Influences vs Plagiarism

Its no secret to those that have come with me on this long journey to see The Paladin published that I've taken a lot of influence from the stories all around me. Really, as writers that what we do: its an endless cycle of telling another person's story. In fact, I recall my professor in college explaining to me that despite other theories, there are really only two stories in the world: someone leaves town or someone comes to town. 

Now, within the confines of the novel itself, I've made sure to keep my references light and not too terribly blatant. I like to think that a good portion of them are almost like Easter Eggs, waiting for sharp-eyed readers to ponder a curious section of text, do a little research, and discover a clever little reference that might give them a smile. But beyond The Paladin, I'm also writing other things, one of which right now is a ... what should I call it? Well, it's a short story that, indirectly, leads into the events of The Paladin. Eventually. I don't know that it falls within Urban Fantasy like the main novel. There's a significant historical portion to it, but I'm not sure it's historical fiction. Let's just call it a taste of the extended world of The Paladin, shall we?

The point I'm making is that within this short story, I'm taking a lot more liberties with my references. I'm sure some readers might get through it without noticing a single one, but I'm certain that others will stop every page or two, eyebrow quirked and, hopefully, smiling as they say aloud "Really?" In any event, I feel that the reader will certainly be entertained, one way or the other. 

Back on track, I do have to ponder this question with every page I write. There's nothing today that isn't influenced by the stories of yesterday. One must walk a careful path, balancing the influence that cannot be avoided with care not to directly copy another person's work.

Much like my worries about the lore of monsters and what they're vulnerable to or what abilities they have, this, I think is largely in my head. I don't honestly think I'm stepping on any toes here, but it's still good that I worry about it. It keeps me honest and keeps me creative. Still, entire genres of fiction can owe their existence to single works. What fantasy writer doesn't draw some measure of influence from Tolkien? Even those that despise Tolkien know that he set the standard from which all works moving forward would draw comparison. 

So, for now, I will press forward. Where I think a nod to the creatives that came before me is due, I will indulge, but I will not worry about whether I'm potentially copying someone who came before. 

Be Excellent To Each Other