Hello guys! 
So, I feel like this topic isn’t brought up a lot which is, taking inspiration from other stories.
I think that every author takes inspiration (myself included), either from books, series, movies, which is of course totally normal! You would be an absolute genius if you come up with a whole plot by yourself ksjdkjs 
But sometimes, people take inspiration too far, which may lead to plagiarism.
And this is what I’ll be talking about! 
Firstly, what exactly is the difference between inspiration and Plagiarism?
-Inspiration is a feeling of enthusiasm you get from someone or something, which gives you new and creative ideas. (Taken directly from google).
So with that being said, you’ll get new and original ideas to add to that inspiration!
-Copying or Plagiarism: Making a similar or identical version of something.
Because we’re talking about stories here, having a similar or identical plot with the same characters etc… is considered plagiarism.
So, how can you avoid this?
-
Create characters with different goals, hobbies, personalities…
This is a game changer to your plot, characters having different hobbies may lead to the MC and LI to meet in a different way. Characters with different personalities will lead to different reactions in some situations, so you get the point! -
Add plot twists.
Let’s say you like the drama in a specific story, I’ll give an example:
A detective is sent on a mission to investigate a murder, she meets the killer and has to continue the mission to take information from him, but then they start to catch feelings for each other, and then he finds out that she’s a detective and it was a play all along.
Instead of him finding out in the end, how about him knowing she’s a detective all along and he’s the one who was fooling her?
Remember to add some of your own ideas in, as it will still sound similar to the original plot!
As I previously stated, inspiration is adding your own and creative ideas to whatever you’re inspired of. -
Include other genres.
Let’s say the original plot is a drama/romance, add some comedy in there! Maybe some fiction! It can create a lot of new ideas which will help in creating your own story!! -
Mix different plots together.
Taking ideas here and there (with adding your own ideas in of course) will definitely help. Unrelated but the same goes to artists, taking references here and there will help creating your own art piece!
That’s all I have for now! If you guys have anything to add, please let me know! If anyone disagrees with this topic, also let me know as my intention is to help not to spread bad advice!
Have an awesome day/night! 
