Following plot & pace of favorite book

tickledpink · Oct 27, 2012

Hi, I'm new and not sure where to put this. I have been writing for a while but struggle to believe in myself. I decided I'd take my favorite book and study it closely, scene by scene, and try to learn. I realized the the theme of this book is the exact theme I was trying to write. No wonder I loved her book so much! I've ended up feeling like ill never be as good or creative as her. I haven't written all week because of it.

I had this thought, one i go back and forth on, what if i took and changed her plot &characters up, but followed the pacing and basic premise. Is that plagiarism?

Kerosene · Oct 27, 2012

rwm4768 · Oct 27, 2012

I'd try to make my own story. You can keep the pacing and general idea in mind, but you need to differentiate your story from hers. You might need to provide more information. A lot of books operate on similar premises. It's the characters and the intricate workings of the plot that make each story unique. You don't have to follow her pacing religiously. Just keep it in mind.

BethS · Oct 27, 2012

tickledpink said:
I had this thought, one i go back and forth on, what if i took and changed her plot &characters up, but followed the pacing and basic premise. Is that plagiarism?

You might be interested in this article by Holly Lisle on the subject.

tickledpink · Oct 27, 2012

Thank you!i will give it a try

Jamesaritchie · Oct 28, 2012

More than one writer has written a publishable novel doing exactly as you suggest.

rainbowsandunicorns · Oct 28, 2012

A lot of books follow the pacing, theme, premise of others. It's how you do it that matters. Besides, it sounds like you're still trying to get a handle on this whole writing thing so I wouldn't worry too much. Just make it as unique as can!

tickledpink · Oct 29, 2012

rainbowsandunicorns said:
A lot of books follow the pacing, theme, premise of others. It's how you do it that matters. Besides, it sounds like you're still trying to get a handle on this whole writing thing so I wouldn't worry too much. Just make it as unique as can!

Yes, I'm trying very much to get a handle on it. Writing well is much harder than I imagined.

little_e · Oct 30, 2012

There is nothing wrong with studying something you admire to learn how the author did it, IMO

rainbowsandunicorns · Oct 30, 2012

Yes it is hard! I had no idea what I was getting myself into the first time I actually tried to write a book but I stuck it out and it was so worth it! There is a ton of information here on AW that will really really help!

onesecondglance · Oct 31, 2012

This is a very good idea, and will help you learn about structure and pacing. Just make sure that if your story wants to turn a different way then you think about letting it go there - that's how you end up with your own style.

chicgeek · Oct 31, 2012

Although my characters and the situations they find themselves in are very different, I use The Hunger Games as my template, in terms of pacing, since I'm writing in the same genre. I'll dip into it and ask myself questions like: "How much has she accomplished by this point in the story?" or "What does she establish/accomplish in this chapter?" I find it helps a lot.

Walter White · Oct 31, 2012

Everything is a remix.

guttersquid · Oct 31, 2012

There is never anything wrong with studying anything in order to learn from it. However, if you attempt to follow your favorite book so closely that you wonder if it's plagiarism, then you may end up still wondering if you'll ever "be as good or creative as her."

The most liberating thing I discovered was that I have my own voice, and my writing doesn't have to and never will and never should read like the writing of my favorite authors.

You have a story and a voice of your own. Find it.

Following plot & pace of favorite book

tickledpink

Kerosene

Your Pixie Queen

rwm4768

practical experience, FTW

BethS

tickledpink

Jamesaritchie

rainbowsandunicorns

It's real for us

tickledpink

little_e

Trust: that most precious coin.

rainbowsandunicorns

It's real for us

onesecondglance

pretending to be awake

chicgeek

Walter White

To W.W. My star, my perfect silence

guttersquid

I agree with Roxxsmom.