I get it! Coming up with a completely original plot is like trying to reinvent the wheel.
But that’s where fresh perspectives or a unique twist come into play.
I often say, “Writing is like putting new wine in old casks.”
Sure, it’s all been done before, but sometimes all it takes is a modern lens. I once read a Frog Prince story where the twist was a dating app match-up, featuring a transgender character. The magic? Kissing the frog turned him into the woman he always wanted to be. Now that is how you set your story apart.
If you’re submitting vampire story number 500, ensure it has something that makes it stand out from the other 499. Don’t just dust off the usual European myths—explore other cultures, broaden your horizons, and show us something unexpected.
Sure, what’s popular is tempting to mimic, but I’d love to see something other than another mediocre version of Harry Potter or The Hunger Games. Imitation might be the sincerest form of flattery, but it won’t land you a book deal. And Self-publishing will provide limited sales.
The trick? Write something familiar enough for the reader to connect with but different enough to capture their imagination.
For example, think Pride and Prejudice—but set in a futuristic dystopia where Darcy is an AI and Elizabeth is a rebel hacker. Or maybe think Stranger Things—but instead of a small town in the ‘80s, it’s set in a bustling city where kids with tech-enhanced abilities are uncovering government secrets in the digital age.
So, if you’re thinking about sending another quest novel filled with elves, dwarves, and “stock” characters…maybe reconsider. Those have been done to death.
BE THE CORN STALK IN A FIELD OF BEANS—because who wants to blend in with the crowd?
Find more tips and guides on how to write in our Authors Hub
Any questions? I’m here to help! info@omerapress.com.
