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The old adage "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery" should apply to the world of literature as well - although we shouldn't be surprised when it is not perceived that way.
In order to imitate a certain style requires one of two approaches. The first is designed to imitate the style for the purpose of creating a similar work. The second approach is the theme of this article - parody.
Parody has been described as, "a piece of writing that mocks a particular literary work or its style; comic effect is intended".
Christian recording artists ApologetiX provide song parodies that are designed to mimic the style and sound of the original artists, but have lyrics that are relevant to a Christian audience.
In the same way, a writer of parody should adopt humor in expressing a certain writing style. The intent of such a work is not simply to poke fun at a particular literary work or style, but rather to use that work or style as a fun platform to share something new and altogether different.
In 1994 the Supreme Court ruled that the use of parody in music was considered fair use of the original material. "The high court rejected a federal appeals court's finding that the commercial purpose of all parody makes it presumptively unfair."
It should be noted that simply because the high court ruled in favor of the fair use of previous material in the form of parody, such material may still be subject to litigation should the original author deem the work a hijacking of their intellectual property.
Some authors believe parody means taking a well loved character and placing him in a new and creative setting. Others believe it is a strict adherence to the style of the original author using altogether new characters. However, in both cases the original author may not view your work as 'fair use' of their existing work.
In most cases it is advisable to contact the original author whenever possible to ask their blessing on the parody. In many cases they will offer their support if only because they may consider the work flattering and may remind those who read the parody of the original work.
Parody can be a fine line to walk, be sure to research all applicable rules to parody use before taking your parody public.
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Scott Lindsay is a web developer and entrepreneur. He is the founder of FaithWriters (www.faithwriters.com) and many other web projects. FaithWriters has grown to become one of the largest online destinations for Christian writers. Members include writers from all around the world. Please visit the website at: www.faithwriters.com
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