The premise and hook of my romance was already done (almost identically) on an episode of some show that shall not be named because I'm being pissy about the whole thing.
My lovely friend Meika text-ed me, saying, I know there is a way to make you love your story again. I hope she is right. I have listened and read a lot of advice from my wonderful friends and fellow writers on how to handle this. I've decided that first, I need some time away from my manuscript to deal with my disappointment. I had never been more confident in any of my work as a writer than I was in my ability to sell this novel and now that confidence is shaken. Maybe it's not original or interesting like I thought. Now I can't stop wondering how much of it is trite and derivative and maybe I just couldn't see the truth of it because I am too in love with my own work.
After I shake off this new found insecurity, I need to get back to work on the novel. Though I'm going to make some changes to distinguish my premise from the POS show that got there first (insert colorful cusswords here, followed by grumbles).
But truly, the hardest part is the betrayal I feel. Because all of this time I thought it was just me and my premise; laughing, drinking caramel hot cocoa in cafes, painting our nails and admiring the hell out of each other. I never asked how my premise felt, I just assumed that she felt the same way as I did. That we were perfect for each other and belonged together. Little did I know, my premise took a much looser approach to relationships than I did. Where as I am a one premise kind of gal, she turned out to be a filthy cheating whore.
She rubbed some serious salt in my wounds too. She didn't just cheat on me with some newbie writer from Scappoose, oh no. She cheated on me with famed Buffy writer, Jane freakin' Espenson (who co-wrote the episode which will not be named). I cannot express to you how much that pisses me off because it's awfully hard to be mad when I'm secretly sort of thrilled that Jane Espenson and I had the same idea.
Can I be both a sore loser and a squealing fangirl?
My lovely friend Meika text-ed me, saying, I know there is a way to make you love your story again. I hope she is right. I have listened and read a lot of advice from my wonderful friends and fellow writers on how to handle this. I've decided that first, I need some time away from my manuscript to deal with my disappointment. I had never been more confident in any of my work as a writer than I was in my ability to sell this novel and now that confidence is shaken. Maybe it's not original or interesting like I thought. Now I can't stop wondering how much of it is trite and derivative and maybe I just couldn't see the truth of it because I am too in love with my own work.
After I shake off this new found insecurity, I need to get back to work on the novel. Though I'm going to make some changes to distinguish my premise from the POS show that got there first (insert colorful cusswords here, followed by grumbles).
But truly, the hardest part is the betrayal I feel. Because all of this time I thought it was just me and my premise; laughing, drinking caramel hot cocoa in cafes, painting our nails and admiring the hell out of each other. I never asked how my premise felt, I just assumed that she felt the same way as I did. That we were perfect for each other and belonged together. Little did I know, my premise took a much looser approach to relationships than I did. Where as I am a one premise kind of gal, she turned out to be a filthy cheating whore.
She rubbed some serious salt in my wounds too. She didn't just cheat on me with some newbie writer from Scappoose, oh no. She cheated on me with famed Buffy writer, Jane freakin' Espenson (who co-wrote the episode which will not be named). I cannot express to you how much that pisses me off because it's awfully hard to be mad when I'm secretly sort of thrilled that Jane Espenson and I had the same idea.
Can I be both a sore loser and a squealing fangirl?
Yes, you can! You're only sore right now. Just wait until Jane Espenson compliments you on your work. Then you'll forgive her for coming in during the night, turning on your computer and stealing your work :-)
ReplyDeleteI second Jesse's comment. Your writing is fabulous and funny and ypur novel will be so much different (and better) than that show. So indulge in anger and self-pity for now, but don't wait too long to get back you your story. I NEED to know what happens to those characters!
ReplyDeleteYes, you can! I think it proves the quality of your ideas. And as we've discussed, there is much that is special and loveable about your story that is unique and different from that TV episode. Let this be a challenge to make your story better than ever--now that you know you have Buffy-level writing skills. :)
ReplyDelete"I can't stop wondering how much of it is trite and derivative and maybe I just couldn't see the truth of it because I am too in love with my own work."
ReplyDeleteReally? LOL Oh my lady! I think you're coming to terms with it, at least it sounded like that towards the end of the post-HELLO! This show is a hit! Trite? Derivative? Though it was a huge coincidence that you had the same idea, it's further proof that you have successful and interesting ideas in that beautiful brain of yours. How about awesome and engaging? How about colorful and unique? Yes, I like my words about your writing better. :P It will be a beautiful book when you take some time away from it, rally the kids together and have them tell you the other way they met.
And yes, you and J.E. had the same idea-great minds think alike!
Keep going, keep writing, take time to convene with your characters and just go. Take a minute to breathe, just not too long, ok?