Breaking the Originality Myth: Why It Doesn't Really Matter To Your Novel (or your readers)

Devlin Blake Author

Unveil truth: originality in novels. Break free, explore themes, craft compelling stories. Gain fresh perspectives in this video

Transcript 

Hey there, Novelteers

Welcome back.

Today, we’re going to talk about originality in writing? And does it matter?

And the answer is, it doesn’t.

Now, you might be surprised to hear this, but originality doesn't matter when it comes to writing a novel.

The fact is, what really matters is writing a compelling story and well-developed characters.

So, sit back, grab a Frappuccino, and let's get into it!

Yes, I’ve started drinking Frappuccino's.

But before we begin, I have an exciting offer for you. If you're looking for help writing your book, I've created a free guide that provides a simple and effective process to guide you through the process.

This is based on my experience of writing 200 books as a ghostwriter and over two dozen on my own.

You can download the guide at the link provided below.

Enough of that.

Let's talk about how your book doesn’t need to be original to be a massive success.

Now, I can already hear some of you saying, "What do you mean originality isn’t important? Isn't it important to be unique?"

Well, here's the thing: there are only about 22 plots in the world. Only 22. Some people would say there are only 7.

But regardless of what the number is, every story we read or watch is essentially a variation of these plots.

So, rather than obsessing over being completely original, you need to focus on how you can put these old unique spin on these plots.

Let\s take a look at a classic example.

Dracula, one of my favorite books.

Ok, I have a new favorite book every week, but that’s beside the point.

Bram Stoker's novel, "Dracula." is one the most famous vampire book of all time, right?

It established all the tropes we still use in vampire books today.

Only, it didn’t.

The fact is, those tropes were established years before by… different authors you probably haven’t heard of.

"The Vampyre" by John William Polidori, And no, I don’t know if I’m pronouncing that right, I’ve never heard that name spoken.

Anyway, he published his book in 1819.

He created the tropes. He turned the vampire, Lord Ruthven, from something that looked like a demon into something that looked humane.

And not just human. Lord Ruthven embodied the seductive and enigmatic figure that would become a staple of vampire lore.

Polidori’s The Vampyre, introduced the concept of the undead predator haunting the nights.

Building upon Polidori's foundation, James Malcolm Rymer contributed to the development of vampire tropes with his work "Varney The Vampire and the Feast of Blood," published in 1847. If you haven’t read that one, I don’t blame you. At 109 chapters and 667,000 words, it’s considered the longest vampire novel ever written.

Of course, it’s unfair to call it a novel since it was a serialized book published one chapter at a time every week for 2 years. Today, it would be broken up into at least a quadrilogy or more.

Anyway, Varney the vampire introduced the idea of the reluctant vampire, plagued by guilt and self-loathing. The book refined and expanded upon The Vampire's foundation, weaving a complex narrative that explored the tormented existence of Varney,

Rymer's contribution added depth to the vampire archetype, showcasing their inner struggles and psychological turmoil.

However, it was Sheridan Le Fanu's "Carmilla," published in 1872, that perfected and solidified many of the vampire tropes we recognize today.

Le Fanu's again, I don’t know if that’s how you pronounce his name, well anyway, his novella delved into the theme of the female vampire, introducing the mesmerizing and alluring Carmilla.

The narrative explored the sensual and homoerotic undertones of the vampire genre, leaving an indelible mark on subsequent works. Now of the three, this book actually did eventually get movie, but it wasn’t mainstream and is now even too obscure to be a cult favorite.

Anyway, a full 12 years after Carmilla was when "Dracula" emerged onto the literary scene.

Stoker's novel drew upon and synthesized the various tropes that had been developed over the preceding decades.

And don’t get me wrong, "Dracula" is a masterpiece. It showcases a richly complex and formidable vampire in Count Dracula and the other characters are remarkably well written and developed.

However, once you’ve actually read Polidori, Rymer, and Le Fanu, you realize there’s nothing original about that book.

But because Stoker did it better, "Dracula" remains an iconic and widely celebrated vampire novel, while the others faded to obscurity.

Being original didn’t help them.

Stoker didn’t bother being original. He devoted himself to writing a better, less original story, and that paid off for him big time.

It's not about who did it first, but rather who did it best. And that could totally be you. Still not convinced?

Let’s keep following the vampire in pop culture.

Over the years, vampires have fallen in and out of favor.

Anne Rice's "Interview with the Vampire" brought a renewed interest in them in the 1970s. But that book wasn’t original. It borrowed heavily from Varney the Vampire and his reluctantness.

Then the Twilight series exploded vampires again in the early 2000s. They actually built up sexual themes pioneered by Carmilla and other stories since then.

And that’s the thing.

These stories might not be the most original in terms of the underlying concept, but they resonated with audiences because they delivered engaging narratives and memorable characters.

That’s what readers want.

Want a more modern example?

Ok, let’s do that.

Let’s take a look at what Lord of the Rings, Star Wars a New Hope, Harry Potter, and the ancient legend of Persus have in common.

Give up?

They were all based on the timeless plot of chosen one vs the dark lord.

The dark lords in this case being Sauron, Lord of the rings, Darth Vader, Star Wars a new hope, Voldemort harry potter and Polydectes of ancient myth.

And these stories could not be more different.

After all, Lord of the Rings is High Fantasy, Star Wars is Space Opera, Harry Potter is Modern Fantasy, and Persus, well that’s ancient.

They don’t look like they have anything in common until you look closer.

At their core, these four stories share a remarkable similarity—a narrative foundation centered around the chosen one, fated to confront and ultimately triumph over the looming darkness of a formidable antagonist.

Now, you might rightfully ponder, "Hold on a second, aren't these franchises incredibly popular and immensely successful?"

And yes, you would be correct. "Harry Potter", "Star Wars" and Lord of the rings were immensely successful. They unequivocally enchanted the minds and hearts of countless individuals across the world.

But it’s essential to acknowledge the fact that a chosen hero combating a malevolent force is not wholly exclusive to these sagas.

That’s why I added the story of Persus. To prove that this plot is old as recorded history. Not only that, but it still works,

And it will always work.

Across the vast expanse of history, diverse iterations of tales have been woven, where a courageous protagonist rises to confront an embodiment of evil. This concept of a chosen one embarking on a noble quest to salvage the world finds its roots deeply entwined within our collective storytelling heritage.

But what sets these different narratives apart despite sharing a common structural framework, are the intricately crafted characters, painstakingly constructed realms, and the artistry of storytelling employed by Rowling, Lucas, and Tolien.

All three of them used their own unique spin and interests to create a grand tapestry inhabited by iconic characters that have become ingrained in our collective consciousness.

That’s the power of your unique spin on an old story.

Rather than fixating on being original, focus on developing engaging characters, crafting immersive worlds, and delivering compelling narratives. Your unique voice and perspective will naturally shine through, even if your story draws inspiration from familiar themes or plots.

After all, there’s an old saying, as politically incorrect as it is, that settlers get fat, pioneers get slaughtered.

That certainly proved true for Polidori, Rymer, and Le Fanu who pioneered the modern vampire story.

The fact is, some of the most successful authors have thrived by putting their own spin on familiar stories. Disney, Niel Gamin, Marissa Meyer, Margaret Atwood and of course, Gregory Maguire.

Now take a look at retellings of classic fairy tales, for example. Countless authors have reimagined tales like "Cinderella", "Snow White", or beauty and the beast, and given them a fresh, modern twist. These retellings have resonated with audiences because they offer new perspectives, explore untold aspects of the story, and breathe new life into beloved characters.

Whether it's the hero's journey, the underdog's triumph, or the forbidden love, these narratives resonate with us because they tap into universal emotions and experiences. The human condition is not unique to any one individual or culture. We all share common struggles, desires, and dreams. And it's through stories that we connect with others, explore different perspectives, and find meaning in our own lives.

So, now that we've established that originality isn't the be-all and end-all, let's explore why it's not as crucial as we might think.

First and foremost, storytelling is a fundamental part of human nature. Throughout history, people have shared stories, passed down myths and legends, and entertained each other with tales.

And guess what?

Those stories often follow similar patterns and themes.

Now, I'm not saying you should outright copy someone else's work. Plagiarism is a serious offense, and it's important to respect the creative efforts of others. And now with that PSA out of the way, what I am saying is that you shouldn't be afraid to explore familiar territory.

It’s not going to hurt your book. It might help it.

Embrace the fact that storytelling is a collective endeavor. Build upon the foundation laid by those who came before you, and bring your unique voice and perspective to the narrative.

Readers are often drawn to certain genres or story types because they enjoy the familiar elements and themes associated with them.

Genres like romance, mystery, and science fiction are built on established conventions and tropes. Readers of these genres often seek out familiar story structures and themes. It's the execution that sets a story apart, not necessarily the originality of the concept. So, instead of fixating on being completely unique, focus on creating memorable characters, well-crafted plotlines, and immersive worlds that captivate your readers.

It's natural to worry that your work might be seen as derivative or lacking in originality.

However, like we’ve already established, it's important to remember that no two authors will tell the same story in the exact same way. Your unique voice, perspective, and life experiences will inevitably shape your storytelling, even if the overarching plot or themes resemble those of other works.

Now, this is actually true of any art form, not just writing. Back when I was in art school, my figure sculpting teacher taught us one way to sculpt a figure. A student asked him wasn’t he worried we were all going to copy him?

He laughed and said that only the first few sculptures would look like his. After that, we’d develop our own style because it’s impossible not to.

Writing is the same.

As you write and rewrite stories, your own style and unique perspective will naturally take over.

That’s how creativity works.

The fact is, embracing familiar story elements can be a powerful tool for building connections with your readers. When they recognize a familiar trope or narrative structure, it creates a sense of comfort and anticipation. It's like meeting an old friend in a new setting. They know what to expect to some extent, but they're excited to see how you'll put your own spin on it.

So, how can you make your story stand out in a sea of similar narratives?

Here are a few tips to help you navigate the balance between familiarity and innovation:

Develop compelling and multi-dimensional characters: 

Regardless of the plot, readers are drawn to characters they can connect with and root for. Focus on creating well-rounded individuals with unique personalities, motivations, and flaws. After all, if I ask you what you liked best about Harry Potter, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, you’re undoubtedly going to tell me about a character who did something. You’re not going to tell me about the plot point.

Craft engaging and unpredictable plotlines: 

While the overall structure of a story might be familiar, the journey within that structure should offer surprises, twists, and turns. Keep your readers on their toes and make them eager to find out what happens next.

Explore new angles and perspectives: 

Even within a familiar narrative framework, there's always room to delve deeper, challenge assumptions, and present fresh viewpoints. Consider the untold stories or lesser-explored aspects of your chosen plot and bring them to the forefront.

Play with themes and subvert expectations: 

Take familiar themes and tropes and subvert them in unexpected ways. Flip the script, challenge stereotypes, and explore alternative outcomes. This can breathe new life into well-known concepts and make your story truly memorable.

Keep in mind, the key to creating a compelling novel lies in your ability to craft a well-executed story and bring your characters to life. It's not about reinventing the wheel, but rather how well you can roll with it.

So when writing your story, it's not about reinventing the wheel but rather how well you can roll with it.

Focus on creating compelling stories and characters that captivate your readers and you will always have an audience.

Categories: : Writers Block