Yeah, fanfiction is always good--problem is, fanfiction is pretty much EVERYWHERE (my site included, though not a lot). I think it would actually be kind of nice if there was just one place where ALL Chrono fanfics could be obtained, searched, and read...but I don't suppose that's really feasible.
Heh, never really thought of the Japan thing. I suppose that, if someone in Japan were really making a serious novel, that we would know about it by now. And, if anyone is, then Square doesn't seem to know or care about it, because they have actually expressed an interest before in seeing where CTNP takes it (it's info coming from someone else who claims to have had a chat with a Square rep on their site--I've no reason to mistrust him as of yet). Of course, if anyone does find out about a CT novel in Japan, be sure to let me know. I guess it would at least save me the trouble of worrying about a translation later (j/k).
Now, I know that many people here may not take a huge interest in a novel, but every CT fan needs to realize what a successful CT novel hopes to facilitate: another game and a movie. A novel is also a great way (the best in my opinion) to get the non-gaming public interested in the epic tale that is Chrono Trigger. Don't let this discount the novel itself. Trust me, it's gonna be quite excellent in its own right.
BUT, if you DO happen to be one of those people who say "oh whoop-dee-doo, a novel," just remember what it is about CT that makes it stay with us and makes us love it to this day. Was it the graphics? Probably not. Was it the music? Definitely great, but no. Was it the battle system, items, or spells? Nope, not those either. It's the STORY of CT that keeps it alive and makes us all love keeping it alive. Now, enhance that story with descriptive narration, enjoyable and realistic character interactions, and filled-in dialogue, and now you see what the CT Novel hopes to achieve.
Being a current fan of fiction or reading at all isn't a requirement. We're all on the computer so much these days, experiencing everything electronically... I truly feel that, regardless of what any one person likes now, people will greatly enjoy allowing their minds to vividly relive and become immersed within the story of Chrono Trigger in this new and in-depth way. Seeing is NOT necessarily believing, but experiencing is (not that we believe the CT story to be true or anything, but you get the idea). It'll be a fun experience, and I'm pretty sure you will all enjoy it when it's done and available.
And, if you're one of those who really don't care about the novel and would rather jump straight to a new game and a movie, remember: first things first. A successful CT novel is very likely to prompt more in the series by pumping up the story and generating new hype. Movies also tend to be much more successful when they're made from the descriptive clarity of a novel as opposed to a game, helping that bandwagon a bit. Let's face it: we're probably not going to get a movie without something else coming first (and without getting more of the public interested, which is one big reason why we need to get ANYONE to sign the petition whether they like gaming or not--it's a way to get the CT name out there in their minds). Another game is definitely possible, and this is the way I see that issue: a game first could only help the novel by bringing clarity to the series, and a novel first could only help the game by bringing clarity to the series. Either way, the novel contributes in a positive way.
If I seem to be rambling, please forgive me. Basically, I'm simply saying that, if you're a fan of CT and its continued existence and growth, then you really NEED to support the CT Novel (and you need to sign the petition). This is a real endeavor looking to make real things happen, and I hope you can all be a part of it.
