Keila’s Korner

A Bi-weekly article for Proud ViM Productions:

“There is no such thing as a new idea. It is impossible. We simply take a lot of old ideas and put them into a sort of mental kaleidoscope. …”

We’ve probably all heard this quote by Mark Twain, and maybe we’ve found it a bit discouraging, But there’s really no need to feel discouraged. Maybe the idea is a bit enlightening, actually!

"Originality – your point-of-view is what draws the reader in. Your point-of-view is what makes an experience original. Your personal experience and expression are what make an idea interesting.” – KJ Aartila (excerpted from a previous article)

What does this mean?

Making your writing original means injecting yourself into the story you tell – your distinct personality – is what makes your message unique. Ideas may never be original, but your experiences are. Share them, and doing so from an authentic part of you is what makes your story relatable and memorable.

Event though, you may feel stressed to search for a new idea, the originality of any idea comes from your perspective – your own way of expression is what makes an idea unique.

Developing your originality comes with practice and patience, and a willingness to experiment with the right balance of authenticity and vulnerability.

For instance, I like Stephen King. Some people don’t. And I find some of his work not so good, but I find some brilliant. As an extremely prolific and successful author, he has had many chances to practice. His ideas are not greatly original, but his work is definitely his own, created and expressed in only the way he can. Obviously, he is a very talented writer, which he has developed also with a lot of effort over time. Each of us, as writers and creators, have the ability to dip into that pool of originality we each have within ourselves.

Some things to think about:

Don’t over-edit. Over-editing is like over-thinking, and you will lose the authenticity that makes your work original – you run the risk of editing out your own voice, which is what makes a piece stand out for its originality. I’m not saying don’t edit – what I am saying is don’t edit yourself out of your work.

Think about your favorite books/authors: Why do you gravitate toward them, or remember them? Most likely, because their expression spoke to you. The idea was most likely an oft repeated theme, but the way they wrote it spoke to you in only a way they can convey their ideas.

If you are bored by reading your own work, what would make it stand out to readers? Is it expressive of you? You’re probably pretty unique – let that part of you speak to readers through the words you share. This is what inspires thought-provoking engagement from your readers, and a loyalty of fans.

This piece has been a little bit difficult for me to write, because I’m not sure I’m there yet. Sometimes, yes, and sometimes, no. I need to “dig deeper” myself. Be less afraid of being disliked generally, and more focused on finding appreciation from the readers who “get” me.

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Let’s discuss engagement and impact next!

Thank you for reading! What did you find most valuable, if anything, about this article? Much of what’s out there to read – especially online – seems to be created to be easily consumed by the general masses. I think we can do better. And I think we really want to. Go beyond the ease of mediocrity. Show me your true self. Dare to be original!

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