Stealing Ideas

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.

http://amberskyze.blogspot.com

Happy Tuesday