It's weird how the need for originality clings to fiction and art in a way it doesn't to other things. People rarely complain about a house being unoriginal. Nobody goes to a pizzeria in Rome and complains about the menu being unoriginal.
Sure, you occasionally encounter a restaurant that's doing really crazy and exciting things with pizza toppings, and sometimes you'll see a house that is entirely unique....but that doesn't stop the 'normal' pizzas from being delicious, or the 'normal' house from being an excellent shelter and home. While risky experimentation has its place, you don't tend to see criticism when it is absent.
Yet with stories, originality is often presented as the MOST important thing.
As you say, Suw, it's less about the idea and more about the execution. The story isn't where the originality tends to come: it's the telling of the story where the magic happens.
This is SuCH a fantastic read and has really helped me. Craft and Character will see me through - it’s not the story, it’s how you tell it, eh?
I’ve been struggling with my work, knowing that my character is not coming through loud and clear enough. And reading this has confirmed to me I’m on the right lines in terms of where my doubts are. 💫
I am so here for more middle aged women kicking ass. I've recently become a fan of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (I know), and I realised that the main reason I enjoy it is not the drama, which always feels ridiculous and producer-led, but the fact that there are almost no other representations of women in their 40s and 50s just having a good time on television. Like, they go and do fun things, and enjoy doing said fun things. Stories about older women that aren't about how shit and hard life is when you're over 35 are needed!
It's weird how the need for originality clings to fiction and art in a way it doesn't to other things. People rarely complain about a house being unoriginal. Nobody goes to a pizzeria in Rome and complains about the menu being unoriginal.
Sure, you occasionally encounter a restaurant that's doing really crazy and exciting things with pizza toppings, and sometimes you'll see a house that is entirely unique....but that doesn't stop the 'normal' pizzas from being delicious, or the 'normal' house from being an excellent shelter and home. While risky experimentation has its place, you don't tend to see criticism when it is absent.
Yet with stories, originality is often presented as the MOST important thing.
As you say, Suw, it's less about the idea and more about the execution. The story isn't where the originality tends to come: it's the telling of the story where the magic happens.
Thank You, I needed this!
This is SuCH a fantastic read and has really helped me. Craft and Character will see me through - it’s not the story, it’s how you tell it, eh?
I’ve been struggling with my work, knowing that my character is not coming through loud and clear enough. And reading this has confirmed to me I’m on the right lines in terms of where my doubts are. 💫
Hard agree. I embrace my basic bitchness. You only get to be original by committing to your bit.
I would love to see Tag. Michelle Yeoh is 61 and kicked ass in Everything Everywhere.
I am so here for more middle aged women kicking ass. I've recently become a fan of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (I know), and I realised that the main reason I enjoy it is not the drama, which always feels ridiculous and producer-led, but the fact that there are almost no other representations of women in their 40s and 50s just having a good time on television. Like, they go and do fun things, and enjoy doing said fun things. Stories about older women that aren't about how shit and hard life is when you're over 35 are needed!