Sebastian
asked
Amy DuBoff:
Hi Amy. I'd like to start writing some stories I've thought about, but they seem to be similar to other books I've read (or so I feel). Of course I'd like to have my own style and write something different, so what would you suggest for an amateur writer to push boundaries and "think outside the box"? Besides, I think you look really cute in your profile picture, if you don't mind me saying. Thanks.
Amy DuBoff
Hello, Sebastian! Drawing inspiration from other books is a great way to start out as a new writer. After all, classics are classics for a reason.
What you want to avoid is wholesale copying of worlds or characters, but you can draw upon elements from some of your favorite books and remix them in a different way. For example, think about how a character from one book would act in the world from another, and change the antagonist from, say, power-hungry humans to aliens. But don’t stop there—consider how those changes in circumstances would alter the plot and the characters� reactions to different situations. As you think through those details, the story will start to evolve into a unique world of your own, and the characters will grow to fit their new environment.
You can also put a spin on the familiar by exploring the story from a different perspective—what if The Hunger Games had been from President Snow’s point of view? Changing perspective gives you the opportunity to explore different aspects of the world and character psychology. As you build out your own world, consider approaching it from a different angle than what you’ve seen in other stories. While that final product might ultimately not work as a story or book, having that alternate perspective in the back of your mind while you’re following the hero will give depth to the characters and story world.
Hope that helps!
What you want to avoid is wholesale copying of worlds or characters, but you can draw upon elements from some of your favorite books and remix them in a different way. For example, think about how a character from one book would act in the world from another, and change the antagonist from, say, power-hungry humans to aliens. But don’t stop there—consider how those changes in circumstances would alter the plot and the characters� reactions to different situations. As you think through those details, the story will start to evolve into a unique world of your own, and the characters will grow to fit their new environment.
You can also put a spin on the familiar by exploring the story from a different perspective—what if The Hunger Games had been from President Snow’s point of view? Changing perspective gives you the opportunity to explore different aspects of the world and character psychology. As you build out your own world, consider approaching it from a different angle than what you’ve seen in other stories. While that final product might ultimately not work as a story or book, having that alternate perspective in the back of your mind while you’re following the hero will give depth to the characters and story world.
Hope that helps!
More Answered Questions
Sandy Conley
asked
Amy DuBoff:
Have you read Huxley's Brave New World? Your list of influencing authors was very good I being much older read their books when released. Huxley's Brave New World was a special favorite as I have read it 5 times since 1949 just to judge how his premise has stud up since the 1930's.
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