I thought my story idea was original?

Question

I had an idea for a short story once and wrote it. I sent it to a magazine and they rejected it. But about three years later I saw the same story on an episode of 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents'. It wasn't the EXACT story but the plot was the same and the characters were a little similar with thier problems and the story's conflict. I don't think my idea was stolen but what are the chances of my idea being the same as some screen writers. (I think mine was better, though) Any answers? Thanks.

Answer 1

Yes, that can happen. Ideas can be very similar. If it was on Alfred Hitchcock Presents, it's likely it was filmed a lot longer than 3 years ago. Just because you were rejected by one magazine doesn't mean you have to bury it. Tweak it a little and send it somewhere else. Pax - C

Answer 2

"What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 1:9)

Actually the chances that some screen writer could come up with a story that, "wasn't the EXACT story but the plot was the same and the characters were a little similar with thier problems and the story's conflict," are pretty good.

Now, if it were the EXACT same story, dialogue, characters, plot devices, etc., then the odd go down considerably.

Answer 3

There are few "original" ideas. The originality come in the writing and the twists to the plot.

Yes it is possible that someone else had the same vague idea and was successful in getting it on the screen.

Answer 4

so many stories and movies and shows are almost exactly identical to other ones from the past, absolute originality isnt really a realistic goal these days

Answer 5

I suppose that's the hard part of writing.

BILLIONS if not TRILLIONS of people have thought thoughts.

It's hard to be original.