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Writer's pictureKrysia S.

Why Writers Shouldn't Worry About Idea Theft: why execution is key

There are many things for a writer to worry about: Am I a "real" writer?, Are my characters multi-dimensional?, What if no one likes my book?. But there's one fear that I've heard over and over: the fear of idea theft. The thought of pouring heart and soul into a story, only to have it snatched away by another, can be paralyzing. While this concern is understandable, it's crucial for writers to understand why it shouldn't hold them back.


idea execution is what matters


Let's start with something that's going to make you scream at your computer, "That's exactly why I'm worried about someone stealing my idea."


But here's the truth: Ideas cannot be copyrighted. (Please don't throw any tomatoes at me.)


Still with me? Good.


While ideas themselves are not copyrightable, the expression of those ideas is. This means that once you've written your story, it is protected by copyright law. (Note: All countries have different copyright laws but this general principle is common to most copyright law.)


The way you tell your story is copyrightable. What sets one story apart from another is not the idea itself, but rather the execution.


Let's use this story idea: The main character discovers they are magical and go to a magic school.


Would you think of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter? Or Rick Riordan's The Lightning Thief? Or Soman Chainani's The School for Good and Evil? Or Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy? Or Lev Grossman's The Magicians? Or...


You and I could have the exact same idea but the way we implement that idea will be completely different. Maybe your magic school centres around learning how to use fire, air, water and earth, while my magic school is about learning to become a werewolf.


No one can replicate the way you tell a story, and that's your greatest asset as a writer.


In the unlikely event that someone does attempt to steal your work, you have legal recourse to protect your intellectual property rights. Additionally, many writers' groups and organizations offer resources and support for dealing with issues of plagiarism and intellectual property theft. For example, the Authors Guild provides legal assistance and advocacy for writers facing copyright infringement.


There are only 7 basic narrative plots


Christopher Booker, author of The Seven Basic Plots: Why We Tell Stories, posits that there are only seven basic narrative plots in all of storytelling. Frameworks that writers recycle over and over again but with tweaked elements: different characters, settings, and motivations. It took Booker 34 years of research to identify and reduce stories to these 7 basic plots:


Overcoming the monster: The main character sets out to defeat the evil bad guy.

  • Examples: Jack and the Beanstalk, Jaws, James Bond, King Kong, The Witches, Three Billy Goats Gruff, Star Wars, Avengers.


Rags to riches: The main character gains power, wealth, or a mate/friend.

  • Examples: Cinderella, Aladdin, Slumdog Millionaire, Annie, A Knight's Tale, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Ugly Duckling,


The quest: The main character, along with some sidekicks, sets out to find an important object or priceless treasure.

  • Examples: The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Land Before Time, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, The Wizard of Oz


Voyage and return: The main character enters another land which is often very different from his own home. The character must overcome threats before returning home as a more mature person.

  • Examples: Where the Wild Things Are, Alice in Wonderland, Castaway, Finding Nemo, Back to the Future


Rebirth: The hero falls under a shadow of dark power (imprisonment, kidnapping, magic spells, illness, addiction, greed, etc.). Over the course of the story, the character changes and redeems himself in the eyes of others.

  • Examples: Beauty and the Beast, It's A Wonderful Life, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Snow White, Despicable Me, The Lion King


Comedy:  Booker explains comedy as a specific series of events. Generally, a number of misunderstandings cause chaos. Not everything that is funny fits into this category.

  • Examples: Ella Enchanted, almost every romantic movie on the Hallmark Channel, Frozen, Clueless, Mama Mia!, The Princess Bride


Tragedy: This is the opposite of overcoming the monster plot. In tragedies, the hero does not reach his goal. The inner conflict is not solved. The story ends unhappily.

  • Examples: Bonnie and Clyde, The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, Titanic, Bridge to Terabithia


All of these books use the same story frameworks and yet their stories are completely distinct from each other.


Time and effort


Writing a novel, screenplay, or any substantial piece of work requires an immense amount of time, effort, and dedication. It's not just about having a good idea; it's about nurturing that idea, developing it, and bringing it to life through countless hours of writing, revising, and editing. The likelihood of someone else investing the same amount of time and effort into stealing your idea is slim compared to the effort required to create something truly original.


Focus on What You Can Control


Worrying about idea theft is a distraction that takes focus away from what truly matters: your writing. Instead of fixating on the possibility of someone stealing your idea, channel that energy into honing your craft, improving your storytelling skills, and creating the best possible work you can. Ultimately, the quality of your writing is what will make you stand out in the crowded literary landscape. Consider the journey of Margaret Atwood, whose dystopian novel "The Handmaid's Tale" became a cultural touchstone. Atwood's meticulous attention to detail, thought-provoking themes, and powerful prose set her work apart and solidified her reputation as a master storyteller. (Note: The story idea of "A government oppresses/persecutes a group of people" has been told countless times. Atwood is not the first to tell this story but she has made that idea her own and produced an incredible book.)


Collaboration Opportunities


Instead of viewing other writers as potential thieves, consider them as potential collaborators. Sharing ideas and feedback with fellow writers can lead to valuable insights, inspiration, and even collaborations that enhance your work. The writing community is often generous and supportive, and building connections with other writers can be immensely rewarding. Think about the collaborative efforts of Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman in writing "Good Omens." Their partnership resulted in a unique blend of humor, fantasy, and social commentary that resonated with readers worldwide.


While the fear of idea theft is natural, it's important for writers to overcome this fear and focus on what they can control: their writing. By understanding the value of execution, investing time and effort into their work, knowing their legal rights, embracing collaboration, and maintaining focus, writers can navigate the creative process with confidence and produce work that is truly original and impactful. So, let go of the fear, and let your imagination soar. Your unique voice is your greatest asset, and no one can take that away from you.

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