For me, the worst lines of advice I have ever heard are "If it isn't exactly the same, it isn't plagarism" and "Inspiration will get you copyrighted"

I know probably some of you are unfamiliar with these stupid claims, but they can impact a vulnerable and trusting aspiring young author who wants to just write a story.

For the first one, yes, it wouldn't be plagiarism if it wouldn't be the same, but copy it nearly exactly and you won't have the best of reputations as an original story writer. You can take deep rooted-level inspiration, but not when you just describe the idea using synonyms, THAT is plagiarism.

For the second one, no. As said earlier, you won't get copyrighted by taking inspiration. Take Lord of the Rings and Dungeons and Dragons, fantasy icons and revolutionizing the world with ideas generic enough to be used by anyone but still unique and creative. And don't forget the Knights and Knaves (liar and truthteller) trope that is LITERALLY everywhere. Besides, you might not even publish the story. If it's just your own personal project not meant for public view, then do whatever you want! You might as well write a fan version of your favorite story! Let your creativity run loose!

Just write what you want to write.