I was talking with a writer friend who was freaking out over a recent sale she saw on one of the publishing trade websites.
“That’s MY story!” she wailed. “I should just stop writing my novel now because this other writer has just sold MY book!”
After talking her off the ledge, I tried to reassure my friend that just because another writer has written a book with a similar idea doesn’t mean that it’s the same story.
No matter how hard we try, there are no new ideas/stories under the sun.
As a writer, you come to the table with a unique voice. Something that only you possess in the whole Universe. With this voice, you can take an idea and make it your own. And that’s why writers can write a book on the same idea and create different stories. A story is created by the writer and not the idea.
It is disheartening when your story idea is getting buzz in the bookstores or deal announcements and you’re not ready to submit. How can you be sure that when you finish your book that you will even have an audience? That your book idea is now stale?
This is something to ponder and sometimes timing can be a friend or an enemy, but I also believe that good stories will always find a home.
Write the story you love. Don’t chase trends. Readers want a story written with your unique voice. An idea as old as time can be converted into something new and fresh by a writer who wants to tell her story.
I told my friend to keep writing her book.
Good advice. Writers need to work with blinders on.
So many books out there are the same, what makes them stand out is the unique spin only you can provide. But have to admit, each time I write something new I do get scared. What if someone beat me to the punch? Just a chance we take I suppose.
So true! It’s hard to hear a blurb about a book that’s similar to our own – frustrating!! I think you’re right though – each story is unique!
You all made some good points. I have to tell myself this constantly since the time I have to work on my novel is very limited due to the high demand of my day job.
I think the best thing that a writer can do is write the best story that they can. Readers love new stories and with your unique voice — I’m sure that all of you will come up with a story that can find an audience.
I agree. Every writer could write stories very different. And if the other book does well, it could help with her sales!
Laura that is a good point. I actually look for similar books if I like the story idea.
I enjoyed this posting. I often wonder when I am writing if someone else has had the same idea I am working on. I thank you for advice.