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Fantasy: June 06, 2018 Issue [#8937]

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Fantasy


 This week: Originality is Overrated
  Edited by: Robert Waltz Author IconMail Icon
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  Open in new Window.

Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation.
         -Herman Melville

Originality is nothing but judicious imitation. The most original writers borrowed one from another.
         -Voltaire

Originality is undetected plagiarism.
         -William Ralph Inge


Word from our sponsor

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Letter from the editor

Many people say they want something new, something original, when it comes to entertainment. So writers, producers and directors often strive to create a thing that has never been done before.

Almost inevitably, though, this effort isn't well-received.

Turns out that we don't really want originality. Well, there has to be something new involved, or it's outright plagiarism at worst or, at best, boring. No, we'd rather see the same tropes, characters and plots remixed in different ways.

This is a good thing for writers - originality is hard to come by and harder to pull off. Given any particular story, though, it's true that at some point there has to be an original of it. But even Shakespeare borrowed heavily from those who had gone before.

So what can we do? Well, once you discard the idea that what you do has to be completely fresh, new, and unexplored, vast territories of the imagination open up. Instead of concerning yourself with coming up with something totally original - a tall order - try different combinations of older ideas.

Just don't expect originality, from yourself or from other writers. As they say, there's nothing new under the sun - which might be why I do my best writing at night.


Editor's Picks

Some works of fantasy:

 The Lay of Lorenthîl Open in new Window. [E]
A verse about Lorenthîl, one of the Elven kings of old and a legendary hero.
by Eldbaran Author Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor


 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor


 Rawhide Cycle: A Death in the Family Open in new Window. [13+]
A poem from the Rawhide Cycle
by Miryam Nabiah Author Icon


 A Lost Art Open in new Window. [ASR]
An author loses time and control in this bit of flash fiction
by Tehanu Author Icon


 Artistic Curiosity Open in new Window. [ASR]
Short transformation story focused around paintings. Based on a dream.
by Mazter_Zephyr Author Icon


 First Meeting Open in new Window. [13+]
A vampire meets a unicorn in London.
by Kymela Tejasi Author Icon

 
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Word from Writing.Com

Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
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Don't forget to support our sponsor!

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Ask & Answer

Last time, in "Lucky" Open in new Window., I talked about luck.


TINMAN 4000 Author Icon: I do feel lucky! I'm practically sitting on the largest volcano in the world and I'm not dead yet!

         One day, though. It's inevitable.


dogpack saving 4premium Author Icon: Luck or dumb luck may fit well into a story depending on the genera and the characters plus perhaps a unique situation. After reading this news letter I may give writing dumb luck or luck into a story.

[Submitted: "I thought It Was Thanksgiving" Open in new Window. [E]]

         Maybe you'll get lucky.


brom21 Author Icon: Thanks for the NL. Luck isn't a factor writers think of as a consistent, dependable force. But I think writers use it unknowingly. It is tricky to catch but I believe it is good to have it as a backup tool. Thanks again.

         That is a good point. Sometimes, things have to just work out to make the story move forward - and that can take some luck.


And I'm done for now. See you next time! Until then,

DREAM ON!!!



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