Discussion Forum
Discussion: What makes a story unique?
I consider an idea unique when an interesting spin is put on it. As said above, everythinghas been done before, without exception. By putting an odd spin on something, you make it fresh and new.
An example from may years ago - the movie lifeforce. For those not familiar with the movie, it's your typical vampire story with a twist - the vampires are from outer space and they draw lifeforce from their victims instead of blood. Otherwise, it'sjust another vampire story.
As another thought ... what makes an idea fresh? Easily enough, it's seeing something that hasn't been recently overdone.
Readers like fresh ideas and odd spins, as it leads them to believe they are experiencing things in a story they have rarely (if ever) seen before. That's why I agree that it figures prominantly into what would sell a novel. :)
The spoken lasts but a moment; the written lasts forever.
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"This is nothing new. It's been done before."
I read this comment quite often in the Long Tale reviews--reviews of my own excerpts and those of others as well. In the genre of mainstream human drama, I believe every life challenge, relationship or right of passage has been done before.
I think we have to ask ourselves, "Is this common premise being presented in a new way either stylistically or philosophically. Does the main character approach this subject in a quirky or novel way? Does he or she offer new insights? Are we moved by the story? Does it evoke empathy or compassion? Does it make us smile? Does it make us think? Does it make us say, "Ahhh? I never looked at it that way before, _or_ I haven't thought about that in a very long time." Or maybe we say, "Wow, I thought I was the only one who looked at life that way? I guess I'm not so crazy after all."
What is it about an excerpt that really grabs you? I'd like to hear from others.
Jan's active submissions:
STALKING YOLANDA (revised), How to Get a Life