“What if my story has already been told?”
“Is this too generic?”
“Children have already heard this story before…what difference will mine make?”
Sound familiar? These questions have likely crossed your mind at some point—and for good reason. As authors, we want to write something that sticks with children and inspires them. But sometimes that nagging voice of doubt has a way of creeping in: This is too generic. It’s been done. It won’t sell.
Here’s the thing: “The wheel has already been invented. It’s up to you to decide if it rolls, spins, or flies.”
The fear of your story feeling “too generic” is normal, especially when you want your book to sell and connect with readers. But originality isn’t about reinventing the wheel, it’s about putting your unique perspective on it. Let’s look at the truth behind originality, why familiar stories still resonate with children, and how to put a fresh spin on a tale that’s already been told.
“Too Generic” is a Myth
Write this on a sticky note so you remember: Embrace individuality over originality.
Think about it: Is there really such a thing as a completely “original” idea? Every concept, every story, every inspiration borrows something from what came before it.
If you were to take a stroll through a bookstore right now and look specifically for children’s books with mice, you might be surprised at the number of books you find. Seriously, if you don’t believe me, do a quick Google search for “picture books with mice” and you’ll see exactly what I mean.
Yet, all of these books manage to get published. Not only that—they’re selling well enough to earn their spots on bookstore shelves.
Why? Because it’s not just about your idea (although that’s important, too). It’s about your voice, your spin, and your take on a story.
My advice? Be you and be authentic.
Dr Seuss said it best: “Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” Forget the myth of being “too generic” and focus on bringing yourself to the page.
Why Familiar Never Goes Out of Style
Familiar stories aren’t retold because they lack originality.
They’re told because they carry truths that never fade.
Let’s talk about the tale of Cinderella. It’s a story that has been told, retold, reimagined, and remade countless times. In fact, there are believed to be over 800 versions of Cinderella from cultures around the world! Isn’t that amazing? I have to believe it’s because each version brings something unique, offering fresh perspectives, and giving every child a chance to see themselves reflected in the story.
But it’s not just familiar stories that captivate us—it’s familiar characters, too. Think about the animal characters that show up in countless picture books. Children are naturally drawn to what feels familiar and safe, and animals often provide that.
Familiar stories and characters remind us, no matter where we are from, that we all share similar human emotions. We yearn for things like love, understanding, and purpose—whether that’s told through the lens of a hardworking mouse or a kind hearted princess.
That’s why we often see familiar themes like friendship, kindness, belonging, and bravery found in children’s books again and again. These ideas never go out of style because they speak to what makes us human—and they keep us coming back to the stories we love.
Let’s Look at Successful Examples:
The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch flips the classic trope of “a princess trapped in a castle waiting for a righteous knight” on its head. In this story, it’s the princess who must save the prince—and along the way, she learns to stand up for herself.
Marsupial Sue by Jack E. Davis is a story with a familiar message about accepting who you are and loving yourself, but through the eyes of an unexpected narrator: a kangaroo.
The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt is a story that takes the familiar trope of inanimate objects coming to life (think, Toy Story) and makes it hilariously original. This tale has a fresh spin because the crayons break the fourth wall to complain about their working conditions directly to their young owner.
Three Ways to Put a Fresh Spin on Your Story
When you let go of the pressure that you must create something completely original, then you are free to focus on what makes your version special. If the fear of your story feeling “too generic” is holding you back, here are three simple ways to give it a fresh spin:
1. Write Like You Talk
A writer’s voice, tone, and style is what makes a story distinct. Think about an author whose work you enjoy. What is it about them that makes you eager to pick up their latest book? It’s most likely not what they say, but how they say it that keeps you engaged.
So, how do you refine your voice to be that author for children? Write like you talk. Even if you start by typing on the keyboard without thinking about grammar or structure. Trying to sound like someone else or forcing yourself into a style you think you should have leads to burn out quickly. Believe that your voice is your signature and that it is too special to be replicated or replaced.
2. Draw From Your Own Life Experience
Consider writing about a lesson or moment that made a mark on your life. Maybe it was the first time you visited a new state or country. Or maybe it was when you made your first friend at a new school. Sure, writing a story about traveling or making friends won’t certainly be the first of its kind, but the way you experienced it—the feelings, the perspective, the details? That’s what makes it special. Let your personal experiences be infused into the way you tell your story—even if it is within a familiar framework.
3. Think About the Message You Wish You Had Heard as a Child
What’s a message you wish someone had told you when you were younger? Use this to craft your story! Because often, the message we wish to share with readers is the very reason we started writing in the first place.
When you write from what’s on your heart, you naturally connect with your story on a deeper level, and that connection elevates your writing in authentic ways. After all, how could your story ever feel generic when it’s told through such a unique perspective—yours?
Whether you need the reminder that it's okay to be different or to stand up for something that isn’t right, you’re not just writing for yourself anymore; you’re writing for every child who might need to hear your exact words today.
There is a Right Reader for Your Book
Don’t let the fear of writing a “generic” story stop you. Your message, your characters, your dialogue—it could be exactly what a young reader is waiting for. So, instead of worrying about what’s been done before, focus on what only you can bring to paper—individuality. The next time you find yourself worrying that your story has “already been told,” just remember: it hasn’t been told by you.
Keep writing–it might just be your voice that changes the way someone sees the world.
Move Forward with Confidence and Clarity
If you’ve ever felt stuck in the book-writing process, questioning your next step, or letting self-doubt hold you back, it’s time to change that. With the right support, you can bring your story to life. Our Children’s Book Masterclass is here to guide you every step of the way. This self-paced, 10-week course is your roadmap to writing, editing, illustrating, and launching your children’s book.
Gain the confidence with CBM to finally share your story with the world.
I believe in you!