《Your Guide to Writing the Perfect Story》Originality
Advertisement
"Oh, dear me, how unspeakably funny and owlishly idiotic and grotesque was that 'plagiarism' farce! As if there was much of anything in any human utterance, oral or written, except plagiarism! The kernel, the soul — let us go further and say the substance, the bulk, the actual and valuable material of all human utterances — is plagiarism. For substantially all ideas are second-hand, consciously and unconsciously drawn from a million outside sources, and daily use by the garnerer with a pride and satisfaction born of the superstition that he originated them; whereas there is not a rag of originality about them anywhere except the little discoloration they get from his mental and moral calibre and his temperament, and which is revealed in characteristics of phrasing. When a great orator makes a great speech you are listening to ten centuries and ten thousand men — but we call it his speech, and really some exceedingly small portion of it is his." - Mark Twain
As Mark Twain said in the quote above, there is no such thing as an original idea. No story or movie or play-write you will ever encounter will really be "original" as people like to say. Each and every one of them are inspired from others. Take Avatar for example. Avatar is literally Pocahontas with a few differences. I provided a link below if you're interested.
We all take ideas from other authors and icons intentionally and not, but that isn't the point. There is a fine line between plagiarism and simply being inspired by an idea that's already been written. This does not mean that you can steal the world of another author and change the characters and even the plot and call it your own. You still stole that world from someone. Key word: stole. That is a form of fanfiction.
Advertisement
Say, for instance, that world had a maze in it and you were absolutely fascinated with the idea with the maze and made your own story, completely different plot, with a maze. That is original.
It's okay to take elements of another story and make them your own. It would be impossible not to have at least one thing in common with another story. Often times, many new books are very closely tied in with a variety of older ones, but they have something that makes them different. Plagiarism is where you blatantly copy another person's work. Such as taking their world, character's, or exact storyline. Plagiarism is a crime. Don't do it.
Overall, know where your ideas are coming from and make sure that you are not stealing from someone else and you'll be okay.
Advertisement
- In Serial7 Chapters
The Promise of Yuuko Asahino: Volume 4
“Say Yuuko...would you like to be my boyfriend?”Those were the words said to him. Words that carried a weight far greater than they should have.He could say no, he should say no...but if he does, would she return to doing the things he's seen her do?Return to compensated dating.Even if he does, what can he, of all people, do?"Take me to a place without the world......somewhere far away."
8 170 - In Serial28 Chapters
Ringmaster's Ambition
Samuel Tuckerman, a retired therapist and nearing a hundred years old, decided to let the whole world know of his legacy. To leave an everlasting mark in this world, he surrendered himself to the authorities and brought with him mountains of evidence to prove his unbelievable claims. That he was the cause of thousands of disappearances all over the world. These evidence consisted of journals, videotapes, papers, and audio recordings of the last moments of all his victims, or so he claims. Initially met with skepticism, the authorities only saw him as a senile old man until testing out the validity of one of the records led to the discovery of the remains of a person. Upon finding out the legitimacy of the evidence Samuel provided, he was swiftly arrested and all other evidence was distributed to law enforcement all over the world to verify. When news of his deeds was made known to the entire world, all eyes were on him. This revelation led to numerous controversies that the governments of the world had no way to control. It showed the incompetence of law enforcement and the government. It inspired lunatics to try and be more brazen in committing atrocities. It sowed fear among the masses. Fueled conspiracies of collusion with foreign governments to suppress information regarding this matter. All these problems eventually resulting in a one day trial, where he was immediately pronounced guilty and was sentenced to death by publicly-broadcasted hanging. Although the various authorities of the world sought to set Samuel's execution as an example, what was broadcasted in the screens all over the world was not the dying struggles of an evil monster, but the satisfied smile of an old man. With his life coming to an end, he shall soon discover that his sins will lead to even greater consequences.
8 148 - In Serial24 Chapters
ABERRANT: The Tale of Magic Under the Fallen Sky
THIS NOVEL HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED. CHAPTERS WILL NOT BE UPLOADED AS OF 3/18/2021. In the world of 2093, Earth's surface has been ravaged by the elements of outerspace and humanity has retreated into the colossal dome cities. Where Magic is introduced as a scientific concept, mankind lives in a technological society hanging between a utopia of peace, and a cornered race awaiting its destruction. Michael has lost his family, friends, and home in an incident that has changed his life forever. But he does not abandon hope, as the truth behind his town's destruction may lie in humanity's salvation. Accompanied by his childhood friend Julia, Michael faces the fate of the world starting at the gate of Lyre Magic Academy! Will he be able to succeed in his new school life? Will he be able to call on his dark past to lead him towards his desired future? Find out next time on dra This is the first novel I've written so I'd appreciate any type of feedback I can get. While the quality may fluctuate here and there, I promise you that the writing will continue to improve as the story develops into a deeper, more sophisticated world of exciting adventures and challenges. Stay with me to delve into a complex world of intense hardship and discovery, all to sate your unending hunger for fantasy and exploration. And yes, the cover art is made in MS Paint.
8 103 - In Serial115 Chapters
Zjjan Master
Teaser: I've retired for my freedom and to find peace. I was born a knight with no inheritance. What could they expect from me? —Jaino. I've tried to purge the catalyst. Is my strength not enough? —Jesifer. Blurb: Including his guild master, many lives had lost to end a calamity. Jaino feels guilty. Still, the first prince of Jelfyr assigned him as a higher official. This has made him hiding to avoid conflicts. Wanting to find peace, he accidentally meets Criselia, forcing him to accept an agreement. Consuming many lives, her demonstration has left him no choice. Meanwhile, Jesifer, the queen of Jelfyr, she receives an urgent report from the JSA. Attempting to end the battle in the wide plain while avoiding casualty, she instead meets Dandia’s ruler, seeking for the strongest. The outside world now slowly unfolds. ------------------------------------------------- BTW, since the review title wasn't edited. I have to say, my work is not a poem compilation. I'm writing fiction. But I'm not a writer, I'm just a reader. :) P.s ------------------------------------------------- Story Progress: 1. Blurb is fulfilled on Chapter Three and Chapter Four 2. Story Arc One, The Savior is fulfilled on Story Arc Five 3. Yes, there is fighting scenes. Three Calamities have been Eliminated in Dandia -- The wide island. 4. The prologue is nearing to begin. 5. Too many conflicts. ------------------------------------------------- Past tense - When I just narrate a past without much actual actions. I mean like a news, or just telling or reporting the past. Present tense - Current event. And flashback with actions. I love flash fiction so world building is not on this story, like narrating a room, narrating a character's traits, etc. As possible, I want them to think, have their decision, etc. etc. etc. etc. Hallo guys, Help me locate my typos on Story Arc 5. I still don't want to edit Story Arc 1-4. I can't wait to reach story arc Chapter Six(I won't spoil). My outlines and very huge flowcharts are waiting. Sorry, about that, I can understand English without format so, each time I'm looking for typos I was hooked in my story and I didn't realize I forgot about them.
8 164 - In Serial25 Chapters
Shadow Emperor
In a world of magic where those who can wield the elements reign supreme our hero Savani finds himself reborn with a strange Assistance chip. Watch as he climbs higher and higher in a world far different than the one he knew and develop strength enough to stand at the top. ** Warning this story has a very slow boil as the MC begins to grow in power from scratch. Starts picking up around chapter 25. As story progresses themes of slavery, human experimentation, and some sexual content will be added. ** This is a story inspired by novels like Warlock of a Magus World and Age of Adept. I will be taking some ideas from each but trying to make my own story using the world ideas i love from these novels. I am also a first time writer mainly doing this while trapped inside due to the events going on in the world. So feedback is appreciated.
8 57 - In Serial34 Chapters
Vampire's mate
Evelyn is now grown up. Being the daughter of Alpha and Luna has it's perks. Having over protective brother doesn't. And she is destined to be Vampire's mate.The day she will meet her mate is coming closer. Will he be all she expects him to be? Will there be an instant connection? Who will be her Prince Charming?Sequel to Alpha AdrianCAN BE ALSO READ AS A STANDALONE.
8 225

