What is original? We strive for it, hunt for it, pay for it, even work for it. So much of its worth comes from what we give it. If it isn’t original, if it’s inspired or derived from, it’s ignored, or worse, labeled as plagiarism.
But, that is what it is not. What is original are new ideas, innovations, and themes. Changing the setting, pushing the envelope, creating a new form. As a writer, it means new stories, new characters, things the literary community hasn’t dreamt of dreaming of before. As an artist, it means no photos that you didn’t take, and no work that you didn’t do. As a composer, it means a new rhythm, a different beat to let the band play. As a person, it means fresh conversational material, a vivid persona, and no pre-packaged, mail-delivered attitudes.
In a very obtuse nutshell, what is original is what we create. And that point is the case, for we create many, many things. Much of it is taken from real life: an artist drawing a violet flower, a writer describing his office situation, a composer trying to capture the wind’s essence with his music. Is this a rip-off of real life? To be inspired by a play, a film, anything, is that such a sin that your work must be ignored? To have the label of “inspired by” or “based on,” is that totally merit-killing?

Want to comment on this Blogs? Sign up to Edit Red and you will be able to comment on Blogs and get access to: Upload your own stories and poems, get readers and their feedback, promote your work...