How would I know if a writing idea is already used?

Question

I want to write plays for a small town theatre. They've done plays such as Arsenic & Old Lace, Dearly Departed, and other old classics.... how would I know if my idea for a play or book has already been used?

Answer 1

They pretty much all have. Robert Heinlein did an article once showing that there are only 10 (or was it 12) plots.

Just run your plots past a random group of people and make sure no one says "Oh yeah, I loved that episode of THE SIMPSONS" is my advice

Answer 2

in spite of this is, your plot thought has been used already. a extensive area of the author's craft incorporates bobbing up the reader forget this, a minimum of until they end analyzing the e book. All writers imitate their heroes to start with. this is the form you learn what works in a narrative and what does not. there's no longer something incorrect with it, as long as you (finally) understand which you're doing it and a thank you to avert it. the 1st element i might propose is in simple terms to examine plenty, so which you will learn what are the conventional plot structures, consumer-friendly character varieties, consumer-friendly twists, and so on. the 2d is to maintain an techniques record, the place you write down something you think of could be clever in a narrative. make an remark of the place each and each thought got here from (in case you may % out a particular source, as unfavorable to "I in simple terms randomly theory-approximately it at some point"). Re-examine the record each so frequently, to work out in case you may integrate any techniques. in case you may, and that they got here from distinctive materials, the result will probably look extra unique than in case you will by danger retold Harry Potter and the Goblet of fireplace :-)

Answer 3

Ideas are intangible and cannot be copyrighted.
Ideas are intellectual property.

The writing, dialogue, etc., is what you are concerned about.
As long as your writing is original, you are okay.

Go to copyright.gov
when you finish your script for more copyright information.

Answer 4

wait and see if you get sued for plagarism....(not purgery.) Oopsie!