Each year, a hardware store in my neighborhood does a countdown to Spring. Some employee, or perhaps the owner himself, goes out in the morning and in white marker writes a giant number on the window: the number of days before we can officially put away our snow boots and think about what bulbs we are going to plant. It is a time of rebirth.
What does this have to do with writing? If you had asked me this last week, I might have said, not much. This week, however I inadvertently freaked out a client, when I told him his book reminded me of another, already-published favorite of mine. I meant it as a compliment, but he was immediately concerned that his idea was not “new.” To which I sheepishly replied, “But there are no new ideas—the trick is to take an old idea and make it your own.” Which, indeed, he already had.
What I am trying to say (in my own circuitous way) is that like Spring, your writing can also be a rebirth… of ideas. Dust off that cloak-and-dagger plot; revamp that tale of unrequited love. Readers may have read it all before, but they have not seen it your way. Remember, while the idea may not be new, your voice, perspective, and writing style make it so.
Happy writing, everyone!
Dana Micheli
Writer and editor, Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services
http://writersinthesky.com
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Writers in the Sky is a team of ghostwriters, editors, and book marketing specialists committed to the craft and business of writing. We work with our clients on all levels of the publishing process, from editing and manuscript assessments to book formatting and marketing. So whether you are a first-time author or a veteran of the craft, let Writers in the Sky help you get your book out into the world. We also provide assistance with résumés, business documents, and academic essays. For more information, visit www.writersinthesky.com.
What does this have to do with writing? If you had asked me this last week, I might have said, not much. This week, however I inadvertently freaked out a client, when I told him his book reminded me of another, already-published favorite of mine. I meant it as a compliment, but he was immediately concerned that his idea was not “new.” To which I sheepishly replied, “But there are no new ideas—the trick is to take an old idea and make it your own.” Which, indeed, he already had.
What I am trying to say (in my own circuitous way) is that like Spring, your writing can also be a rebirth… of ideas. Dust off that cloak-and-dagger plot; revamp that tale of unrequited love. Readers may have read it all before, but they have not seen it your way. Remember, while the idea may not be new, your voice, perspective, and writing style make it so.
Happy writing, everyone!
Dana Micheli
Writer and editor, Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services
http://writersinthesky.com
Writers in the Sky is a team of ghostwriters, editors, and book marketing specialists committed to the craft and business of writing. We work with our clients on all levels of the publishing process, from editing and manuscript assessments to book formatting and marketing. So whether you are a first-time author or a veteran of the craft, let Writers in the Sky help you get your book out into the world. We also provide assistance with résumés, business documents, and academic essays. For more information, visit www.writersinthesky.com.
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