An Ode to Unoriginality
Thoughts on being influenced, artificial intelligence, and the ever-elusive muse
In tenth grade, I reposted a quote on my artfully curated feed: “I am an amalgamation of every girl I ever thought was cool.” Although the quote is silly and the days of reposting Tumblr blogs are long out of trend, the sentence has always hit home. I am an amalgamation of every girl I ever thought was cool.
I copied my old boss’ work attire piece for piece because I thought she looked so put-together and chic (to the point where we showed up at the airport in the exact same outfit). In middle school, I wanted to work as a detective for the NYPD when I grew up because I wanted to be just as smart and badass as Kate Beckett’s character on the show “Castle.” I started this newsletter because a writer I admired was starting one. I have stolen much of my personality from my father, taken my taste from my mother, attempted to cultivate a sense of humor from a family friend, and have built much of my writing style and language from reading my roster of idolized ITG and BA editors. I am largely made up of people I love and admire.
The saying “imitation is the highest form of flattery” was drilled into me at an early age, which is interesting to me because imitation is how humans become individuals in the world. Watching little kids mirror those around them is captivating, especially as they come to understand what they like based on the trial and error of their mimicry. Imitating others is how we form opinions, find our taste, and ultimately piece together what kind of person we want to be. I used to get frustrated when an idea or concept of mine was stolen or played upon by a friend or some hapless mortal who happened to enact an idea before I got around to it, but though it took time for me to accept, there is a profound difference in copying and imitating — the former is when you claim an idea as your own and present it as such, and the latter is more of a grey area of limited accreditation and inspiration.
When it comes to certain things (reading suggestions, recipes to try, anything recommended by Martha Stewart) I will gladly admit that I am easily influenced. I once read that influence is based largely on trust and having faith that someone won’t lead you astray with their suggestion. In the digital and social age, this is augmented by the near-constant barrage of ads and carefully curated content, but there is often genuine intention if you’re willing to look harder for it in the real world. For example, some of the best decisions I have ever made were influenced by teachers; I likely wouldn’t be at St Andrews without a comment a teacher made to me on a trip to London, I largely credit my third-grade teachers with my desire to be a writer in some capacity, and I can think of countless other examples in which these educators I trusted and looked up to influenced me to make major life choices. Influence can come from anywhere, but it’s up to us to align it with our perception of ourselves when it comes to putting it into practice. In this way, I find being unoriginal is the stepping stone to being true to self, at least in some capacity.
I have been thinking a lot about the artificial originality of AI recently, especially in conversation with friends, many of whom are graduating and looking towards a job market that may be dominated by computers sooner or later. There has been a massive upswing in artificially produced work beyond just essays or projects in AI-generated art, from visual art to literary art. This has caused me to consider “what makes human writing worth reading,” as the New York Times so bluntly asks it, and why the sheer scope of an AI’s abilities and intelligence is not only slightly scary but voids the sensitivity in art.
To me, there is absolutely nothing vulnerable about a robot baring its (metaphorical) soul to the world, because AI takes no risks when it writes — it has nothing to lose, no family who might disown it, no audience whose mockery or dissatisfaction will have any real consequences on it. People who make art take risks when they enter their creations into the world, and that’s not something I believe AI will ever have to take into consideration. Not all AI is evil; it pushes the envelope on what we consider original work, but it’s essential to remember that originality isn’t everything, and intention is.
As far as inspiration goes, consider AI’s lack of a “muse” when it constructs, where one could argue that this traditional form of inspiration is simply replaced by a catalog of vast knowledge. While recognizing not every person needs a muse just to create something, I think as creatives, so many of us generate inspiration from moments or minutiae we witness, an emotional reaction that AI doesn’t have the capability to recognize. Possessing all the knowledge in the world would not make us better writers; I would argue that it’s what we don’t know, the things we seek to better understand through writing, that make something worth reading.
On a lighter note, it also begs the question: where is the romance in the robotic? It’s a terribly typical interrogation from someone devoted to print, but a hard copy, penned by an author and brought to publication by tens of others, is ultimately more meaningful if only because of how many human experiences went into its production. Those professionals do not contain all of the knowledge to ever exist, just a seriously comprehensive knowledge of beta readers and margin spacing. There is some small comfort in knowing that the work I hold in my hands was written and re-written by someone with a life completely different from mine, with experiences I will only ever get close to through reading their words.
“All creative work builds on what came before.” What a lovely sentiment to take with us into an age where technology is constantly pushing the boundaries of what has come before. This seems like such an ideal way to approach the idea of imitation and influence through recognizing the concept of building on, not stealing from. I marvel at how much I soak up from the writers I read, the friends I surround myself with, the people at my dinner table. Nothing may be original, but nothing is really exhausted, either. There are a thousand splendid spinoffs to every great idea, passing thought, pipe dream. I love being unoriginal because it means I carry parts of my favorite people with me, and as the years go on, I simply remind myself to intentionally build on these elements, and give credit where credit is due.
I recently started a new job as an intern for Witherspoon Media Group, which publishes Princeton Magazine and Princeton’s print newspaper, Town Topics. I’ll be working primarily with the newspaper in the editorial department, which means I proofread, edit, and work with InDesign to format pages, as well as work with their website and online archives. I’ll also work some with their ad and sales team, and will hopefully get published by the end of the summer, which is kind of the goal! I wasn’t planning on working in news journalism this summer but here we are, and I’m very excited to learn from their team!
This month was an absolute literary goldmine. Returning to my bookshelf is really the mark of coming home for the summer and I never read more than I do between May and August. Seeing my taste develop through the books on my shelf and the tens of books on my side table to-be-read stack puts me at ease.
Starting strong with Writers & Lovers by Lily King, this book became wildly special to me. One of the easiest five stars I have ever given a book and is just near to my heart. A book about grief and love and writing, it was so far from the lost 20-something writer in NYC trope I traditionally resent and it took a couple of chapters for me to fall into Casey’s world, but when I did I fell hard. And it has a truly joyous ending, which I really needed. There are so many sentences I underlined and pages I dog-eared.
Trust by Heron Diaz won the Pulitzer the same week it became available at my library, so huge win there. Trust is so complicated to explain because its narrative structure is incredibly unique, utilizing a kind of story-within-a-story-within-a-story type of thing. It’s about the financial world in the 1920s and the ending is honestly brilliant.
How best to write about Emily St. John Mandel’s most recent release, Sea of Tranquility? I generally praise Mandel like it’s my full-time job, but wow, this book. The way everything comes together and the way the storylines fray into each other is never overtly shocking yet still makes my breath catch when I realize what’s happening. I just kind of live inside Mandel’s books when I’m reading; her writing is, to me, perfect. Her portrayal of humanity and the way she constructs the real world is so grounded but somehow hovers just below the plane of magic — I hesitate to categorize this as science-fiction because it’s not written like that, but it flips back and forth between people living in the 1910s, 2020s, and 2300s yet never forces the reader to understand unnecessary backstory or world-building. I may just be deeply devoted to everything Mandel writes, but if you’re going to read anything this summer, it needs to be this book.
What We Talk About When We Talk About Love by Raymond Carver. I’ve read some of Carver’s stories before, both in writing classes and for pleasure, and would agree that he’s one of the greats in contemporary short stories. A short story genius and a good reminder of how impactful the middle-class domestic vignette can be.
I bought Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell at an airport kiosk last winter, got halfway through, then forgot it at home over the semester. A good read, but appropriate for an airport skim.
Infinite Country by Patricia Engle has a cool cover and was recommended by several editors I follow, so I picked it up and read it on my flight. A moving, timely story about a family struggling to exist across the border. The descriptions of Columbia are truly gorgeous.
Probably the best thing I did this past month was go into the city to see A Doll’s House on Broadway, starring Jessica Chastain. I love the playwright Henrik Ibsen and his play Hedda Gabler used to fascinate me, so I read A Doll’s House and it was remarkably relevant despite its 1879 publication date. The actual show was beyond incredible; Jessica Chastain is a literal powerhouse and I’m calling a Tony Awards sweep (they’re nominated for six). True to form, I stood outside of the stage door to meet Jessica Chastain and some of the leads, and she was lovely, as was her red hair.
The vegetable garden is in full swing which means we’re nearing the time of year when the farm is practically self-sufficient. Radishes are one of my favorites and they grow quickly enough that planting a seed after I pluck one from the ground will yield a whole new row not long after! Though there’s some debate over radish and butter sandwiches, I love them. I use mom’s fresh sourdough, high-quality butter, Maldon sea salt, some pepper, and a little squeeze of lemon. I’ve also added arugula before, and I’ve heard that some people like to add anchovies as well. The perfect summer snack! I also found this delightful excerpt from a cookbook where the author mentions that one person believed radishes were best enjoyed moments after harvesting; if left too long, the soul of the radish (his words, not mine) would fly up to heaven. This is the type of cooking lore I deeply love.
I made a burnt Basque cheesecake for the first time, which was mostly a success but not any better than your traditional New York style, as this one is much airier and eggier. Glad I made it but I will probably try a NY-style one next. I used the great Molly Baz’s recipe on Bon Appetit, and according to a post I saw, you know it’s perfect when the top looks like a worn leather wallet. Mine looked kind of like a leather wallet caught in a house fire, but at least it tasted good!
After passing its down-the-block line all the time while walking to work last summer, I finally made it to Bubby’s. A restaurant in Tribeca that specializes in pancakes, Bubby’s has the best branding and wonderful vibes. Mom and I both got pancake variations (I got the ‘flight’ which was three different kinds of pancakes and I think I only made it about halfway through) and they were simply superb. I love breakfast restaurants with my whole soul.
I recently celebrated a friend’s 21st birthday at Stella in New Hope; it’s part of the Ghost Light Inn and right on the water. They have a seasonal menu (always a fan) and I honestly had the most amazing meal. I got the salmon on jasmine rice with coconut curry and shrimp, stir-fried english and sugar snap peas, and ninja radishes (they’re purple!). It was phenomenal. This was enjoyed alongside a ‘Run it Back,’ which was a gin cocktail with strawberry gin, pink peppercorn, and a kind of strawberry foam on top that I will be attempting to recreate. 11/10 restaurant, I highly recommend it!
Lastly, for some food-related journalism, we were out to dinner at a restaurant a couple of weeks ago that had permanently implemented QR code menus, initiating a conversation on how much we resented that it had kind of transferred over from Covid times. I saw this NYT Cooking article about how it’s a commonly held opinion that online menus need to go (why would we encourage something that only makes it easier for us to be on phones during mealtime?), and I thought it was compelling.
My dad is the Foo Fighters’ biggest fan, much like I am Rush’s, except his choice awards him with continuous shows and festival appearances, while mine retired from their touring days about a decade ago. To be fair, I did go to the R40 tour, and let me just say 13-year-old Grace may have been the only little girl in attendance, but she was not the only one with a ponytail…
I have been listening to the Foo Fighters’ new album and the released pre-tour session with their new drummer, Josh Freese, who absolutely rocks. It was then that I became severely obsessed with the song ‘Aurora,’ originally off of the album There is Nothing Left to Lose. All of the live versions I’ve listened to have been much better than the studio version, in my opinion, with the pre-tour version being the best of all. ‘Show Me How’ off of their upcoming album, But Here We Are, is also very good — I’m digging the more mellow Foo stuff.
Other song fixations have been ‘In the Meantime’ by Spacehog, which I have been playing literally as loud as it will go. I had completely forgotten about this mid-90s banger and have had it on repeat for weeks.
I love Fleetwood Mac for their truly evergreen presence in my life. As someone who associates almost all ages, moments, and high/low moments in life with specific music, Fleetwood Mac may harken back to the most. I can remember my obsession with Stevie Nicks and AHS Coven, my time harvesting herbs and spending every moment in the woods month in peak quarantine, my summer of catering gigs and long drives through Lambertville abusing my Subaru speakers, the spring of my sophomore year when we would watch surfers on East Sands and my window was open for eight weeks straight. They are my default for any occasion, my go-to when I’m asked to handle aux on the patio or when I can’t decide on what I’m in the mood for. A mix of songs by Fleetwood Mac and Fleet Foxes, my Merlin/Trader Joe’s Wine playlist usually hits the spot.
On Being with Krista Tippett. This is one of the best podcasts I have ever listened to, especially considering it features so many episodes with poets, authors, activists, and interesting people I admire. It won a National Humanities Medal in 2014, and President Obama said Krista was “thoughtfully delving into the mysteries of human existence. On the air and in print, Ms. Tippett avoids easy answers, embracing complexity and inviting people of every background to join her conversation about faith, ethics, and moral wisdom.” I particularly enjoy the episode with John O’Ddonohue, an Irish poet, theologian, and philosopher.
Oribe Supershine Moisturizing Cream. I have never encountered a post-blowout cream quite as luxurious as this. The scent is definitely its best feature, as I kind of wish they made perfume in that scent, but it also makes my hair ultra sleek and shiny, which is a feat in and of itself. Sometimes I’ll put on a tiny bit before I have to go out if my bedhead is particularly devastating that morning.
Roller Rabbit Hearts Pajamas. These pink pajamas from Roller Rabbit are my favorite summer PJs. I will wear long pants and long sleeves regardless of the heat level, but these are super light and remind me of padding outside to the patio just after waking up, when it’s not too hot and I can still have a cup of coffee without overheating. Easy to shove in a weekend beach bag, they’re preppy and sweet!
How we spend mornings, afternoons, and evenings on the patio in June.
With a coffee, still in pajamas, early in the morning.
With a fire in the fireplace, post-dinner drinks, and a quilt or two.
Putting homemade pizzas together, running back and forth to the pizza oven, eating as they’re ready.
With family friends, too much food, celebrating graduation.
Bundling lavender, cutting peonies, weeding for eternity.
Napping on the couch, sleeping for too long, waking up to a sunburn.
With Fleetwood Mac on the speaker system, playing frisbee, riling up the dog.
With the movie screen set up, an 80s movie, and sour candy.
With a dinner entirely from the garden, perfect dusk, and the promise of an 8 o’clock ice cream run.
Thank you for reading this month! It’s so nice to be home and to fall back into routine here on the farm. Summer is usually when I shift into work and fall-off-the-face-of-the-earth mode, which makes for uneventful monthly recaps and instead allows me lots of time to reflect on some more abstract topics, but I kind of love when I get to semi-incoherently ramble on. Summer is here and the days of well structured essays are over. Happy June!
I sometimes post on Instagram @gracerobrts!
My Goodreads is here and I am always looking for reading recommendations.
My Apple Music is @gracecroberts, where my playlists are regularly updated and cared for.
If you should need to contact me for any other reason, or just want to say hi, my email is gracecroberts@gmail.com, and my inbox is always in need of some extra love.
See you next month!
Sincerely yours,
Grace
Keep going Grace. Great stuff.
WOOOOOOO