Using an old story as source for your own new story

Jennifer Robins said:

Can you use the idea from an old, very old story for your own fictional story, turning it into a new story?


Jennifer Robins
www.jenniferrobins.com

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Sure. It happens quite a lot.

Just make sure you've filed off the serial numbers to the point that the old story's writer won't recognize where you got the idea.

Theme anthologies use this device. They have a central idea like "horrible in-laws with supernatural powers" and 17 writers will work out 17 different stories.

I've a different take on what constitutes "old" and have twice swiped from Shakespeare that I know of; some writers make a career out of it!

Jennifer Robins said:

Thanks, I thought so but wasn't sure. I am not writing the same story but using the same idea.

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Ideas aren't copyrighted. Besides, you've probably heard the old cliche "There are no new ideas" numerous times already.

Exactly.

Why do you think there's so many people that made a name for themselves by rewriting The Lord of the Rings or Conan the Cimmerian?

If Paolini can get away with writing Lord of the Star Wars - Now With Extra Dragons!!! - anything's possible.

I am using the bible, the oldest story ever told.

Life is what happens, while you're busy making other plans. -- John Lennon

Kaylee said:

I am using the bible, the oldest story ever told.

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Yeah, that's the huge one. Could have an entire bookstore dedicated solely to bible story adaptations.

Cybernaught said:

Ideas aren't copyrighted. Besides, you've probably heard the old cliche "There are no new ideas" numerous times already.

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Yeah...that's not a new idea.

(Sorry...couldn't help myself. )


To answer the question, it's fine to use an old story as new fodder as long as you don't steal the plot or characters.

Like Gillhoughly said, you can have 17 authors write on the same theme but end up with 17 different stories. (of course I paraphrased!)

Kaylee said:

I am using the bible, the oldest story ever told.

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You might want to check out this market venue then, though the deadline is Monday!

Of course, if things run to publishing norms, they might leave the deadline window open a wee bit longer.

I'm not with them, the notice came in an e-newsletter.

I've been using Wu Ch'eng-en's Monkey as inspiration. Great fun.

Ooh. That does sound fun.

But also serves as another notable use of a story borrowed and adapted many, many times over the course of the history of the written word. Any Saiyuki fans? Journey to the West my friends.

My new WIP is a sequel to the first that I decided needed to be condemed.

Kaylee said:

I am using the bible, the oldest story ever told.

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http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/334517.stm