literature

Your idea is NOT original

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edelricrules's avatar
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Literature Text

Originality? What's that?



You heard me, what is originality? Well the dictionary defines it as:

"–noun
1.  the quality or state of being original.
2. ability to think or express oneself in an independent and individual manner; creative ability.
3.  freshness or novelty, as of an idea, method, or performance."


To this I say they are right but they are also wrong. When it comes to story writing I have only one thing to say to you and your idea.

IT IS NOT ORIGINAL.

Nothing is, sure your teacher might say it is but I can tell you now there is someone out there with the exact same idea. It is all in the matter of who gets it published first. However, your idea might not be original but the spin in which you want it to take is. It might even be the tiniest of details but you can make it your own, sparking with originality. To that I say yes it is the way to go. Just don't take my word for it, you need to know these things yourself. I might be wrong with stating all this but some of you might just agree with me. It is not the idea it is the spin. For example I am writing a novel where three teenagers attempt to save the world while going through to school. Big shock there, I know it sounds like Animorphs by K. A. Applegate or Maximum Ride by James Patterson. That's alright because I'm going to make my story step out of those novels and make it my own but messing with the powers, the ages and the setting (everything seems to be set in America…not this time! Australia needs her acknowledgement), along with the relationships.

So there you go, I am being original by putting a twist on the common theme of superheroes. Isn't that great?! Hem. Back to the point, no matter what always assume your idea is cliché and unoriginal because then you prove people wrong once you show that it is in fact original…due to your spin on it.

Therefore follow these steps (and remember my opinion is only one, search for many and form your own):

Number One. Sketch out your idea. (Aka Brainstorm, daydream do whatever suits you. Get those creative juices flowing).

Number Two. Once it is sketched out, begin to write it out, this is different to each person. Some might write scenes and then combine them. Some might start with the ending and work backwards. Some might even start and not stop. Then you have those people that plan, plan and plan some more and then write. Those people are pretty good since they don't have to do the research of who, what, where and when.

Number Three. You have written or are writing your first draft now it is to compare, does your story sound too similar to Fullmetal Alchemist? Harry Potter? The Mediator? (These are just a few examples). Your favourite books within that genre? If so, see what they have done and figure out a twist. Have your wizard the villain instead of the hero; let the ghosts tell the story instead of your seeing ghost person, have the female a murderer instead the typical male, make the 'unpopular' kid bully the 'popular kid', zombies with a love for certain brains. KILL EVERYONE! Hem. Just find an angle that those authors haven't tried. Trust me. It will make your idea stand out and not be one of the crowd. Don't be like those vampire writers – don't write the 'now' idea, make it different.

Number Four. Re-write, re-write and RE-WRITE! Until you are completely separate from your first 'original' idea because by then you would have an idea that IS original due to the many twists and turns that you have given it.

Number Five. Have fun!

Yeah, that's all the advice I can give you. Remember my word isn't law (fortunately I am not Julia Gillard). So if you don't agree with things stated above then that is fine, I am merely sharing my knowledge.  Just to refresh your memory.

YOUR IDEA IS NOT SPECIAL!

Make it special.

Happy writing and reading!

~edelricrules.
Just a little tutorial on 'Originality' in writing. If English and my extension classes have taught me is that there is no such thing as originality when it comes to an idea. It is the spin that you put on it. Hope this helps at least one person.


Copyrights:
Animorphs (c) K. A. Applegate
Maximum Ride (c) James Patterson
Fullmetal Alchemist (c) Hiromu Arkawa
Harry Potter (c) J.K Rowling
The Mediator (c) Meg Cabot
Twilight (c) Stephine Meyer
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TheBlueInk's avatar
I can understand the message of this. I always tell myself, "It doesn't matter how many times something's been done, it's how you do it.".