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.

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Comments

[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...