Can a writer plagiarize their own work? Because I kinda managed to do that.
It wasn’t a whole story or a premise or a character. It was a short setting description.
I knew the moment I wrote it in my current work-in-progress that I’d written it before. It was a favorite line. Seeing as I probably shouldn’t write the exact description verbatim, I thought to myself, “Self, we should figure out another way to describe this.”
And . . .
I couldn’t.
So, I decided, the hell with it. We’ll just use the same description.
I thought it was funny, so I told a writing partner about it.
Me: I plagiarized myself.
Writing partner: What? How??
Me: *describes it*
WP: Well, I think if you sue yourself, you’ll win.
Writing partner has a point.
So, as it stands, anyone who reads the first book where the description appears and later in the book I’m currently writing might find a self-plagiarized Easter egg. Because I’ve consulted with myself, and we’ve decided not to pursue legal action.
Allison Maruska 
The only problem I see if if earlier you gets angry at later you at some future point, or if an even later-later you tries it, does later you or earlier you get upset? At some point earlier you is gonna feel very used, I’d think.
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Earlier me does all the work and gets no credit. 🙄
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An avid fan will be delighted to recognize the signature connection. Every writer is individual, after all!
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I like that! 😊
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Nothing wrong with re-purposing your own work. Re-writes are typically better than rough drafts! It is, after all, your work! your words… you can use them as many time as you wish!~Kim
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Thanks! I agree. 😊
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ROFL.
Just to be devil’s advocate. Are the two stories linked? And would this line make a reader think the two stories are linked? and would it screw up their reading experience if they did?
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No, they aren’t linked at all. Odds are no one will notice… 👀
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LOL. You tell yourself that if it helps you sleep at night. LOL
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