Go to From The Observation Deck
- Add a comment
- Go to Sometimes it really does seem like it's all been written already!
Re: Oops - it is because, being such a computer nerd (NOT), I did something
That's okay, adnohr. I don't consider myself much of a computer nerd either! At least you can post pictures from time to time ( I haven't figured that out yet! ). Thanks for revamping it though. Good quote indeed . . . 
posted by
JimmyA
on September 13, 2013 at 2:28 PM
| link to this | reply
Oops - it is because, being such a computer nerd (NOT), I did something
wrong in the transfer. It is a quotation by C.S.Lewis: "Even in literature and art, no man who bothers about originality will ever be original: wheras if you simply try to tell the truth (without caring twopence how often it has been told before) you will, nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it."
posted by
adnohr
on September 12, 2013 at 5:20 PM
| link to this | reply
Re:
So sorry, adnohr. Whatever image you posted didn't show up! It's just a blank square with a small, blue question mark in the middle of it! I'm sure it was something interesting . . . 
posted by
JimmyA
on September 12, 2013 at 7:28 AM
| link to this | reply
Saw this and remembered this post and your question
posted by
adnohr
on September 11, 2013 at 3:41 PM
| link to this | reply
Re: i made a special trip over to your blog to let you know about a great
Thanks for the tips, swordfingers, and the vote of confidence. Believe it or not, "science"-fiction isn't necessarily my main genre; it was just that particular tale I wanted to write that I was afraid of duplicating because it had already been written. I actually already have a short story collection already written . . . but not published ( yet ). Yes, I would love to put at least one or two out there to see what kind of feedback I get, and see if I'm on the right track. I will definitely give your suggestions a try! Thanks again!
posted by
JimmyA
on September 6, 2013 at 7:54 AM
| link to this | reply
i made a special trip over to your blog to let you know about a great
starting place for submitting your work... writersdigest.com every year comes out with writers markets books ... i just got one yesterday via ups... it was cheap on amazon... i got one that has short story and novel markets and then i got another book that has poetry markets... they come out each year... keep writing and a good way to "prove" yourself is by publishing short stories in your genre and then after you've got a handful of those try to sell your novel -- i've read your work, i know you can do it and yes, there are fresh ideas because only YOU with your particular experiences, dna, etc has what it takes to write something... keep learning the craft... you're further along than you think.. and thank God for that Dad of yours whose well read in your genre... but don't get discouraged... have heart... keep reading... and reading books on how other writers do approach it... every little bit helps... carolyn and i TRY to not take myself to
o seriously... your friend in iowa... swordfingers...
posted by
Carolyn_Moe
on September 6, 2013 at 7:04 AM
| link to this | reply
Re: You have a well read father, I'd highly value him...
Thanks for the words of encouragement, swordfingers. Yes, my butt is in the chair and my fingers are dangling over the keyboard, but I try not to watch the clock, if I can help it. And I guess my own personal writing technique is very different from others. When developing a concept or storyline, I actually tend to come up with the ending first . . . and then work backward from there. It's almost like constructing a joke; since the "punchline" is really the most important element, I tend to make sure it's in place at the onset. Character development is also important, and they kinda get created along the way. However, I still worry about originality . . .
posted by
JimmyA
on September 6, 2013 at 5:33 AM
| link to this | reply
You have a well read father, I'd highly value him...
maybe it's "ignorance is bliss" but as i go about my fiction i don't think in terms of concept -- I think characters and start with one as protagonist and maybe two to make it more complicated, then add a formidable antagonist which may not necessarily be a person but could be nature or a crappy automobile or some other machine. i've only read robert heinlein so far as science fiction goes but i would think essentially all genres boil down to an essential element. i try to read all the books i can on creative writing and just read one by stephen king where he says he takes his writer's tools -- vocabulary, grammar, etc and starts digging like an archaeologist for his story. he says he just "sees" his story and writes almost as if on auto pilot. i'm finding this works well for me and if i paint myself in a corner i don't worry about it -- there's always a way out. trust me and best of luck you sound like a good writer, swordfingers 
keep your eye on the clock and your butt in your chair and your fingers on your keyboard.
posted by
Carolyn_Moe
on September 5, 2013 at 3:46 PM
| link to this | reply
Re: Re: Re: jimmy
Since it's your idea, C C T, I think I'll let you keep it, and possibly expound on it! Besides, didn't something like that already actually happen in some part of the world . . . ?
posted by
JimmyA
on September 5, 2013 at 2:13 PM
| link to this | reply
Re:
Believe it or not, C C T, I actually have no desire to be a pop star, nor ever did! I also have no intensions of committing any crimes ( if I can help it ). As for being related to royalty, how many can actually make that claim anyway? But you may be right. Perhaps I should have continued with that first story and see where it may have taken me! I suppose there's still time . . .
posted by
JimmyA
on September 5, 2013 at 2:11 PM
| link to this | reply
Re: Re: jimmy
I just thought Jimmy if everyone woke up and found they had turned into monkeys grab this before I do.
posted by
C_C_T
on September 5, 2013 at 12:27 PM
| link to this | reply
Well does it matter Jimmy, you should have continued to write your first story. Think of the poor bods trying to do the same in another hundred years time We have a saying in our family 'heard it.' Probably the best bet is to go back as early as you can. I still think that would have made a good thriller, I had never heard of the one your Daddy read. Of course if you want to be successful, either commit a terrible crime. Be related to royalty, or be a pop star, I think the latter might appeal more in this case.
posted by
C_C_T
on September 5, 2013 at 12:25 PM
| link to this | reply
Re:
I would like to try, Annicita, but I still fear writing something and having someone . . . anyone . . . exclaim that they've already read something similar. A story with a WW II theme is as broad as any science-fiction theme, and there have already been dozens of stories about space exploration, alien invaders and intergalactic wars. Fiction in general is a huge genre to explore, and I think the potential of actually duplicating someone else's concept is even greater! I guess it's like looking for a needle in a pile of needles . . .
posted by
JimmyA
on September 5, 2013 at 6:09 AM
| link to this | reply
Re:
That's the problem, MsJudy. I did start it, and was immediately discouraged when I found out the concept was not original! I hadn't really thought about simply trying to add new twists and plot-lines to a story that's already been conceived by someone else. I would really, really like to come up with a unique concept, but I think today that's next to impossible! I'll keep searching though . . .
posted by
JimmyA
on September 5, 2013 at 6:04 AM
| link to this | reply
Re:
That's a good thought too, TAPS. And you're absolutely right. When compared to TV and movies, I believe Hollywood has been fresh out of ideas for a long time now! Same old stories, same old plot lines, same old characters, but with just slightly new twists and "punchlines." Yeah, maybe I'm driving myself crazy over nothing . . .
posted by
JimmyA
on September 5, 2013 at 6:01 AM
| link to this | reply
Re:
Thanks for the vote of confidence, Utah. Yeah, there are a few ideas and concepts that do seem to have the potential to be expounded upon, hopefully in a unique and original way. And I'm just talking about fiction in general. But I would still love to be sitting in a dark room one day staring off into space in deep contemplation, and then suddenly jump up and cry "Eureka! I found it! No one has ever written about this before!" Someday, someday . . .
posted by
JimmyA
on September 5, 2013 at 5:58 AM
| link to this | reply
Re:
I'm trying, Justi, I'm trying! Somewhere out there ( or in the depths of my imagination ) is an original concept that I'm dying to tap into! I really don't want to just write "my take" on something that's already been written or thought of. But so far, this "original concept" is alluding me . . .
posted by
JimmyA
on September 5, 2013 at 5:50 AM
| link to this | reply
Re:
Thanks, Kabu. Good advice, although I think all of the planets may have already been taken as well! But you're right. It's that "theme" that's driving me crazy in my search for something original. I guess it's just the times! It's like music. It's almost impossible to come up with a sound that doesn't remind you of someone else ( "Oh, they sound like the Beatles," "I think they sound like the Rolling Stones," "They were probably influenced by the Beach Boys," etc. ). A hundred years ago I probably wouldn't have had these thoughts. But today . . .
posted by
JimmyA
on September 5, 2013 at 5:46 AM
| link to this | reply
Re:
That's true, FSI. Actually, I believe the "twists and turns" may not be all that difficult. It's like cooking a stew. You can choose to add anything you'd like, while at the same time, choose not to add things that might be considered "normal." However, you're still making stew, something that's been made a million times! That's what I'm trying to find! Something new and original to "cook" . . .
posted by
JimmyA
on September 5, 2013 at 5:39 AM
| link to this | reply
Re:
It's not really stopping me, Blue feathers, just giving me pause for concern. Like I wrote, I believe I do have several short stories already written that are indeed unique and original, primarily because they are based on real-life experiences. But I would really love to find that one topic or subject-matter that's never been touched upon before. It's like the animal kingdom and the world of cartoons. What animal hasn't been turned into a cartoon character yet? I want to be creative, but at the same time, I don't want to write something that's already been done, in any form! Very difficult . . .
posted by
JimmyA
on September 5, 2013 at 5:36 AM
| link to this | reply
Re:
I understand, lustor. But looking at it from the point of view of the writer, I would still be hard-pressed to come up with an original concept, whether it was "science-fiction" or any fiction. I'd like to be unique . . .
posted by
JimmyA
on September 5, 2013 at 5:28 AM
| link to this | reply
Re:
I'm not really, adnohr. I think I've already accepted the notion that it's nearly impossible to write something . . . anything . . . that hasn't already been writtern about in one form or another. Sure, you can add certain twists, and create relatively unique characters. But I would love to discover some new genre, some new story-line, some new plot that has never been broached before! I just don't think it's out there . . .
posted by
JimmyA
on September 5, 2013 at 5:23 AM
| link to this | reply
Re: Jimmy
To be honest, Naut, I'm not really sure where the term "science"-fiction originated, but I think everyone understands the concept behind it, whether you're a fan or not. But in all actuality, my concern is really with anything fictional, anything that may have come from someone's imagination. What hasn't been done or written about already, in any form? And those "boy-meets-girl" concepts are so overdone, I avoid them altogether! Then of course there's the "good vs. evil" concept that is terribly overdone as well! Where O where are we to find new and fresh ideas . . . ? 
posted by
JimmyA
on September 5, 2013 at 5:18 AM
| link to this | reply
thats like saying to someone writing about WWII that it's been done...give it your own very special twist and see where it takes you
posted by
Annicita
on September 4, 2013 at 5:52 PM
| link to this | reply
Sounds like a great idea to me..you just need to get started on it!
posted by
MsJudy
on September 4, 2013 at 5:19 PM
| link to this | reply
The movie industry doesn't seem to worry if movies are done over, and over. Why should we worry so much about books. Surely one person would have enough difference to make it worth writing over again.
posted by
TAPS.
on September 4, 2013 at 2:40 PM
| link to this | reply
I think there is nothing we can write that has not already been done in some form, the trick is to do it better, and you have the talent to do just that...So get busy.
posted by
UtahJay
on September 4, 2013 at 1:27 PM
| link to this | reply
I agree with Kabu. Go for it.
posted by
Justi
on September 4, 2013 at 12:14 PM
| link to this | reply
I think it is possible to write some thing new with the way techno Science is leaping and bounding away in all directions....but the actual story will be on an old theme...I like your prison break idea, since it is fiction...find your own planet and make it your story.
posted by
Kabu
on September 4, 2013 at 11:07 AM
| link to this | reply
I think that it is possible to write something unique, but certainly has time goes onward, it gets harder and harder...On the bright side, because we ourselves are unique we can add interesting twists and turns.
posted by
FormerStudentIntern
on September 4, 2013 at 10:24 AM
| link to this | reply
I am thinking you could go back thousands of years and find similar stories repeating them selves through the ages with suttle differences.. why let that stop you from writing your own spin on things? I say go for it. 
posted by
Blue_feathers
on September 4, 2013 at 8:59 AM
| link to this | reply
I am not a fan of science fiction, just dont care for the weird things that happen. I am not a book reader at all, I use to read when I was a teenager but I am sure I wouldnt be able to stay awake and I have a very short attention span, a short blog is all I can handle
posted by
Lanetay
on September 4, 2013 at 8:23 AM
| link to this | reply
It doesn't matter if it has already been done. Each writer will have a unique take and way of telling his/her story. There will always be something new, some twist that is only yours. Don't keep yourself from writing because of that worry!
posted by
adnohr
on September 4, 2013 at 8:10 AM
| link to this | reply
Jimmy
I've never really liked science fiction - I always thought there's too much fiction and too little science, LOL...But as to original ideas, well...I remember someone (I forget who it was) once saying something to the effect that most literature revolves around the theme of 'boy-meets-girl', and although ain't ain't terribly original, it can be very interesting...
posted by
Nautikos
on September 4, 2013 at 7:47 AM
| link to this | reply