edit: I'll also say that, while I'm not too worried about plagiarizing myself, I am petrified that I might unwittingly plagiarize another author...That I'll have read another piece of fanfic, then at some future point seemingly get a new idea for a story without realizing that I am in fact remembering another author's work. I suppose the solution to this would be not to read any more fanfic, but that strikes me as a bit draconian. Does anyone else have this fear? If so, what do you do about it?
Oh, I think most of us do, Lynn. And I imagine that as a newer author, with more stories out there than I ever had to contend with, it's even more of an issue.
I've known certain authors who refused to read stories with the same theme as a WIP they were working on...just in case.
As you say, it's a difficult paradox. If you avoid reading fanfic in order to avoid the issue, you cut yourself off from a lot of fun.
I don't think there is a solution. I think you just have to wing it and hope for the best really. Beta readers can come in useful here - often pointing out a similarity you've failed to notice. But I'm not sure you can do much else about the risk.
Although, maybe others have found a solution.
LabRat
