Generic vs Original - same applies for books and cereal

 Have you ever noticed that when you try the generic of a product first and then try the original product, the generic is never as tasty as the original.  It works the same way if you reverse the process. 

Children know this. So if you want a child to continue to like the generic stuff, never feed him the original. We didn't have a lot of money growing up so I know my way around genetic stuff.

I don't try to write like anyone else. I find it impossible to do so. As much as I would love to write like Dorothy Koomson, G.A. Aiken, or Beverly Jenkins, I can't. When I sit at the computer, the words I write  can only sound like mine. There's a reason for this.

I'm me and they are they (or them- nothing I come out with sounds quite right). All I know is that we're different. From our life experiences to who we are as people. This reflects in our writing. So if I attempt to write like them, it will be a disaster. Like being surprised with generic Oreos. Not good times.

When it comes to writing I like being an original. I don't want someone spreading the word that I write like Pearl Cleage (bold faced lie) and then have them get into my book and realize that they've been duped. Nope. Instead Nana Prah is always an original and no one can duplicate me without tasting a little "off."