Same book, different author

Have you guys ever read a book and thought about how closely it reminded you of another book? Wondered if maybe the authors had read each others work and that had played a factor into the writing? Have you maybe written something, only to find other stories out there that are similar?

Why am i asking this you might say... Well I almost had a mini melt down, after finding a book which seemed very similar to my own. It was only after doing research I found out it was different enough story line that i was able to breathe again....but it got me thinking...how many books out there are like this?




I mean our character's names were Lil (hers) and Lilli (mine)

Her character was orphaned as was mine, hers living with her Grandfather, mine with her grandmother.

Both stories had Angels and Demons in it.

And, both characters were being tempted by the dark side.




Thank goodness that is where the similarities ended or otherwise I would be in a world of hurt right now. I know that i have never read anything by this Author and I can only assume the same as only a few rough drafts of my story plus a few snippets have been put out for people to view. Yet, I can't deny that my heart stopped for a second and my stomach twisted into knots as I first began to check out this other story.




I am Glad that I did though, it saved me from worrying. Sure things are similar but there are so many different things as well. I feel better knowing that no one has stolen work or ripped off a story idea. It is a scary thought though...thinking that someone has taken your baby from you. I am lucky I have kept every rough draft, every change since I began writing. Now, when I think about, I have noticed that there are a few books that seem very similar to others. Maybe the only difference for some is a person's writing style or dialogue etc.




I feel blessed to know that I have a unique writing style or so i have been told. People tell me that they enjoy the simplicity of my writing (whatever that means lol). I know i don't fancy things up, I am not one for long boring descriptive bits and little action, or one for using complicated words in which a normal person needs a Thesaurus to understand what the writer was trying to get across. Sure some people might hate that about me...that is ok, because I know that it key to what makes me and my stories unique.




What this little lesson has taught me is, firstly I need to not freak out when I come across story lines like my own, Secondly I need to be careful as to what I share with the world (and that make me sad).




Please feel free to share your thoughts with me about this!