Comments on: Why Do Great Writers Steal?

By: Chris Bates

Chris Bates — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 01:52:02 +0000

^^^ Ha!! I’ve only just noticed the date on this post!!^^^

Just another confirmation that I’m out of touch with anything other than Formula 1…!!

By: Chris Bates

Chris Bates — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:29:23 +0000

This is a great topic for a post, Joanna.

Fact is, writers steal all the time because we are moved by story. There’s no better way to replicate the emotion gifted to us from our favourite writers than to pilfer their genius!

All writers steal scenes, set-ups, beat progressions and, of course, we steal style. We just don’t like to admit it. And, hell, maybe it just happens subconsciously anyway.

What do I steal?

Structure. Cadence. Tone. Characterisation, etc.

But… recognising what not to steal is hugely important. Knowing crap exposition, dialogue etc is a true sign of growth.

I guess that is all part of the joy of writing … well, when it all works!

If only I could steal me some discipline and motivation!

PS: Hope your enjoying the weather in BrizVegas? As of tomorrow we have three days of rain coming!!

By: NaNoWriMo Roundup of the Experience | The Creative Penn

NaNoWriMo Roundup of the Experience | The Creative Penn — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 06:12:02 +0000

[...] I model headlines and if I find ideas that are great, I steal them (in the Picasso sense – see this post before you harangue me!) So I want to model success for my novel as well. I am going to study some top thrillers, work out [...]

By: How Reading Affects Writing « Words and Coffee

How Reading Affects Writing « Words and Coffee — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:29:43 +0000

[...] Joanna Penn’s blog, The Creative Penn, a recent post was titled “Why Do Great Writer’s Steal?” She goes on to offer ways a writer experiencing a block can use material to help them jump start [...]

By: Joanna

Joanna — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:52:59 +0000

Thanks Jim – I know the word is emotive – but we definitely all do it as Jonathan says!

Thanks, Joanna

By: Jonathan

Jonathan — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:51:38 +0000

I would say that it’s almost impossible NOT to steal, whether it be subconsciously or consciously. My reading most definitely shapes the stories I want to tell and how I tell them. Of course, it is always nice to be reminded that we have permission to do so!

By: Jim Kukral

Jim Kukral — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:17:57 +0000

Steal is such an attention-getting word. Too bad some people take it so literally and actually do steal!