This is the sound of a writer in anguish

[wayfaringwordhack]

Following a trail of cyber crumbs, I came across the existence of a book that echoes many, many, many of the elements of my trilogy, Witherwilds. I'm stricken, I'm gutted, I'm in agony. I know the old "nothing is new under the sun" and "it is the execution of the idea that is important" spiels, but...*collapses into a blubbering heap*

Although I see the similarities, I see differences, too. That is heartening, as is the fact that I'm still wavering about a few plot details in my already-present desire not to succumb to the siren call of rehashed fantasy tropes. Now is the time to push myself to make my idea even more fresh and unique.

But boy do I feel like doing some more blubbering. I think I need to take a break from the computer. I wonder if it is safe to attack housework in such a state.

blub
blub
blub blub
blub

Comments

[learningtoread.livejournal.com]

Oh! Oh, ouch!

That hurts. I'm hurting for you.

[mnfaure.livejournal.com]

Thanks, it helps to know that others share the agony, twisted as that may seem. :P

[mindseas.livejournal.com]

Hmm. Maybe now that you've seen this other trilogy, if you let Witherwilds brew a while longer, it will develop more of its unique aspects. And your characters and setting are different than those in this trilogy, aren't they?

[mnfaure.livejournal.com]

I haven't read the book in question, only a review about it, but from what the reviewer said, I can see how on the surface people would think my book was a copy.

I'm going to continue working on some of the aspects of the worldbuilding, but I know, as you said, that my characters, their journeys, and the main conflicts they will face are very different. After calming down a bit, I'm happy to say that the similarities are *mostly* superficial. I've got to ruminate on my main point some more and see what else the subconscious can give...

[cathemery.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I know what you mean. I had an orb in my files (one not nearly as beneficent and without god-support) but after the Eddings books, I figured every publisher everywhere would spork their eyes out just seeing the word 'orb'.

[mnfaure.livejournal.com]

*rofl* I know exactly what you mean. We can't have any sporking going on.

[frigg.livejournal.com]

Ugh, but you know 99% of the time these things turn out to "not-be-like-yours".

[mnfaure.livejournal.com]

I *sob* know *blub* but *wails*...

[footlingagain.livejournal.com]

*hands hankies, bottle of wine & corkscrew*

Let Witherwilds ferment a bit longer. It will come out all your very own and no sporking will ensue, I'm sure.

(See if you can't get hold of the other book and then write in the opposite direction....)

[mnfaure.livejournal.com]

*sniffle* Thanks.
*uses hankie; passes wine to Julien*

I'm going to continue writing on the project because I have scenes or characters that will stay no matter the nature of certain trappings, for lack of a better word. Already today, the urge to spork has passed.

And I think, yes, I'll need to get a copy of the other book, even though, after looking about a bit more, I see that it is really different in key ways to my story.

[pjthompson]

This happens a lot, and it never fails to be a punch in the gut, but those things you said to yourself are true: we're all working off the same primer, and your execution will make your work stand out, and they aren't xerox copies. There will be differences.

Still, it always takes me awhile before I can find solace in those things. The initial shock is always horrifying.

Finding, nay, making solace.

[mnfaure.livejournal.com]

I've come across similar terms before, and I've been able to shrug and say, Ah, well, just words. But, like you said, to see an integral idea in conjunction with another main idea...sucker punch to the gut in a big way.

But today is looking brighter, and I'm planning how to take my book one or two steps farther away from the other.

Re: Finding, nay, making solace.

[pjthompson]

Glad to hear it. Onward!

Re: Finding, nay, making solace.

[mnfaure.livejournal.com]

*joins the battlecry*

ONWARD!

[kmkibble75.livejournal.com]

Stop it.

No, seriously, stop it.

Now write.

Thank you.

[mnfaure.livejournal.com]

Stop what? The housework? Okay, done deal. Oh, you meant the blubbing. Welllll, if you insist. :P

[kmkibble75.livejournal.com]

Well, I guess the house work can be included. ;-)

[mnfaure.livejournal.com]

Julien might not thank you for that. :P

[kmkibble75.livejournal.com]

Ah well, I barely understand him anyway. ;-)

[mnfaure.livejournal.com]

*rofl*