Though I am trying to stay away from reading serial novels (so addictive), I have started Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card. I happened to see this question and answer on his website regarding fan fiction. The questioner asks when does Orson think it’s okay to write fan fiction. Here’s his answer: http://www.hatrack.com/research/questions/q0121.shtml#question
I absolutely agree with him. While you think you’re paying homage to a writer, all we see is you stealing our (mostly undervalued, underpaid) work. And that angers us. And considering we’re already a little crazy anyway, that doesn’t bode well for you.
Also, it made me wonder if Stephanie Meyer thought about suing or has sued E L James…