ideas, originality, writer, blogger

seeking originality in a world of ideas

As we approach the third decade of the millennium, it is safe to say that the world of ideas has been saturated. We don’t get to look at falling apples and go. ‘Gee, I wonder how that happens’. Because, duh. We keep hearing that ‘content is king’. So writers and bloggers have to play the inevitable game of thrones. There is so much being written everywhere that when we sit down to put pen to paper, we wonder if our thoughts are even our own. If you dare Google your idea, 99.9% of the time you’ll be disappointed. Someone, somewhere in the world has already beaten you to it.

To me, as a writer, that is unsettling. There is nothing more that I’ve avoided all my life than unoriginality. One of my bosses used to say, “there is no such thing as an original idea. Everything comes from something.” OH, THE HORROR! To think that I won’t ever be able to come up with an idea that is completely my own wasn’t a pleasant thought. It used to hurt my motivation to create. I would end up questioning my creativity as many content developers do from time to time.

But that was a younger and naive me. With time, I have understood that we are in fact an amalgam of our experiences, our social learnings, the media we consume and all the messages we internalize on daily basis. I have made peace with the fact that while our ideas and thoughts might not be original in the specific sense of the word, our voices can be. While ideas are limited, perspectives can be infinite.

So don’t be reluctant to create because someone is thinking along the same lines. Write away and your pen (or keyboard) will automatically add your angle to it. Because no two people have completely identical thoughts and experiences. And while there is lesser room to create ‘Aha!’ moments, there is still plenty of room to create ‘I can so relate to this’ moments. Most of the time readers read to get reassurance. To feel that their thoughts and emotions are legitimate. And to be reminded of the things they most likely already know deep down.

As writers, bloggers and content developers our job is to bring those ideas back to the surface. From the subconscious to conscious realization so they can be worked upon. It’s not about how many are hearing rather who’s listening. It’s about striking chords. The same major and minor chords have been hit on the guitar a million times to produce completely different compositions. And the right people listen.

So it comes down to this; if you’re saying an already said thing but it means something to someone, if it offers comfort, if it induces epiphanies, if it causes introspection – you’re gold. Your voice matters. Your perspective is needed.

 

Comments

  1. Once again perfect write up…. you surprise me every time sister… your touch on chords of guitar is always different

    • The Hamster Ball

      Thanks sis <3

  2. I loved this post and it came at the perfect time for me. There are times when I have an epiphany about something and my immediate reaction is – “everyone else probably figured this out ages ago!” – Then, when I talk to someone, it often turns out that it actually is a new take on an old idea, perhaps, but nevertheless a new take. And then my friends say – “You should write a post about that!” This is where much of my content comes from – conversations with friends who I trust will tell me if what I’m thinking needs to be said out loud! Thanks for a great post – so glad to have you back!

    • The Hamster Ball

      Always great to have a couple of friends who support you and your growth, will tell you what they actually think and offer some positive criticism. Thank you for your always generous feedback Joan <3

  3. Love this post. It was so important, well done. Keep blogging x

    • The Hamster Ball

      Thanks, lovely!

  4. Love this post. It was so important, well done. Keep blogging xx

  5. Great post! As a composer, I definitely relate. Nothing occurs in a vacuum. We can’t help but be influenced by our experience and those experiences will impact our creations. Also, the preoccupation with originality might be a relatively modern. In the music world, we attribute this to Beethoven who came of age in the rise of the individual and the idea that we are all unique and different. Prior to this age, composers were not as consumed with being original. For example, their focus may have been to subordinate their own voice and elevate the words of God for Sunday services.

    Anyways, some perspective from the music world. I wonder if their is corollary in literature. Great post!

    • The Hamster Ball

      That’s an interesting insight. Thank you for teaching me something new. I personally feel that modern music is devoid of originality. Or maybe so much of it is being made that it starts to overlap at some point? It’s lovely to have you over. Keep coming back!

  6. I really enjoyed this post. I’m just starting out on my blogging journey asmr do this is a really supportive and inspiring piece.
    Thank you!

    • The Hamster Ball

      Thank you and welcome to the blogging community 🙂

  7. Fantastic insights here! I finished my degree in filmmaking and going into it years ago, my biggest fear was that nothing I made would ever bring something new and insightful to the cinematic-normative out in theatres. Then I realized that I didn’t want to bring anything to the cinema-normative – the indie realm is more my style! And now I embrace the influences and experiences that bring light to my art. Thanks for sharing this!
    -https://sugisays.com/

    • The Hamster Ball

      Thank you! As a Media Studies graduate and now being almost done with my post grad I see where you’re coming from. I have a lot of friends who majored in Film and I see them constantly fighting the creativity/originality war with themselves. I’m sure you’ll find or actually have found what genre is ‘more you’. I personally love me some indie content be it music, film or TV. Best wishes!

  8. This is so true, and a much needed read. It can be so discouraging feeling like everything you want to say has been said before, but you’re right, when you express your thoughts from the perspective of your own unique experience you really do make it your own. And it will reach and resonate with the people who are meant to hear it. Your guitar chords metaphor is perfect! Thank you for sharing ❤️

  9. This is such a relatable post for me as a write. Love your honesty and how inspiring this post is.
    Thank you for sharing.
    Alyssa
    Thesacredspaceap.com

    • The Hamster Ball

      Thanks and come back again love <3

  10. I absolutely love the way you write. This was an incredibly insightful post about originality. I’m a lover of art, and originality can seem far fetched in a world of artists. Drawing, writing – sometimes it can be difficult drawing a line between inspiration and your own view. As you’ve mentioned, Im beginning to see that the trick is to just start. Start typing, start gliding your pen – eventually your identity will submerge and it’s bound to be original in its own self.

    Thank you for such a pleasant read! I seriously love everything about your blog. Your writing, your logo, your theme! So much intellect- yet so darn cute too!

    • The Hamster Ball

      Gaaah you’re too kind and generous! Thank you for your love and support it seriously means a lot :’) It is such a fulfilling feeling to have struck a chord in someone!

  11. If you are to create something powerful and important, you must at the very least be driven by an equally powerful inner force. One more rocking and stirring blog👏

  12. I just found your site from a post about your experience as an undergrad and reading this post hit every note on my broken piano. I related on a deep level.

    • The Hamster Ball

      Thank you so much! You are valued <3

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