The Mythic Mic Podcast
Welcome to The Mythic Mic Podcast - a home for readers who dream in magic! Dive into the world of fantasy and romantasy with hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan, writers, storytellers, and book collectors obsessed with epic tales, swoon-worthy tropes, and magical worlds. Join us for deep dives into fantasy books, exclusive author interviews, monthly giveaways, and bookish discussions that will add endless reads to your TBR. Plus, don't miss our "Author's Version" episodes, where we share insider tips and advice to help aspiring authors write their first books! Whether you're a seasoned fantasy reader, a writer dreaming of publishing your own novel, or just discovering the magic, you belong here. Subscribe now and step into the adventure!
Follow us on Instagram @MythicMicPod, @BethanyInFantasyland, and @the_magical_quill. Learn more about the podcast and sign up for our exclusive newsletter at https://mythicmic.com
The Mythic Mic Podcast
S.2 Ep. 6: Copyright and Chaos: Inside the Fan Fiction Legal Debate with Attorney Kirk Sigmon
🎙️ Welcome back to The Mythic Mic Podcast, where myths intertwine with reality, legends come to life, and fantasy is more than just a story!
In this special episode, host Bethany Amanda sits down with intellectual property attorney Kirk Sigmon to unpack one of the most heated topics in the book community right now: the legalities of fan fiction and how far authors can go when their work is inspired by existing worlds.
From the recent controversies surrounding books like Alchemised, Rose in Chains, and The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy — all of which originated as Harry Potter fan fiction — to the blurred line between “inspired by” and “infringement,” this episode dives deep into the gray areas of creativity and copyright.
⚖️ What actually counts as plagiarism versus inspiration?
🪄 Can fan fiction ever truly become original work?
🔥 And what risks do authors take when they publish stories born in another universe?
Whether you’re an author navigating your first book deal, a reader wondering where the line is drawn, or a fanfic writer dreaming of publication, this episode is your roadmap through the myth and law of creative transformation.
⚔️ IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT…
✨ What “fan fiction” actually means from a legal standpoint
✨ The key differences between copyright, trademark, and fair use
✨ Why “I’m not making money” isn’t a legal defense
✨ How to tell when a story shifts from derivative work to original creation
✨ The role of public domain and why authors should tread carefully
✨ What to do if you receive a cease and desist or copyright claim
✨ How authors can protect their own IP from being used in fan works
✨ Practical tips for fanfic writers, indie authors, and publishers navigating this space
đź’« CONNECT WITH US
⚖️ Guest: Kirk Sigmon, Partner at Banner & Witcoff – https://bannerwitcoff.com/people/kirk-sigmon/
🎙️ Host: Bethany Amanda – IG: @BethanyinFantasyland
🎧 Follow The Mythic Mic Podcast – IG: @MythicMicPod (temporarily @MythicMic)
✨ Don’t forget to rate & review! If this episode made you rethink fan fiction, respect the line between homage and originality, or just appreciate the legal side of creativity, leave us a review — it helps more listeners find their way to The Mythic Mic.