Comments on: The Screenwriter’s Best Resource For Authentic Creativity

By: Timothy McCarthy

Timothy McCarthy — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 01:15:32 +0000

Great tips, Melody. My script is finished, but I am happy to say I stumbled
on several of them as I revisited my love for the second girl who broke my
heart. A gifted and beautiful woman, she wanted to be a nun. I had to let go.
Tim McCarthy

By: Melody Jackson

Melody Jackson — Fri, 12 Apr 2019 03:47:58 +0000

In reply to Jeff McMahon.

Hi Jeff…. A great question…. The funny thing is that we all have influences. To me, it’s called civilization.

Some of the most creative people ever, like Michael Jackson and Elvis, talked about their influences. Michael Jackson apparently laughed and said he “stole” something from the Beatles. But it was taken as the understanding that it was an influence.

I think the key is that while we are influenced by others, we do not copy, but we put our twist on whatever it is we are creating. If the Coens inspire you, just make sure you are bringing your take. I think that if you tap into your true creativity and you spit out something authentic for you, by nature, it will be unique.

What is NOT good is when someone simply copies someone else with a slight variation but clearly copying with a slight variation.

I think some great examples are the singing competitions on TV. The competitors will do an artist’s song. The feedback from the other pros is that they need to be similar enough that the song is recognizable, but they have to put their own spin on it. Sometimes it’s too similar…

Bottomline… as long as you are tapping into your own authenticity, nothing wrong with being influenced by artists who inspire you creatively!

By: Jeff McMahon

Jeff McMahon — Thu, 28 Mar 2019 00:50:30 +0000

So good to read your articles, Melody – they keep me focussed. As a request for future discussion, what are your thoughts on “stealing” from other writers? Picasso apparently regarded “stealing” from other creatives as the highest form of flattery. I don’t mean out and out plagiarism but, for example I am working on a first draft of an absurd comedy and the Coen Bros keep flashing before my eyes as I concentrate on the keyboard. I like to think I am writing in my own style but all the while I keep asking myself how would these two geniuses (is that a word?) approach the task. Is that a bad thing?

By: admin

admin — Sat, 23 Sep 2017 14:45:59 +0000

In reply to Adam. As usual, you are witty and insightful. With that said, I've done plenty research myself! :)

By: Adam

Adam — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 17:46:07 +0000

Good article.
One of the benefits of having bad judgment is that it introduces you to unusual situations and fascinating characters. Little did I know that I was doing research. 🙂

By: Eugene Carranco

Eugene Carranco — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 17:55:07 +0000

Good questions