Alex J. Cavanaugh‘s Insecure Writer’s Support Group, held monthly. Click on the image above to participate.
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You know the saying, there’s no new original idea out there? Well that plays on my thoughts a lot, especially when I’m plotting new story ideas. I’ve put some novel ideas aside, worried they’re too similar to other works out there. And I find myself going in circles as I try to avoid doing what’s been done before – hence trying to be original. But is that even possible? I mean everything already exists in someone else’s story – ideas, plots, characters. After all, aren’t the main characters in Harry Potter and Star Wars pretty similar?
And I tell myself that I’m being silly because it’s not about the core idea, but about the spin I place on the story. But I still worry.
A publisher rejected one of my manuscripts because apparently the plot was too similar to another book in the market, hence my paranoia. Don’t get me wrong, that didn’t stop me from sending it elsewhere, and I have my fingers crossed it finds a home soon.
As a result, I’ve been playing with a number of ideas in my stories, such as mythological creatures – twisting them by either adding new attributes or behaviors, then dropping them in unexpected worlds, or sprinkling elements of other genres, such as gaslamp into a world where technology shouldn’t exist, or adding new perspectives, etc. And I love the possibilities this creates.
There are thousands of romance books out there, for example, and none of them will be exactly similar to another, yet they there are so many out there selling. And I guess, it’s about the ability of a writer to turn an old theme into something both unique and their own. It’s about being creative. And I’m trying to embrace this with my story ideas, making them my own:)
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And a special thanks goes out to Michael Offutt for reminding me that The Insecure Writer’s Support Group post was this week, considering last month I did two, believing it was weekly. Learnt that one quickly!
I think that’s why you shouldn’t write to a trend, but write the story that speaks to you because by doing that you’ll make it your own.
Be true to yourself hey… that’s my plan:)
Look at my book review, Tania. It’s amazing, but it still says, this story reminds me of this…or that…Everyone makes comparisons, you won’t get away from that. Personally, I take it as a complement to the great classics my story was compared to 🙂
That’s I think too – I take it as a compliment, except when it’s a reason for rejection…hmmm
Sometimes I come up with a title or an idea that I learn is similar to something else. This does cause me to go in panic mode, but then I remind myself that no two writers write exactly alike. My stories will always be different, despite anyone’s opinion.
That’s what I need to do – remind myself of these when I go into panic mode:)
Tania, I know what you’re saying but it sounds as if you’re adding in some great twists and making your worlds very different. It all comes down to style and voice in the end because there are only so many basic plots.
Can’t agree more… Thanks Shelley
LOLOLOL Thanks for the shout out! I think your story will be just fine. Write the story and don’t care so much how similar it may be to others. It will find a home.
Thanks Michael…
I threw a lot of work on that reason! I was worry not to be a plagiarist, but only
until I oppened my mind; I thought out about a subject which everybody talk and write,”the life”. So, I would never write about my life because somebody else wrote about his life !? I kept my way of writing and writing in myself’ wisdom, and I became a writer of many books ! Be correct, and keep to your dream!
Very smart decision.
This is what keeps me up at night, too! I mean, you’re right, there’s nothing truly original. We put our own spin on things . . . so that’s why it really stings when an agent says, “This is too much like (insert title here).” And I kinda blogged about this in a small way tonight. I feel it’s just an excuse they use b/c they don’t want to come out & say, I don’t want this. But they’re not doing me any favors! Tell me why it really sucks, right? That’s how I feel. In the meantime . . . I’m stuck with 3 different novels, figuring which one to write that’s going to be “original” enough to be a breakout novel. Ahhhhhhhhhhh!!!
I agree.. I’d rather the harsh, blunt truth – it’ll hurt for a bit, but then I can improve and keep moving forward.
This stymies me often, too. Especially when I have the idea, do the work, and some other person makes it big with a similar premise. I figure everyone will just think I copied that person. It can be truly deflating. But we should all push through and just make it ours.
Shannon at The Warrior Muse, co-host of the 2012 A-to-Z Challenge!
Thanks Shannon – like the idea of pushing through:)
I’ve been worrying about originality, too. There are so many stories out there–it’s almost impossible to create something that hasn’t been done out there before. But no two writers have the same voice or interpret things in the exact same way.
That’s my thoughts… maybe not all publishers think the same way.
Glad he reminded you!
Like you said, it’s all about our spin on it. Hope you find a home for that manuscript soon.
Thanks Alex… me too:)
Isn’t it amazing really that we can all take the same idea and turn it into something uniquely our own as we all come from such diverse backgrounds with our own voice, style and technique.
Denise
That’s true actually:)
Insecurity creeps in so often. IWSG is a fabulous place to air them and receive inspiration and encouragement.
We can take an idea and weave it together in endless ways. There’s room for everyone’s perspective! You’re heading in the right direction … 🙂
The support and encouragement is fantastic in those times of getting down on my writing:)
Awesome post! I wonder about the same thing, but you’re right. It’s all about the original spin. It’s about how you tell it.
So true… though sometimes it’s so easy to even doubt your own spin:)
Great post. I like your last comment about turning something into your own. Hang in there. You can do it.
Thanks Maggie..:)
I completely understand. Is there anything really original out there? And if there is, would we even like it? I’ve heard that agents want something original, but not TOO original. Basically it comes down to writing the story you want to write and see how it goes from there. 🙂
Very wise words Cherie:) Thanks:)
I can understand why you’d be paranoid. This is partly why I have a hard time reading in my genre and sub genre a lot. I worry that my book idea is too similar to what is already out there and it stifles my creativity!
I get that too… But I guess I could always use it to differentiate my story from the others
This seems to be a theme among several insecure writers this month. I think there is so much more to an idea than just the idea – that if the characters are just right, the idea will seem new. Keep at it! New follower 🙂
Thanks for popping over… and I agree it’s about the characters and their voice… Am working on that right now:)
This is so true. There is no new idea, but there is always a new way to write about any old idea.
Exactly:) Can’t agree more.
I’ve also heard that if your book is similar to something that’s selling, then that’s a good thing. Stories are about people, and there are a limited set of reasons that motivate us to act. I think it’s the spin and voice that count.
I’m starting to think it’s also a very subjective thing… some agents / publishers might like that, other probably don’t.
I feel the same about my ideas as well. Problem is, unless you’ve read every book out there, how do you know? The way we have to think is that as long as we put our own personal touches on an idea, how could it really be the same? Good luck, hon, on yours! I have my fingers crossed for you!!!
Thanks LJ…
I think if you break any story down, many of them will be of the same idea. As you pointed out with romance novels, they are all structured the same (even ones with a ‘twist’ at the end have the same formula) boy meets girl boy gets girl Films are the same, in most horror/scary films you have that person who builds up your anxiety by checking out the noise whilst you hold your breath muttering ‘don’t go in there, don’t go in there’. All fairy tales are structured the same way too.
Keep on with what you are doing, be true to yourself and enjoy every word you write. The right person will snatch up your story up.
P.S I personally do not think there are enough mythical and magical stories out there and I look forward to reading yours one day 🙂
Thanks for the kind words, and I’m taking them onboard… and I totally agree we need more mythical stories:)
I can see your concern, however I believe that it depends on the spin that the author takes and how much they can add to formula. A writer can use some of the old concepts and then add amazing twists and turns that the old concepts disappear and it becomes new again. Does that make sense?
Sure does… Just need to tell myself that sometimes:)
Well if you need encouragement I’m here! I can’t wait to read your stuff. I love all your posts about mythology and I’m so curious to see how you put it all together!
You’re so sweet, and I can’t thank you enough for your encouragement:)
I have to say, judging from some of your creature posts, you’ve definitely found a way to put your own spin on things 🙂
That’s what I’m trying out in my new novel… and I’m really enjoying it:)
I know what you’re saying. I often come up with an idea that I think is really good only to find that someone else has done something similar. But it really has so much to do with style, presentation, and story telling.
Lee
Tossing It Out
So true Lee… Just got to remind myself when the insecurity creeps in.