1. Awz

    Awz Member

    Joined:
    Jun 17, 2016
    Messages:
    47
    Likes Received:
    22
    Location:
    Utah

    When your inspiration feels obvious, at least to you.

    Discussion in 'Setting Development' started by Awz, Oct 27, 2016.

    So... I've created a creature in my world that felt somewhat original at the time. I like the creature and it does play an import role in progressing the characters further. However I connected the dots about a week ago for where the inspiration came from and I fear it would be obvious to my readers. Think the Sandworms from Dune mixed with the Graboids from Tremors. Very similar creatures to start with but with notable differences. Would I encounter and legal issues from the creators of either of these? Would people call me out for "being to similar"? I wasn't worried about it until I started rereading Dune, now it makes me a little nervous. I'm sure it's been covered before but I couldn't find it anywhere, probably searching to specifically.
     
  2. Dominique Parker

    Dominique Parker Member

    Joined:
    Oct 11, 2016
    Messages:
    32
    Likes Received:
    26
    Location:
    Queens, New York
    I find that usually when it comes to things I create during a fit of intense inspiration, they tend to become less and less like whatever it is I was inspired by as I hash out the details. I find it also helps to take a concept I'm inspired by and just try visually redesigning it. I'll draw up a few concepts in an attempt to remove it from whatever book or movie or song I was inspired by to begin with and make it feel more like it belongs in my world. I don't think you'll have any legal troubles because of similarities but people may call you out on it if its really obvious. People may also just like your Sandworms more. I think a decent example are the movies "Kill Bill" and "Lady Snowblood". They're pretty similar, personally I'll take "Lady Snowblood" over "Kill Bill" every time but there are many who would beg to differ.
     
  3. IHaveNoName

    IHaveNoName Senior Member Community Volunteer

    Joined:
    Mar 15, 2016
    Messages:
    345
    Likes Received:
    264
    Awhile back, I read this really good article by Holly Lisle about "stealing" ideas. Basically she says "take the thing you want, boil it down to its essence, then play with it - turn it around, shave off the edges, add your own twist to it, and make it your own". Terry Goodkind did with his Sword of Truth series - it's pretty obviously a ripoff of the Wheel of Time, but the books were still bestsellers. As long as you don't outright plagiarize, the end result is what really matters - are your creatures interesting enough that they can stand on their own, whether or not they're obviously derived from something else? If you don't think so, then how can you spice them up so they will be?
     
  4. wrigby paige

    wrigby paige New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2016
    Messages:
    17
    Likes Received:
    7
    I definitely agree on keeping your creations organic. Don't let them stagnate and become one definite thing that you are unwilling to compromise on. Continue to consume art, media, etc., and use what you learn from those to infuse your creation with peculiar, fascinating qualities in a clever and thoughtful way.
     
  5. Simpson17866

    Simpson17866 Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Aug 23, 2013
    Messages:
    3,406
    Likes Received:
    2,931
    cydney likes this.
  6. halisme

    halisme Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Mar 18, 2015
    Messages:
    1,772
    Likes Received:
    1,230
    Fantasy stories have had elves and dwarves since Tolkien. I assure you, it will be fine.
     
    cydney likes this.
  7. Wreybies

    Wreybies Thrice Retired Supporter Contributor

    Joined:
    May 1, 2008
    Messages:
    23,826
    Likes Received:
    20,815
    Location:
    El Tembloroso Caribe
    As mentioned by most of those above, it's already a trope, not a thing that belongs to just one or two stories.

    Just don't have these worms poop out mind altering drugs that allow people to fold space, see the future, and have contact with their antecedents and you'll be fine. ;)
     
  8. Grub-r

    Grub-r Member

    Joined:
    Oct 3, 2016
    Messages:
    45
    Likes Received:
    39
    Location:
    New York
    You mean all poop doesn't do this?
     
    Simpson17866 and Wreybies like this.
  9. Wreybies

    Wreybies Thrice Retired Supporter Contributor

    Joined:
    May 1, 2008
    Messages:
    23,826
    Likes Received:
    20,815
    Location:
    El Tembloroso Caribe
    Shhh..... You'll have the FDA putting a crack-down on our...... cracks. :whistle::-D
     
  10. Mckk

    Mckk Member Supporter Contributor

    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2010
    Messages:
    6,541
    Likes Received:
    4,776
    It's unusual that I wouldn't know where my inspiration came from when it's this similar to something else. I usually know the moment the idea comes to me exactly where I got it from - it's actually what blocks me from most of my ideas :meh:

    Anyway, I don't think anyone has a monopoly on sandworms - that'd be like saying can I be sued because I've got elves in my book, or worse, Tolkien-esque elves! Nah, you're fine.

    And if you're not, a forum is not the best place to ask :D Ask a literary lawyer!
     
  11. Awz

    Awz Member

    Joined:
    Jun 17, 2016
    Messages:
    47
    Likes Received:
    22
    Location:
    Utah
    Thank you guys. I feel better now. And no, no mind/space altering worm poop.
     
  12. Ettina

    Ettina Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2011
    Messages:
    515
    Likes Received:
    55
    World of Warcraft has sandworms, too. I think by now they're like having goblins or wyverns - no one will think you're copying a specific work.
     
    Simpson17866 likes this.

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice