Let’s Talk About Writing an Original Story

TL;DR

The phrase “there’s nothing new under the sun,” originating from the book of Ecclesiastes, reflects a sense of monotony in life and creativity. While striving for originality in writing can feel daunting, understanding how to blend the strange with the normal and the familiar with the unfamiliar can help writers create fresh and unique stories. This article explores the importance of intentionality in storytelling and offers strategies for developing original ideas.

The Origins of the Saying

The saying “there’s nothing new under the sun” comes from the book of Ecclesiastes in the Old Testament. Initially, it expressed a deep-seated discomfort with life’s monotony and humanity’s disconnection from God. The full passage reveals a sense of labor and futility: “All things are full of labor; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing nor the ear filled with hearing. The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is nothing new under the sun.” This sentiment suggests a view that no matter how innovative our creations may seem, they are ultimately part of a larger cycle of existence.

Originality in Creativity

In modern times, we often use this saying to discuss creativity and art. The implication is that originality is elusive; everything has been done before. However, for writers and creators, the goal of producing something original can feel vital. Yet, it’s important to recognize that striving for originality shouldn’t be viewed as an impossible task. Instead, we should focus on the value of the creative process.

Understanding Originality

When we talk about writing original works, it’s helpful to explore a few key concepts:

Grab my poetry book, 'we're all just wanderers in the end' Here

The blending of the strange with the normal.
The blending of the familiar with the unfamiliar.

Blending the Strange with the Normal

One effective strategy for creating original stories is to blend normal, everyday situations with strange or fantastical elements. This technique is prevalent in genres such as science fiction, fantasy, and horror.

For example, consider the experience of daydreaming in class, where a mundane setting might suddenly be interrupted by a bizarre event. This blend of the ordinary with the extraordinary creates a unique story atmosphere.

Fantasy often illustrates this approach well, using magic as a strange element in an otherwise normal setting. Books like Name of the Wind depict a magical university, while The Poppy War combines high school drama with elements of Chinese historical fantasy. These works exemplify how strange elements can invigorate traditional settings.

Examples of Blending

Here are a few examples where blending the strange and the normal creates engaging narratives:

Stranger Things: A typical high school environment becomes the backdrop for supernatural occurrences.
Barbarian: The horror of two guests sharing an Airbnb escalates into unexpected supernatural elements.
Infinity Pool: A vacation in a fictional European country turns dark when laws are enforced in unusual ways.

Blending the Familiar with the Unfamiliar

The second approach involves juxtaposing familiar narrative elements with unfamiliar twists. Understanding genre conventions and audience expectations can help writers innovate within established frameworks.

Poetry: Turning Words into Worlds and Whims

What Poetry Feels Like

For example, in fantasy, readers often expect traditional settings like medieval Europe. However, by creating a fantasy world on the brink of industrialization, writers can introduce fresh perspectives. The addition of unique cultural elements, such as Mongolian influences, can further enrich the narrative.

Additional Examples

Here are some examples of how familiar and unfamiliar elements can be blended:

Edge of Tomorrow: Combines the familiar alien invasion trope with a time loop concept.
The Lobster: Pairs the normalcy of seeking love in a hotel with a bizarre societal twist.
Prospect: Merges coming-of-age themes with a science fiction Western setting.

Intentionality in Storytelling

The ultimate goal for writers should not only be to create something original but to do so with intention. When incorporating familiar tropes or elements, it’s crucial to have a valid reason for their inclusion. For instance, using elemental magic in a fantasy narrative is not inherently problematic, but it should serve a purpose within the story.

As writers, we should consistently question our choices and strive for intentionality in our work. This ongoing reflection can lead to more meaningful storytelling.

Questions to Consider

As you embark on your writing journey, consider these questions to aid your creative process:

What have others done in this genre, and what is expected?
What angles are missing or unexplored?
How can I subvert traditional tropes?

Exploring Further

To develop original ideas further, consider the following:

Investigate different archetypes and how they can contribute to your narrative.
Draw from personal experiences to enrich your characters and themes.
Start with a cliché idea and experiment by altering its fundamental elements.

The Bigger Picture

Ultimately, the journey towards originality in writing is not solely about novelty; it is about creating stories that resonate with readers. Originality is fluid, and what may be considered original today might evolve over time. Thus, our focus should be on blending familiar and unfamiliar elements while maintaining a sense of intentionality in our storytelling.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while it might feel like there’s nothing new under the sun, the way we blend the strange with the normal and the familiar with the unfamiliar can lead to fresh and engaging narratives. As writers, we should embrace the challenge of originality and strive for intentionality in every element of our stories.

Thank you for joining me on this exploration of originality in writing. If you have thoughts or experiences regarding originality and storytelling, feel free to share them in the comments. I look forward to hearing from you!