Franchise writing

When a popular author dies it is always interesting to see what will happen to his characters. For example Robert Ludlum's creation Jason Bourne has been given new life in a series of books by Eric Van Lustbader a successful thriller writer in his own right. The latest one in the series The Bourne Betrayal, has just been released.

Other writers have received similar treatment, for example Issac Asimov's Foundation series, Frank Herbert's Dune books and others.

This type of franchise writing reflects the current Hollywood trend of making sequels, and remaking old films rather than thinking up new concepts.

Sure it is good to see much loved characters getting a new life, but a part of me would like them to stay with the people who invented them. Oh well, I'll just have to read the latest Bourne novel and keep my mouth shut.