hey so im currently in the middle of ur absolute ART of a fanfic (the dune rewrite)
and as a fellow lover of rewriting canon, how do you like stick to it? i have so many ideas for media to canon rewrite but i always forget about my writing projects after a few weeks
anyways yes i fucking love ur writing thank you icon
Omg, that is so, so sweet. Thank you so much, my lovely!! (Unseen - me kicking my feet and blushing behind the screen.)
That's such a great question. Honestly, rewriting canon is one of my favorite things, and I absolutely adore fanfics that stray from canon sources to try out different elements. I do also enjoy fics that closely follow stories, but canon derailment is my bread and butter. There's something about the same story but a fresh take that's just so, *chefs kiss*
To answer your own question, I handle it carefully.
I'm a huge fan of Dune from both the novels and movies - yes, including the 80s movie, horrible as it is. When it came to adapting EIOB, I knew that I was going to combine the core elements of both the movie and book to central elements, but would diverge based on Eurydice's presence alone.
For instance, killing the Baron. I knew from the beginning that by killing the Baron, Leto would live, and that alone sets up a whole pathway of possibilities. Certain canon elements stay the same - i.e., the Emperor still attacking Arrakis. However, things are altered because I incorporated book elements and characters into the narrative.
Since Eurydice is speeding events along, Leto is pressured into marrying - which almost happens in one of the books - and does marry Ilesa Ecaz, which results in a "Red Wedding" style sequence when the Emperor attacks. But because the Ecaz are present on Arrakis with the Atreides, the Emperor recruits their enemies, the Moritani. So it's a triple force - Sardaukar, Moritani, and Harkonnen - against the Atreides and Ecaz.
I took a lot of these side-canon characters from books but also from trading cards and simply expanded their roles in my fic to help the world feel bigger, and also to offer readers different experiences.
But as much as I diverge, I do also like keeping some things close to canon. For instance, the battle of Arrakeen was not something I wanted to cut, since it's so cinematic and a huge turning point for the Atreides. Likewise, Gurney killing Rabban - even though it happens under different circumstances.
When it comes to my rewrites, I always make sure I'm writing things down in notes. I have a whole timeline to help me keep track of key events, which chapters they take place in, and when/where/why/how. That way, when I'm moving from Point A to Point B, I have a clear path ahead.
It's crazy work, but it's the best kind of work. I love it.
And if I ever feel like my muse is drifting, I either rewatch or reread material to get it back to life. Or give myself a break, write something else, and come back with a fresh perspective.
I hope that answered your question! <3
