No matter what idea a writer comes up with for a novel, its probably not a new idea. With thousands, if not millions, of novels in print, someone has most likely used the plot. In fact, the most popular events from history, fantasy, and any other genre have been used more than once. The difference is the point of view or new twist put on those old plots. Every writer views life from their own set of personal beliefs and experiences. Old stories gain new life because they're being told through fresh eyes.
     There are two sides to every story. Store bookshelves are full of novels about various wars, the "wild west", or the power of corporate America. The largest percentage of these are written from the male perspective. Twist the plot by viewing those events or situations through the eyes of a woman. What appears great to men can seem quite horrible to a woman and vice versa. In most crime novels, the police or detectives view the crime from a strictly legal point of view although they may sometimes ignore proper procedure in order to solve a crime. In my novels, Jake views crime through both the legal system and his personal set of values, which just happen to be based on some of my own moral code.
     Another way to approach the often used plot in a new way is to write from experience. Many of the best novels are entirely or partly based on real life events or situations. Living through a natural disaster can be an easy thing to do if you're physically fit. On the other hand, it would be much more difficult to escape the storm and its aftermath if you're partially paralyzed. Only someone who has spent time confined to a wheelchair can really know the challenges in such a situation. Tell a story in which the hero must overcome some disability or phobia in order to survive.
     Use a combination of points of view. Instead of the main character telling the entire story, let the other characters have a voice. One person can only guess at another person's motivation for their actions and that guess can often be wrong. By alternating points of view, the entire story can be told and readers come to their own conclusions as to who's right or wrong.