Have you ever read a book or watched a movie and thought, Wow, I wish I’d thought of that!? Well, you’re not alone.
Every writer, from beginners to seasoned pros, draws inspiration from the works they admire. The secret isn’t copying but ” stealing like a writer.”
What Does It Mean to Steal Like a Writer?
First, let’s address the elephant in the room: plagiarism. Copying someone’s work and passing it off as your own is unethical and can have serious consequences.
But stealing like a writer? That’s different. It’s about recognizing the elements of great writing, borrowing techniques, and transforming them into something fresh and personal. Think of it as a form of creative recycling. You take what works, make it your own, and turn it into something new.
Can Anything Be Truly Original?
Well, not really. No art exists in a vacuum. Every idea comes from somewhere—whether it’s from another story, a life experience, or even a random conversation you overheard at a coffee shop.
Plenty of creative works build on what came before. Even the likes of Shakespeare, Tolkien, Dante, and Verne borrowed heavily from myths, history, and older stories. The magic lies in how you put your unique spin on what inspires you.
How To Steal Like A Writer
Here are some tips on how to steal without getting caught or feeling guilty.
Consume widely and frequently.
Great writers are also great readers. They’re also movie buffs, art lovers, and music fans. Stories aren’t bound to paper.
The more you explore, the deeper your creative well becomes. Inspiration is everywhere, but you need to look for it.
Keep a swipe file.
Ever read a sentence that made you stop and say, Wow? Save it! A swipe file is a collection of quotes, ideas, or snippets that inspire you. Use a notebook, a phone app, or even sticky notes. Over time, you’ll have a treasure trove of creative fuel to draw from.
Break it down.
When a particular passage impresses you, ask yourself why. Was it the sentence structure? Word choice? Dialogue? Vivid descriptions? Figure out the techniques behind it and use them in your work.
Combine ideas.
Many writers have taken from multiple writers and blended their ideas. What would happen if your favorite fairy tale read more like a mystery novel?
Mash-ups can lead to exciting storytelling. Many recent stories are a product of such. Seth Grahame-Smith’s made a career out of it, with Pride and Prejudice and Zombies and Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter.
Make it yours.
Your work won’t stand out if you simply copy things as is. Add your voice, perspective, and experiences to make it personal.
For example, if you love the plot twist of a novel, don’t just recreate it. Think of how you can adapt it to fit your style. Maybe you can change the setting or subvert expectations. That’s how you turn borrowed ideas into something truly yours.
Credit your influences.
If someone’s work directly inspired yours, acknowledge it. In nonfiction, this might mean citing your sources or including a bibliography.
In fiction, it could be a thank-you note in the acknowledgments. Or get creative by sneaking an easter egg into your work. It could be a character name, a setting detail, or a clever line that pays homage to the original work. Writers do it all the time.
Giving credit shows integrity. But it also means you can connect to a larger audience. Readers who recognize your references will feel more drawn to your work.
Why Stealing is a Good Thing
When you “steal” from other writers, you take the pressure off being 100% original. Complete originality is overrated—and it’s impossible. Creativity isn’t about starting from scratch. It’s about finding new ways to use what’s already there.
Even the most “original” works were inspired by something. Every creator builds on ideas that came before, whether they realize it or not.
Take the Hero’s Journey, for example. This classic narrative structure is found in stories like Star Wars and The Lion King. These tales feel fresh and unique because the creators added their own twist, not because they invented the concept.
This principle applies to more than just storytelling—it’s true for everything we humans create. Our knowledge, art, and culture have all grown through borrowing, adapting, and improving on what already exists. It’s how we evolve and how creativity thrives.
How do you steal from other writers? Share your thoughts below!
If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:
- How to Fix or Avoid Passive Voice
- Why You Should Vary Your Sentences
- Why Your Story Shouldn’t Be Too Perfect
- How to Write a Successful Retelling
Cole is a blog writer and aspiring novelist. He has a degree in Communications and is an advocate of media and information literacy and responsible media practices. Aside from his interest in technology, crafts, and food, he’s also your typical science fiction and fantasy junkie, spending most of his free time reading through an ever-growing to-be-read list. It’s either that or procrastinating over actually writing his book. Wish him luck!
