I've been told that there are only so many ideas out there. So many plots. So many words. So many heroes and so many heroines. Of course, I was immune to this. My idea was new. Never been done. Fresh. Amazing.
Conceited much? Sometimes. But there's always something out there that will bring me back from the land of Conceitville. This time it was in the form of one of my favorite authors.
Here's the deal. I'm writing a paranormal. In my paranormal there are immortals. Many different species of immortals. Some get along. Many don't. I had a word for all the different species. Something they called each other. At first I thought the word was lame, but it grew on me. I thought I was having a genius moment. Until this weekend.
I happened to be reading the latest release by this author and about 10 pages in, she used MY word. I blinked, re-read, blinked some more and then shouted, "OH NO!". This couldn't be. That was my idea. My word. I was seriously in panic mode.
Since then it's been explained to me that several (lots) of writers have used this word. Guess I'm no genius after all. This time anyway. Now I'm on a mission to create a word. One that I'm sure no one will have ever used. I'll do it. I swear.
Anything like this ever happen to you? Anyone ever stolen your idea before you even had the chance to share yours?
SIS Barb aka Elle J Rossi
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8 comments:
Oh yeah, saw a term I've used and read it in another book I read last week. I thought I was so original. :-)
There are no new ideas, just new ways of presenting them and using them.
Hey, even J.K. Rowling wasn't the first to call somebody a muggle. :) She was just the first to use to good effect.
Hi Mary Jo,
I know exactly what you mean. Let me tell ya, it took some of the wind out of my sails.
SIS Barb aka Elle J Rossi
Tori,
Good to know about JK Rowling. Maybe I don't have to change the word, but just make sure I am using it to its full potential and put some sort of twist on it.
Hmm...
SIS Barb aka Elle J Rossi
Look at it this way: You had the same clever idea as one of your fave authors! Meaning great minds think alike... she just got the idea 'to print' first. :)
I've experienced similar things. It's even worse when it extends to an entire premise. So much has been done before (and will be done again). The way to set your story apart is by your own unique spin on the ideas and to also alow your unique voice to shine. I'm betting you'll discover a 'word' that you like even better than your original one!
SIS Beth
Thanks, Beth.
I already have a couple of ideas in mind. After I got over the initial shock, I was a little excited because: A) My idea wasn't so lame after all and B) She's one of my favorite authors and if I'm a little like her, that is so not a bad thing.
SIS Barb aka Elle J Rossi
Several years ago, I read an article about synchronicity and how it affects ideas, plots, you name it. Basically, in the age of electronic media, we are all exposed to the same information practically at the same time. This is a far cry from when, say, news traveled from East to West by carrier pigeon or Pony Express.
So, we all have the same sources of information and inspiration from to draw for plot lines and, I suppose, words and names, etc.
Mary,
That's an article I'd love to get my hands on. While I love the availability of information, I wonder if I would enjoy the element of surprise more.
SIS Barb aka Elle J Rossi
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