Discrete on what you're writing?

[Dr. Drib]

Originally Posted by VydorScope

OK! I am gonna come clean here... my next book is a about a bunch of characters that go places and do things! There, I have told the world now!

You've just plagiarized me. I'll see you in Court.*


Don
*"Bob's Greasy Greens Court Bar & Grill."

[HistoryWes]

I really like to talk about what I'm writing but few people actually ask me. When they do, and I start to describe the book, I usually find out they were only asking to be polite. This doesn't include my students at school, but they try to get me talking about anything because they know this leaves less time for school work.

[Prestidigitweeze]

It's OK to allude to your book, but the main reason not to tell people the idea (and never ever tell them the title!) is because there are far more writers who are likely to hear you than you might realize, and an amazing number of them (including the famous ones) steal. I've had ideas and titles stolen more often than I want to remember.

[Steven Lyle Jordan]

I was just handed a project, in which idea theft is a real concern: It's a series of short stories for a TV series in development. TV series are regularly copied, stolen from or even sabotaged by the competition, and sometimes undergo major revision and personnel changes. So I've been sworn to secrecy on the subject, at least until it has been either green-lighted or killed. I can't talk about it, even if I want to.

Mildly frustrating, actually.

[Prestidigitweeze]

This is what I'm saying. There's a reason they swear us to secrecy: Talking about it can lead to theft and unhelpful leaks.

As with television shows, so with novels, friends. Keep in mind that you might be telling other people your ideas at your own peril.

Rock bands like to steal titles as well if you're not careful. I've learned that from being a studio musician over the years.

[RobynJane]

Originally Posted by eBooksgp

‘So, what are you writing this time?’

Standard reply: "Another book."

Robyn Jane