How can I write a midevil story without copying?

Question

Heres my idea. Ogres, goblins, humans, and dragon riders, all fighting for one sword that starterd the war between them. But it seems played out. How do i make it so it really stands out like Eragon or The Edge Chronicles?

Answer 1

I have to agree. This is Anne Mc Caffrey's Pern books meet Lord of the Rings in Camelot for a Star War. Very much all played out. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Eragon doesn't stand out - unless you think being a huge rip off of Pern is standing out. Start over fresh. This is just not going to work. No publisher is going to touch this. It is like watered down, bland beef stew. You have all the ingredients there, but you used too much water and not enough spices. Think outside the box, kiddo. This ain't going to do it for you. Pax - C

Answer 2

Good Question Jake. My answer is originality. This is an example of a novel I just finished:

The Keep Of Shadows
A forgotten Prince is suddenly cast into a web of destiny and ancient prophecies. He is led by the visions of a long-dead priest toward a showdown at Shadowkeep with Malachor, the murderer of his father and usurper of his kingdom.

My theme could be considered played out as well, but I think I pulled it off. The first thing to do is create the land. I actually drew a map before starting the story. Then as I wrote, I was able to follow the quest through the map.

As far as the races go, be original. Create a new race to interact with the known ones. Elves are a dominant race in my novel. They are an overdone race you might say, so I tried to present them in a unique way. They are a bit more human, with feelings and emotions and a few new talents as well.

Magic swords and talismans are pretty standard in fantasy fiction, it is how you present them to the reader that makes a story original. I had two magic swords in my novel, one good and one evil but they were not the main theme of the story. Instead I used them as a tool to bring about the conclusion of the story.

Another problem I had was wizards and their use of magic. Talk about being overdone. However, wizards and mages are also essential to a good fantasy story, so try to find a new way of presenting them.

In conclusion, I would say simply find an original idea and then start writing, see where it leads you. You can always delete. Also I suggest drawing a map first, this will give you a feel for the land that your characters will interact in. And last, create original characters, even within a known race. Find characters that you like as a writer and you will write a better story about them.

I hope this was some help to you and I wish you the best on your project. Just keep writing.

David J. Boseke

Answer 3

Ogres, goblins, and humans are all common enough in so many stories that you can use them without fear of being considered a copycat.

Dragon riding however, is something I would try to avoid, as it is in Eragon as well as a book apparently called "Dragon rider," not too original a title, eh? Besides, dragons are lame, they're played out.

All races fighting for one thing kind of seems like the Lord of the Rings, so perhaps a different plot?

Fantasy right now is filled with unoriginality so it'd be nice to see some people come up with new and exciting things. I wish you the best luck.

Answer 4

One sword instead of One Ring?

There is always going to be cross-over problems. Dragonslayer, First Knight, King Arthur, these are all similar (OK, they are films, but you get the point)

Take a fully different tack.

these wars have been raging on and off for years (The war between the Greeks and Persia went on for about 150 years).

The country is devastated as rumor that the sword has been moved from one place to another grips the lands.

These people are dying from constant battles. No one seems to gain the upper hand for long, as all fight against another.

Alliances are formed, only to be broken when the need or reason arises.

Two brothers are impressed into service for the King, but their first battle does not go well and they are routed.

saved by a hermit, they learn that there is no sword, but the merest thought of it keep people fighting and fighting and fighting.

But who would gain from all this?

[This is where you come in. You take it from there]

Answer 5

You can keep all these ideas for your story-- if you're writing a satire. If not, you need something more original. Instead of finding inspiration in other fiction, why not find inspiration in nonfiction? If you still want to write a medieval story, go to the library and study the Middle Ages. I would love to read a good story about barber poles and bubonic plague and people in stockings with pointy shoes. (Okay, or some of the less stereotypical aspects of that time).
If you still want your story to be fantasy, you might also look up the mythology of the time-- what people believed in, what stories they told. You might discover some beasts and fascinating tales, and use them as inspiration for your own characters and plot.
I hope you have fun with it.

Answer 6

Ok Jake,

The stuff you're starting with is played out!
Its been done and done. In fact its fried!You need a new approach, totally!

Get a piece of paper and pencil; sit down in a quiet place, close your eyes and brain storm some totally new ideas. Every time you get an idea, write it down on your paper. But don't stop with one or two ideas. Do 4, 5, or 6 completely new ideas.
Every time you hit one that sounds familiar, cross it out. If you keep working, and thinking you're bound to come up with something new, and it'll be your very own!

Answer 7

try adding a plot twist in the story or adding characters with unique personalities. something special that you contribute to the story that you can't find anywhere else. i found that in eragon the main character was just the average human that got into this extraordinary adventure which is over done and the plot was kinda predictable. the story your writing sounds pretty good i'd love to read it when your done.

Answer 8

First, open a dictionary and correctly spell the word medieval.

Answer 9

idk just try to think about your own stuff and kinda relate it to life....i like those kind of stories(but thats only one persons opinion)