Is creativity possible in a world where there is nothing new under the sun?
Are all our favorite books, movies, and songs just regurgitations of the author/screenwriter/musician's prior experiences?
Are we all "inspired" by others, or just shameless hacks?
You tell me!
P.S. I apologize for the substandard audio/visual quality. I'm working on it! If you wonder how I had the gall to post this anyway, watch my other video on learning to fail.
9-20-11
P.S. Here's an insightful quote from Mark Twain that might answer my dilemma:
9-20-11
P.S. Here's an insightful quote from Mark Twain that might answer my dilemma:
There is no such thing as a new idea. It is impossible. We simply take a lot of old ideas and put them into a sort of mental kaleidoscope. We give them a turn and they make new and curious combinations. We keep on turning and making new combinations indefinitely; but they are the same old pieces of colored glass that have been in use through all the ages.
I loved this video! I felt you carried and presented yourself very well :)
ReplyDeleteThis is an age old argument, and actually, I've heard there are only about 6 original ideas or plot lines. Everything else is just a variation. What makes a book unique is how YOUR characters react to the situations. So, I say, even if you base a character off another character from another novel, when put in your plot scenario and interacting with your other characters, the result is not the same as another book...even if you did take an organ from that other book. ;)
Good luck writing!
--Liz B
There is absolutely no one who thinks like you, dreams like you or writes like you. There may be similarities in characters or plot lines but that is all. You are unique, different, one of a kind. Only you can see things the way you do, feel the things you feel, do things the way you do or write the way you do. I submit your writing is original because there is only one you! You are a sum total of all you have read and experienced but it can only be expressed originally from you. Keep up your literary efforts!
ReplyDeleteThank you both for your comments! You are too, too wise, sweet, and encouraging :)
ReplyDelete