Hi Vera, I’m after reading your article, I have the impression that writers don’t have much left to write about that hasn’t already been written. Makes sense actually. It is 2026 and humans have been writing for centuries. I guess that’s why I stay clear of WW II or drone warfare in Ukraine. Everyone has written or is writing about those topics. It’s also why I like writing about warlords in Eastern Europe. They themselves create original content. Like the guy who has the Joaquin Phoenix Joker tattooed on his back. But yes, it is and will become more challenging to create something new. Thanks for the article.
I agree that everything that could have been written about WWII has probably been written (said only slightly tongue in cheek) but I’m definitely not a believer in “there are no new stories.” I could say your story is “a guy grows up in New England” but the real story of your life would be 100% unique. The problem is that when people write novels—which are fictional— they often fall back on familiar stories because they are not particularly creative. This is why I want more strangeness in fiction.
I appreciate so much the level of research you do for your books and I agree completely with everything here. Now I’m thinking differently about my new project…in a good way! Thank you.
Hi Vera, I’m after reading your article, I have the impression that writers don’t have much left to write about that hasn’t already been written. Makes sense actually. It is 2026 and humans have been writing for centuries. I guess that’s why I stay clear of WW II or drone warfare in Ukraine. Everyone has written or is writing about those topics. It’s also why I like writing about warlords in Eastern Europe. They themselves create original content. Like the guy who has the Joaquin Phoenix Joker tattooed on his back. But yes, it is and will become more challenging to create something new. Thanks for the article.
I agree that everything that could have been written about WWII has probably been written (said only slightly tongue in cheek) but I’m definitely not a believer in “there are no new stories.” I could say your story is “a guy grows up in New England” but the real story of your life would be 100% unique. The problem is that when people write novels—which are fictional— they often fall back on familiar stories because they are not particularly creative. This is why I want more strangeness in fiction.
I appreciate so much the level of research you do for your books and I agree completely with everything here. Now I’m thinking differently about my new project…in a good way! Thank you.
I need to start counting my laughs during your pieces.
Great post, Vera. You've given us loads to think about as we write our novels. Thank you!