Summary

The article advocates for the value of "stealing" from established works as a means to enhance one's writing skills, emphasizing that effective writing often involves borrowing and reinterpreting successful patterns and styles from the past.

Abstract

The essay "Why Thieves Make the Best Writers" challenges the conventional wisdom that prizes originality above all else in creative endeavors. It argues that writers can liberate themselves from the burden of constant uniqueness by learning to effectively "steal" from the right sources. The author illustrates how the music industry thrives on familiar chord progressions that resonate with audiences, suggesting that writers too can find success by tapping into patterns that appeal to universal human psychology. The concept of "pastiche" is highlighted through the example of Quentin Tarantino, who synthesized various cinematic influences to forge his distinctive style. The article encourages writers to engage in copy work to internalize the subtleties of admired works and to study the classics to understand enduring literary techniques. It posits that by standing on the shoulders of giants, writers can innovate within the constraints of language and contribute meaningfully to their craft.

Opinions

Originality is not the sole measure of value in creative work; effective borrowing and reinterpretation are also crucial.
Familiarity in art, such as recurring chord progressions in music, is comforting to audiences and can lead to commercial success.
Creativity is unpredictable, and presenting old ideas in new ways can be a more reliable approach in artistic industries.
The practice of "pastiche" allows for the creation of novel works by combining existing influences, as demonstrated by Quentin Tarantino's filmmaking.
Copy work is recommended as a method for writers to absorb and understand the stylistic nuances of successful authors.
Reading and analyzing the works of literary masters can provide insights into effective writing techniques that have stood the test of time.
Innovation in writing, as in science, often builds upon established principles and knowledge rather than striving for complete originality.
Writers should focus on the dedication to their craft and the process of writing, rather than obsessing over the immediate outcomes of their work.
Passion and persistent effort in writing can lead to moments of inspiration and significant breakthroughs.

Why Thieves Make the Best Writers

Parents, teachers, and even God himself have cautioned us: Don’t steal! Here’s a twist: Steal from the right people, and only what is valuable.

Creative minds often stumble over the idea that their work must embody ‘originality’ to hold value.

I wish to dispel our restrictive obsession with originality; embracing the art of effective stealing can be liberating for a writer. This isn’t a call for plagiarism but a practical approach to avoid the undue burden of always having to be entirely unique in writing.

It Starts With Psychology

‘I have never in my life attempted to compose anything original.’

— Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Do you know why modern pop music, vile and uninspiring as it is, manages to be so commercially successful year after year?

Because the industry relies on human psychology to guarantee a constant stream of revenue. There is no guesswork in the music industry. They’ve conducted tests and studies to know what will rake in the cash. The majority of songs that line the top charts today use the same few chord progressions to create a sense of familiarity with the masses.

In other words, familiarity begets comfort. The brain loves novelty, but it appreciates order and safety above anything else.

Creativity, however, is unpredictable and chaotic

An original work can either succeed or fail, possibly alienating a segment of the target audience. Thus, creativity is not a reliable business model in the music industry.

In understanding this, the big challenge lies in presenting old things in new ways and recognising the patterns contributing to effective writing. For instance, in fiction, the most prevalent pattern is the hero’s journey. In advertising, essential elements include product placement and capturing the audience’s attention. Blogs often rely on concise and easily digestible structures to cater to our internet-fried attention spans.

In essence, despite evolving cultural norms, the human brain remains constant. Strategies effective generations ago continue to be effective today, though the mediums have evolved.

Steal Like a Pro

‘Good artists copy, great artists steal.’

— Pablo Picasso

Consider ‘pastiche’, a French term referring to an artistic amalgamation where imitation intersects with innovation, creating something novel.

Quentin Tarantino exemplifies this, merging varied cinematic influences and cultivating a rich, ‘original’ style. He never attended film school but was self-educated during his younger days while working as a movie clerk in a video store. He watched anything and everything available to him, and thus became known for having an almost encyclopedic knowledge of film.

He once said in an interview, ‘I steal from every single movie ever made.’

Pretty bold, Quentin!

To kickstart your career as a bona fide thief, embrace the practice of copy work

Begin by hand-writing passages from works you deeply admire, replicating each word with care and precision.

This practice nurtures appreciation and understanding, allowing the subtleties and nuances of the style to be absorbed and internalised. Copywork is best practised with pen and paper; writing by hand enables the brain to pick up more of the stylistic nuances and structural features of the composition.

As the saying goes, ‘God is in the details,’ and regular copy work exercises unveil the vitality that gave birth to those esteemed masterpieces of literature.

Go ahead, and pick up a classic

Immerse yourself in work that has withstood the test of time. Ernest Hemingway is a good starting point with his brief yet punchy sentences.

H.P. Lovecraft, a literary genius in his own right, offers an insightful suggestion: ‘An excellent habit to cultivate is the analytical study of the King James Bible. For simple, yet rich and forceful English, this masterly production is hard to equal.’

To steal effectively, delve deeply into the works of the masters. Read between the lines and strive to reinterpret their brilliance with your unique flavour. By doing this, you’ll capture the essence of their work, and over time, contribute meaningfully to the craft.

Borrowing from the masters is not an act to be frowned upon

Their success speaks for itself and should be reason enough for us to imitate their methods. After all, they too recognised the merit in embracing what works.

So, be pragmatic.

If something proves effective, leverage it to its utmost potential.

Innovate Like a Mad Man!

‘If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.’

— Isaac Newton

Consider this: Beyond creative realms, the quest for originality doesn’t hold as much weight

Take scientists — they value contributions that edge humanity closer to undiscovered truths rather than the sheer novelty of their studies. Science flourishes on established principles, continuously refined over centuries.

Writing, too, melds science with art. History and research guide us, pinpointing what resonates and what falls flat. Techniques of style, punctuation, grammar — we are bound by the language that we use. To be truly original, one would strive to invent entire lexicons.

Given these foundations, we see that understanding the constraints and the expansive potentials of language shapes our own expressions. Such knowledge paves the way for informed creativity.

But excellence isn’t stumbled upon — it is a cultivated, earned achievement

‘Your right is to perform your duty only, but never to its fruits. Let not the fruits of action be your motive, nor let your attachment be to inaction.’

— Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 2, Verse 47

Ancient wisdom suggests focusing on the dedication to work, rather than solely on the fruits it bears. Such an approach fosters commitment, reflected in the quality and impact of one’s creations.

Beyond mere effort lies a fundamental truth

Passion fuels persistent pursuit, and in that relentless journey, inspiration strikes, uncovering groundbreaking paths, until, one day, an apple falls from a tree and bonks you on the head.

In closing, embrace practical wisdom: Steal, but with discernment and respect; quit obsessing over originality; immerse yourself in your craft, allowing innovation to blossom naturally.

Optimism remains our best friend on this fulfilling journey.

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