When you’re shivering out in the snow, it might feel like all snow is the same. But if you look closely at two snowflakes, they are different from each other. Each snowflake is unique, and that’s amazing.
It’s the same with the stories we write. We may feel like we are writing the same story as someone else, like our story has been done before. But that’s not true. Your story is as unique as you are.
Have you ever sat with a group of friends, where one person is sharing a struggle, and everyone else is offering support? While the advice offered may be similar, if you pay close attention, you’ll hear the distinctions. Each person offers helpful words from their own perspective and experience. If the friend is smart, she’ll listen to all versions. Each has unique value.
That’s how readers will feel about your story. Even if they’ve read something similar, they will be interested in your perspective, filtered through your heart and illustrated with your experiences.
I will often read multiple books on the same topic. Why? Because if I’m interested in that topic, I want to get as many perspectives and examples as I can. I want to be encouraged in different ways, layer upon layer.
Then there’s the one story that really hits home. I like them all, but I connect with that one. The author offers something that resonates particularly with me. Your story will have the same effect on people. Yours will be the version that somebody needs most.
Writers often get stuck, thinking their story has already been written, so why tell it again? But the truth is, your story hasn’t been written till you write it. Just like no one else can bless the world the way you can, no one else can tell your story. It’s uniquely yours, and it’s your unique gift to the world and to your readers.
I’ve seen this with writing prompts. A room filled with writers can all begin with the same writing prompt. When they are done, their stories are vastly different. Two writers can even sit down, trying to write the same story, and they won’t be able to. Each story will be unique.
I laugh as I remember an assignment I gave to my writing lab students years ago. They were placed in groups and asked to come up with a group story idea. Then each student would contribute a part.
Well, three of my ninth graders came up with a story idea for their group, or so they thought. After weeks spent developing their project, they discovered they were telling different stories and had to find a creative way to merge them.
It was a humorous moment. One student was writing the perspective of one cartoon-type character, while another student wrote about a different character, both on the same journey. The third student was writing a hilarious documentary of the other students’ writing process.
On that discovery day, she wrote, “My two fellow students just realized they are supposed to be writing the same story. They’ve gone so far with their cartoon characters that they forgot what the story was about.”
Their story might have made no sense in the end. But they all received an A for creativity and were published in the school magazine. The suggestion was made that they apply for creative jobs at Pixar when they grew up. To this day, I go back and read their story for a smile.
I share this to say even two students who tried to write the same story could not. Why not? Because they were unique, so the story each one told was unique. Their work was endearing because of it.
Let that encourage you to write the story that’s on your heart. Readers are waiting for your story. It’ll bring them hope and perspective they haven’t found anywhere else. Your story will connect with them in a way no other story can. They will be grateful.
Your story is as unique as you are, so write it and share it. Take a step toward writing this week: Jot down some ideas of the story you want to write. Don’t worry if something similar has been written before. Just write ideas of the story you’re going to tell, in your voice, in your style, with your heart.
Next week, write a little more. And so on. That’s how the writing journey goes, one unique snowflake at a time.
Janet Eriksson 