Facing the Anxiety of Influence: Embracing Creativity in a Sea of Similarities

It's a common refrain in the creative arts: when we try to be original, someone else always seems to have beaten us to it. This sentiment is not new; it was even captured in the ancient wisdom of Ecclesiastes, which declared, “there is nothing new under the sun.”

However, the idea that originality is dead might be a misconception. Creativity, to be sure, is alive and well. What has truly waned is the concept of originality, defined as the creation of something that is entirely and independently new. As many artists, writers, and musicians have shown, the true essence of creativity lies not in being the first, but in expressing your unique vision and voice.

The Anxiety of Influence

Harold Bloom, in his seminal work of the same name, coined the phrase “anxiety of influence” to describe the perceptual filter through which artists, particularly poets, view the legacy of their predecessors. This anxiety is palpable when a young artist confronts the towering figures of the past and wonders, "Am I truly original, or am I merely copying what has already been done?"

The challenge is not to avoid the shadows of those who came before (who, after all, have left indelible impressions on our cultural landscape). Instead, it is to integrate those influences into your own unique expression. Think of it as finding a way to stand tall on the shoulders of giants rather than cowering in fear of their feats.

Hollywood and the Power of Retelling

One striking example of how retelling old stories can work is in the realm of film and television. Hollywood has a long history of rebooting, reimagining, and resurrecting beloved franchises. Despite the common perception that these are merely cash-grabs, many of these reboots achieve new heights of success because they breathe new life into old ideas.

For instance, the Harry Potter series stands atop the shoulders of earlier fantasy literature, but it's unique in its execution. Similarly, the reboot of the Juno Reigns franchise breathes new life into the British Royal Family genre. These examples show that retelling familiar stories can be a powerful way to engage new audiences while honoring the heritage of the past.

The Path to Authenticity

Ultimately, the quest for originality is a noble one. But if you find yourself fixating on whether you are truly original, you may be missing the point. The key is to create your own authentic work, regardless of its comparisons to others.

Tom Stoppard, in his play “Rosenkranz and Guildenstern Are Dead,” took a fresh approach to Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Joyce’s Ulysses reimagined Homer’s Odyssey. Even The Clash’s London Calling album, with its Elvis Presley-inspired cover art, demonstrated that creating something new can be as powerful as it is to innovate.

Many authors, including Stephen King, have found success by starting with fan fiction before evolving into their unique styles. Once you hone your craft and voice, you can confidently set forth to create your own original works, regardless of what others have done.

Write What You Love

If you want to create your own works, you must believe that someone out there will resonate with your unique voice. Once you have that confidence, put in the hard work to bring your vision to life. No one cares if someone else has done a similar story. What matters is that you tell your story as best you can, and if it resonates, it will find its audience.

If you truly empathize with the anxiety of influence, it’s time to embrace it. Use the works of those who have come before as inspiration, not as a deterrent. Write what you want to write, and let your voice be heard. Your audience will find you.

Happy writing!