I’ve been doing a lot of non-fiction writing, along with
working on my current wip. I’m also reading how-to books trying to strengthen
my skills. I recently read how often writers claim their ideas are stolen. Now I’ve
read this many times in my career but it always fascinates me. Who are we to
say someone stole our ideas? As writers we’re always looking for new ideas. It’s
very possible to come up with the same idea as another writer. The difference
will always be the voice – in fiction or non-fiction.
Back about 15 years ago (likely longer) I loved Danielle
Steele books. I wanted to write like her. I did write a book with the same type
of tone, setting, etc. that book stills sits in a drawer somewhere and will
likely never see the light of day. So much has changed since I wrote that book.
For one cell phones came in to play. Anyway, I came up with a great idea for
another book. I started writing it. Six months later Danielle published a book…it
was THE idea. I don’t want to say MY idea because frankly she wrote the book
and subbed it long before I thought of it. But at the time I did wish I’d
written it before her and subbed it. Though, the likelihood of me being published
back then was slim to none. I had no clue of the publishing world. To say I was
naïve was an understatement.
Some days I’d like to go back to those days of naivete. Life
was simpler. I just wrote and didn’t worry if I’d sell or if readers would
accept me. The only thing I did know was no one was stealing my ideas.
Drop by my blog tomorrow for a chance to win a copy of my
print book Ignite the Flames. This book has three of my stories – Splashing Good
Time, Ignited and Research Required.
Happy Tuesday
In my other life, in another business I was frequently surprised to find myself doing exactly what a rival was doing down to smallest detail. It did come as a real surprise to see how truly connected we are. On some level we do share a common mind.
ReplyDeleteI love the cover for Ignite the Flames! It's such a great collection.
XXOO Kat
Thanks Kat! I love the cover too.
ReplyDeleteWell, sometimes it's coincidence. Or great minds think alike, or something in the water. I have had work stolen - the thief didn't even bother to change the names of the characters. So... it does happen and it's very unfortunate.
ReplyDeleteNice cover, Amber!
Yes, Julia sometimes people do steal. I've heard a lot of authors saying people are stealing their books. I can't understand how they feel they can get away with this. It saddens me. I hope those who do that are taken down by the law.
ReplyDeleteWhat I'm talking about though is just ideas. Not entire books.
Great cover! Honestly, there are only so many different ideas. But you are right, it's the author's tone and spin that makes it their own. I just watch a movie this weekend that was very similar to a piece that's waiting to be written. Don't know if I will still write it but maybe...
ReplyDeleteI know that feeling Marie. I am pushing a book that I believe a movie was done. It drives me crazy because I didn't get the idea from the movie...they must have stolen it from me. LOL ;)
ReplyDeleteI try to remember that great thoughts travel in packs...those who grab them as they race by are the one who benefit from writing them down. I wrote most of my stories many years back...but I see other stories that are so very much like them out there, that it's scary.
ReplyDelete