Retaining Originality

(Picture not mine)

"Who are we?!"
"WRITERS!"
"What do we want?!"
"ORIGINALITY!"

   Seriously though. I can truthfully say that one of many, many things that is equivalent in every writer is that we all want originality. (When you think of it, that sentence is kind of ironic)

I've been thinking a lot about how to retain individuality in a world that is chock-full of other people's ideas. I have made a list that I hope might be helpful to you.

1. AVOID STEREOTYPES. 

This is a very well-known rule for all writers, but I had to include it. Stereotypes can be used for one's advantage, but if it is not in the right way, it can end up being a miserable fail. So if you do attempt cleverly using cliches, do it carefully, and always have a second opinion.  

2. SWITCH UP THE POV.

As we move on with literature, this is beginning to get more common: having more than one perspective in a story. You know, when in one chapter, it is from the FMC's point of view, and the next it is the MMC's. It keeps the story from getting dull and repetitive.

3. THE MAIN CHARACTER DOESN'T HAVE TO BE THE HERO.

(This one ties in with #2) This is something that I feel very strongly about. Most every book I have ever read, the main character is about the "Hero", the "Different One", the "Chosen One", or the "Person Who Changes Everything". Don't get me wrong, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. But if you want your story to be a real Fruit Loop in a world of Cheerios, then make the MC a person who is being effected by something that the "Chosen One" is doing, or write it from the villain's POV, or let it be from the perspective of the worried parent of the teenager who is doing all sorts of dangerous things to save the world. There are tons of possibilities, people. Come on, be different!

4. CHECK FOR ACCIDENTAL PLAGIARIZATION. 

There is only one thing that is worse than having a wonderful, awesome idea, and then realizing that it was just your brain recycling something that wasn't actually your idea, (I've done this many times with things like The Hunger games, or Maze Runner. Trust me, it stinks). and that one thing is when you take time and sacrifice and then have someone read it and be like "Hey, this is just like that movie we watched last week!" UGH! The worst. Anyway, this is just a very simple, practical thing that everyone should do. Google the titles of your novels/stories, ask someone to listen to your idea and give their honest opinion if it sounds familiar, and brainstorm yourself for if your "idea" is really not that original.  

That is all for now.

-The Bandit.