Vernice
asked
Scott Sigler:
Hey Scott... So I've started listening to ALIVE via your podcast and it struck me that it's distractingly similar to More Than This by Patrick Ness. I was wondering if the similarity was intentional and how you feel about originality in a story when almost everything has already been done?
Scott Sigler
Hi Vernice. Keep listening, the stories diverge significantly and quickly. I'd never heard of MORE THAN THIS until a few readers pointed out the opening similarities.
Originality is a tough nut to crack, and, honestly, I don't think writers should worry all that much about it. Write the story you want to write. How about a story about a wizard school that exists in a magical area, where our main character is a young male outcast that must find himself to foil an evil plot? HARRY POTTER? Nope, I'm describing THE MAGICIANS by LEV GROSSMAN, a series that was a big New York Times best-seller and is being turned into a TV show (and was written well after HARRY POTTER). Or how about a book about teenagers who are forced into televised death sport tournaments for the entertainment of corrupt adults? HUNGER GAMES? Nope, I'm talking about BATTLE ROYALE by Kōshun Takami, and THE LONG WALK by Stephen King. BATTLE ROYALE is basically the same book as HUNGER GAMES, although Suzanne Collins was unfamiliar with it when she wrote her blockbuster. Do you think Suzanne cares about the comparisons?
The point is, even if you think you have the most original idea in the world (as I did with ALIVE) it is likely there are several works that are very similar. Don't worry about it. Write the story you want to write, make it the best story you can, and get it out there so people can enjoy it.
Originality is a tough nut to crack, and, honestly, I don't think writers should worry all that much about it. Write the story you want to write. How about a story about a wizard school that exists in a magical area, where our main character is a young male outcast that must find himself to foil an evil plot? HARRY POTTER? Nope, I'm describing THE MAGICIANS by LEV GROSSMAN, a series that was a big New York Times best-seller and is being turned into a TV show (and was written well after HARRY POTTER). Or how about a book about teenagers who are forced into televised death sport tournaments for the entertainment of corrupt adults? HUNGER GAMES? Nope, I'm talking about BATTLE ROYALE by Kōshun Takami, and THE LONG WALK by Stephen King. BATTLE ROYALE is basically the same book as HUNGER GAMES, although Suzanne Collins was unfamiliar with it when she wrote her blockbuster. Do you think Suzanne cares about the comparisons?
The point is, even if you think you have the most original idea in the world (as I did with ALIVE) it is likely there are several works that are very similar. Don't worry about it. Write the story you want to write, make it the best story you can, and get it out there so people can enjoy it.
More Answered Questions
Maniissh Aroraa
asked
Scott Sigler:
I am a budding author, and my first book is a story of a small town teenager who is struggling to build his career. It is going through developmental editing and should be done in two weeks. What would you suggest if no literary agent or traditional publisher comes forward to take it up?
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more