Originality in Writing

Writers often struggle in coming up with new ideas and they set their sights on finding ideas that no one else has ever thought of before. But the chances of that happening are highly unlikely and that mindset can be both limiting and overwhelming. True originality is not so much a new idea as it is presenting an old idea in a new way. Creativity takes the known, the mundane, and makes it interesting, even fascinating. This is a writer's gift and it's why readers love to read. So instead of pressuring yourself to come up with completely original ideas, instead try re-thinking existing ideas and asking yourself what new slant you can contribute to those ideas. For instance, can you come at the idea in reverse, mixing up the order of how people usually think about it, in order to gain a new perspective on it? Can you play devil's advocate with the idea and promote an idea most people readily reject to get readers to think about it in a different way? Some ideas just need your unique spin on them by inviting readers to view them through the lens with which you view the world. Ask yourself what your unique worldview is and try to understand how it is special. Originality comes from turning ideas upside down and looking at them from different angles. An old idea made new is just as original as a new idea. The world is rife with ideas for you to harvest. With careful attention and playful thinking, you can bring originality to your writing and keep the ideas flowing!