How do you precisely find out if your idea is an Original one

[krishna_lit]

When we decide to write a book by forming an idea in your mind, it feels exciting and that's what we the Writers do, but i always wondered how are we supposed to know if that idea is not already existing in another book form? There might be a book basing on the almost similar idea, and that book might just not be that popular or may be just you didn't know about it for some reason, so how can we become so sure of it being an original idea of yours?

[Charles Darnay]

The simple answer is "you can't." But it is not so simple.

If you accept Northrop's Frye theory - then every archetype has already been solidified and every new work is just a reimagining of the same archetype. And some would say "well, then there are no original ideas left, right?" No. Just because your story might have an idea that has already been done, it doesn't mean that it can't be original. There are so many original works that can be said to be "copies" of The Odyssey or Romeo and Juliet &c. A book cannot rest solely on its archetype, but is made by its tone, style, characters, and everything else. And it does not matter that the idea has been done, no two writers can (unintentionally) write in the exact same style, ,with the same tones, the same character relationships, the same twists &c.

[cafolini]

The simple answer is "you can't." But it is not so simple.

If you accept Northrop's Frye theory - then every archetype has already been solidified and every new work is just a reimagining of the same archetype. And some would say "well, then there are no original ideas left, right?" No. Just because your story might have an idea that has already been done, it doesn't mean that it can't be original. There are so many original works that can be said to be "copies" of The Odyssey or Romeo and Juliet &c. A book cannot rest solely on its archetype, but is made by its tone, style, characters, and everything else. And it does not matter that the idea has been done, no two writers can (unintentionally) write in the exact same style, ,with the same tones, the same character relationships, the same twists &c.

Agree. The originality couldn't possibly be based on the archetypes, often called cliches. If there is any, it has to be on the mastery of the successful writer over the archetypes, which has to be demonstrated only by the success which is impossible to predict before it happens. And as you say "you can't [predict it]. But it is not so simple."

[Paulclem]

If you give any number of people the same title, even the same kind of general outline, it is most unlikely that the stories are going to be at all similar.

[cafolini]

If you give any number of people the same title, even the same kind of general outline, it is most unlikely that the stories are going to be at all similar.

Good point. Even if they stuck to the assignment. No doubt.

[Burl Bird]

Well, the western world experienced something called postmodernism - after 1960's, the idea of originality seems somehow irrelevant in art. You can always just pretend your bad copy of other people's work is some sort of pastiche!! :)

Seriously, don't be afraid that somebody, somewhere, may have come up with the same idea you have - there is really very small chance yours and his/her work will end up being that similar. I mean, if it does, you should definitely make contact with the other person, and merry him/her!! :D

[krishna_lit]

The simple answer is "you can't." But it is not so simple.

A book cannot rest solely on its archetype, but is made by its tone, style, characters, and everything else. And it does not matter that the idea has been done, no two writers can (unintentionally) write in the exact same style, ,with the same tones, the same character relationships, the same twists &c.

Very much right.. Thank you so much, Charles :)

[xtianfriborg13]

The simple answer is "you can't." But it is not so simple.

If you accept Northrop's Frye theory - then every archetype has already been solidified and every new work is just a reimagining of the same archetype. And some would say "well, then there are no original ideas left, right?" No. Just because your story might have an idea that has already been done, it doesn't mean that it can't be original. There are so many original works that can be said to be "copies" of The Odyssey or Romeo and Juliet &c. A book cannot rest solely on its archetype, but is made by its tone, style, characters, and everything else. And it does not matter that the idea has been done, no two writers can (unintentionally) write in the exact same style, ,with the same tones, the same character relationships, the same twists &c.

Agreed. I think you should just stick with your thoughts, and ideas.