Illustration by A G Duffy

Dear Agony Editor,

I’m working on the first draft of my next novel. For inspiration, I picked up another novel that explores similar themes. I was dismayed to discover the book mirrors the entire structure of what I had planned for my own novel. Now I’m concerned it will seem like I copied this book. Do I need to chuck my idea and start over again?

Signed,

Copycat

Dear Copycat,

“You’re unique – just like everyone else,” is one of my favourite sayings. It can be demoralizing to think you have a brilliant, original idea only to realize that other writers have had the same brilliant, original idea. 

From my perspective, your situation is a positive, not a negative. It’s far better to have this information at the start of your project, rather than at the end. Consider it an opportunity to decide what you think the other author did right and maybe some areas where they were less successful. Or, to put it another way, what are your specific strengths and how can those strengths help you craft a book that only you could write? 

I sometimes think of writing books as participating in a potluck party. Everyone brings food. That food falls into the same identifiable categories, like salads, mains, or desserts. (Well, hopefully all the dishes are identifiable. If not, you might want to consider skipping over a few things.) And while recipes may be the same, what’s different is the person making the recipe. Everyone adds their own flair, whether it’s a touch more salt, or an added teaspoon of vanilla, or an extra dollop of Cool Whip. (Never an unwelcome addition, IMHO.) In other words, the recipe isn’t as important as the variations you bring to it. 

Consider this approach for your novel, as well. Sure, it sucks that someone out there has already published a novel that might have some similarities. But chances are, this other book has similarities to books that came before it. So long as you’re aware where the similarities are, and what new ingredients you’ll add to the mix, you’ll end up with a recipe – and a book – that’s uniquely your own.