Do I need a Completely Original Idea to Start Writing? | Ep 57

Buildwriting

You know that feeling when you stare at a blank page, paralyzed by the fear of coming up with something completely original? Yeah, me too. But guess what? That’s a trap. The truth is, originality isn’t about inventing something out of thin air. It’s about bringing your unique perspective to a familiar idea.

We’ve all heard countless stories about love, loss, and redemption. But it’s how you tell the story that matters. Your voice, your characters, your style – that’s where the magic happens. So, stop chasing that elusive perfect, original plot. Instead, focus on digging deep into your own experiences and emotions.

Let’s challenge the status quo. Let’s take old stories and give them a fresh coat of paint. Let’s rewrite fairy tales from the villain's point of view. Remember, originality isn’t about reinventing the wheel; it’s about leaving your own unique fingerprints on it.

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Sound Bites

"Your own life is an original idea."

"Too much focus on original ideas can lead to paralysis and procrastination."

"There will always be better writers than you, but you are the only you."

Takeaways

Originality in writing comes from a unique perspective and voice, rather than a completely new premise.

Well-known stories can be made unique through the way they are told and the perspective of the writer.

Strategies for finding a unique angle on familiar ideas include combining related concepts, rewriting old stories in a modern setting, and focusing on developing deep and complex characters.

Personal experiences and perspectives can be a source of originality in storytelling.

Writers should focus on what makes them unique and what stories only they can tell.

Takeaways

Originality in writing comes from a unique perspective and voice, rather than a completely new premise.

Well-known stories can be made unique through the way they are told and the perspective of the writer.

Strategies for finding a unique angle on familiar ideas include combining related concepts, rewriting old stories in a modern setting, and focusing on developing deep and complex characters.

Personal experiences and perspectives can be a source of originality in storytelling.

Writers should focus on what makes them unique and what stories only they can tell.

Chapters

00:00 The Illusion of Completely Original Ideas

02:07 Finding Originality in Familiar Stories

05:54 Strategies for Creating Unique Writing

07:06 The Power of Personal Perspective

11:38 Listener Challenge: Rewriting a Well-Known Story