When writing, one pitfall that you might find yourself is leaning TOO heavily into your inspiration... only to find you've taken parts of that inspiration and just planted it into your own work. Yet what is the problem with that, you might ask.
Mark Twain said once that there is no such thing as an original idea, and that "the same old pieces of colored glass have been in use through all the ages."
If this is true, then surely it doesn't matter what old ideas are turned into new, curious combinations, right?
To understand this dilemma, one must understand two major factors: Copyright Law and Artistic Integrity.
Simply put, you cannot publish stories using pre-existing characters or properties because it violates copyright law and undermines the integrity of creative work. Copyright exists to protect an artist’s original creations, ensuring that their ideas, characters, and worlds remain under their control. Using someone else’s intellectual property without permission is not only legally risky but also ethically questionable.
Beyond legality, originality is the foundation of great storytelling. While it’s natural to be inspired by beloved works, simply reusing established characters and worlds does not contribute to your unique creative voice. Most artists take pride in their originality and prefer fresh perspectives over recycled ideas. The goal of any writer should be to build something new—something that reflects their own imagination, rather than echoing the work of others.
That said, inspiration plays a crucial role in the creative process. Every writer draws from the stories they love, whether through themes, character archetypes, or narrative structures. The key is to transform that inspiration into something distinct. Here are a few ways to ensure your work remains original while still embracing the stories that inspire you:
- Identify What Draws You In – Instead of borrowing characters or settings outright, ask yourself what specifically captivates you. Is it the deep world-building? The complexity of relationships? The fast-paced action? Use those elements as a foundation for your own, original story.
- Remix Themes, Not Details – Many stories explore similar themes—heroism, redemption, loss, and discovery—but each presents them in a unique way. Instead of replicating specific characters or plotlines, think about how you can present familiar ideas in a fresh context.
- Create Your Own Spin – If you admire a particular type of character or setting, develop your own version with distinct motivations, history, and personality. Instead of writing about an established wizarding school, create a different kind of magical education system with its own rules and conflicts.
- Build New Worlds – Instead of setting your story in someone else’s universe, craft your own. This gives you complete creative freedom while still allowing you to explore the concepts that excite you.
- Write Fan Fiction, But Keep It Separate – If you love working with existing characters, fan fiction is a great way to practice your writing skills. However, it should remain a passion project rather than something intended for commercial publication. Treat it as a stepping stone toward creating original work.
Originality is what makes a story memorable. While inspiration fuels creativity, true artistry comes from shaping ideas into something uniquely yours. By embracing your own voice and imagination, you can create stories that stand on their own—free from legal concerns and full of fresh, compelling narratives!.