Does fanfiction kill creativity?

[amalthia]

I read a newsgroup discussion about fanfiction and one guy posted that people who write fanfiction are killing their creativity. This thought bothered me because well I write fan fiction and the thought that i"m purposely killing my creativity is sort of scary. I already feel like I don't have much to begin with. However, the kinder people in the discussion pointed out that many teachers use fan fiction to help their students to start writing. That it's more intimidating to create your own world and characters.

Then today while I'm trying to write a bit my mom comes into the room and starts telling me I need to apply for graduate schools or a real job...I've already applied to Law School and I'm now waiting for the results to know if I got in or not...it's killing me. My mom keeps giving me suggestions on what to do, and when I finally take one, she keeps bothering me! Grrrr...

I already have a job, and no it's not intellectually challenging as much as it is nerve wracking, but I'm getting money enough to pay my credit cards and bills.

It's still tough to concentrate on writing at home. And I'm constantly plagued by doubts. Wondering if I'll be a better writer if I get more education, or worked in journalism, hell just wrote more often and not just in my live journal. :)

Maybe I should try writing excersises. My mom is great at tearing down confidence. :(

sigh... I can't wait until my dad returns from Iraq.