As a writer I’m plagued with so many fears you’d think I’d
invented phobias. Fear of rejection is high on the list, but I had to conquer
that when I started sending my work out.
Fear of people not liking my work was a constant companion, but
a huge f*%k it, and I was cured of that. I can’t control what people like any
more than I can control my love of chocolate.
The one fear I haven’t gotten over yet is one that I find
useful. Fear of plagiarism. Not people plagiarizing me, but me doing it to
others. Not intentionally of course, but the risk is there. The worst part is
that I’ve read thousands of books in my lifetime, how do I know I haven’t
already plagiarized someone’s work?
But then I remember that there is nothing new under the sun
(from the Bible). Everything is a mix of something that has come before. Fresh
ideas are a merger of the new and old. So other people’s writings should
inspire me.
To be honest I don’t think I’ll ever get rid of this fear,
only because it benefits me. Almost grounds me into being as unique as I can be
rather than trying to copy someone else’s style. It helps me to stay true to
Nana, and that’s a good thing.
What about you? Do you have a writing fear?
I know exactly what you mean.
ReplyDeleteI've learned so much by reading fantastic books, and I believe it works its way out in our writing. Not word for word but the style or flair of these wonderful novels.
This field we have chosen is a very interesting one.
DeleteI'm too busy to copy anybody. That fear does not bother me. If my book is similar to anyone that's just a coincidence. But if it keeps you on point Nana that's a good thing.
ReplyDeleteHow many ideas are there in the world? I once read a blog post where an author had to stop writing a book because someone more famous had recently published the book. The individual was so proud that her idea had come through in someone so famous.
DeleteInspiration and copying are so very different to me. My biggest fear blog writing wise is just running out of things to say or not caring anymore :/
ReplyDeleteThe not caring anymore seems so sad. As for you, Anna, I'm pretty sure you'll always have something to say.
DeleteI worry about accidentally copying others, too, especially art-wise. (I sometimes get inspired to draw something, only to realize it resembles an iconic image too much and have to scrape it.) Glad you've found a way to twist this fear into something motivational!
ReplyDelete