How a Writer Can Stop People from Sharing Their Ideas

Published February 26, 2009 | By M. Lori Motley

If you call yourself a writer, you will understand the problem written of in this article. It all starts out innocently enough. You are at a party and someone asks what you do.
"I’m a writer," you say.
There is one overwhelming response. "Oh," the other person responds with wonder. "I have this great idea for a book!"

And the rest of your evening is ruined.

Why Do People Feel the Need to Share Their Ideas?

What is it that makes people want to share their ideas with writers? A large part seems to be a person’s own quest for immortality. Many consider the arts to be a way of preserving yourself forever. If only their story can be written by a real writer!

Of course, some people share their ideas because they are trying to be helpful. Whatever the great idea is, they are sure it is an important or entertaining tale to be told. They think they are doing a favor for both the writer and the public.