Have you ever had one of those moments where you've been working on your brilliant *ahem* manuscript, when you discover your idea is already out there in the big wide world?
Yesterday I had a moment of panic when I realised I wasn't so original after all. Heavens above, how could that be?! *rolls eyes*. I'd been soooo good, fighting my pantser ways (very hard thing for me to do), and committed to plotting, planning, working on characterisation etc. on this ms (yep, taking what I learnt at the conference and actually applying it rather than stuffing it into a drawer for later use), when I made my horrifying discovery *pulls hair out*.
What the hell do I do now? Do I keep working on the ms and put my own mark on a similar plot/storyline/concept? Do I hope that, by the time my ms is published (if ever) the world will have forgotten the other one? *looks hopeful*. Or is it a case of scrap all that hard work and start again?
Well, in order to cheer myself up, I'll have to pick a hero of the week. Who shall it be? Can't think of anyone off hand (apart from trusty, but I haven't found any good new pics of him lately). Any ideas? I'm looking for some new inspiration, and will happily take any suggestions!
:-) Mon
7 comments:
*Chuckle* Mon. I think most of the books we write are already out there, you just have to add your twist that makes it unique. And as for a hero, how about Damon from the Vampire Diaries. mmmmmmmmm
Tam ;)
Tam, I'll have to admit I don't watch the vampire diaries, but I do have episodes of the show stored on my TV's hard drive. I guess I need to get my act together and check him out!
Btw, I can't believe I didn't get to catch up with you at the conference. How weird is that? I don't even remember seeing you, and I'm pretty sure I'd know you from your pic! Lol.
:-) Mon
It won't be exactly the same - but no story we write will ever be different, so go for it Mon!!
As for an alternative hero?!? Wash your mouth out *wink*
AJ, I keep telling myself that, but it's a kick in the shins when I was feeling rather good. Bugger!
I know, I know, I deserve to have my mouth washed out and be spanked severely by you-know-who (!). When I find a damn good recent pic of him, I'll make up for it (he seems to have been a bit quiet of late).
:-) Mon
Mon!
Nothing is new... OK, maybe just a couple of things...
Like the great play I saw the other night and the book I'm reading now.
Maybe what I'm getting at is nothing I write is new, so I know how you feel. And if you look at the zillions of variations on the pregant billionaire's mistress and the summer lovin' boy who comes back from her past to destroy her peachy-clean present, and the arrogant boss who hates (but secretly lusts after) his PA who is in love with someone else but is unaware that he is a married man ... gawd, I'm all out of breath.
I agree with Tam and Anita, just go for it and add your voice.
Love Shayne
Hey Mon, oh I've been there and you know what - ideas are going to be the same. It's the execution and your writing voice. So don't give up on your story.
Thanks for the advice, Shayne and EK. I've decided to keep plugging away and see where it takes me. Hopefully it'll be worth the effort :-)
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