interesting panel to hear.
Lynn
