Turning Your Life Story Into Fiction...?????

[Sheri Liegh Adams]

Okay, how does a person write a book in the form of fiction that reflects their own life? I'm thinking of the old show THE WALTON'S. I know it is a fiction show, but I like the way it was done.
Another sample is Lucy Maud Montgomery's trilogy of EMILY books. I read them and as I read them, the urge to write flared in me. I just am not sure how to do it. I know what I want to write, but not all of it is pleasant about some of the people I know..ie, family. I don't want to create any problems with family etc., and yet there may be none. Any ideas/tips?

Sheri Adams

[William Butler]

One of the advantages of working with fiction is that you have no obligation to speak nothing but the truth. In fact, when you decide to write "fact-based-fiction", you're using the real-life instances as a framework and catalyst rather than an outline. It gives you the freedom to elaborate on characters and situations where you, in real life, wouldn't have the insight into a situation or a persons thoughts.

If a person, in real life, is gruff (or even down right wicked) you have the ability with fiction to smooth out the rough edges and make them a more likeable character. If a situation was really embarrassing to a certain person or group of people, you get to change the names, the setting, and even the actual people involved.

If you've been writing for any length of time, you've probably heard the adage, "write what you know". The model you present is the ultimate opportunity to do just that. Just be sure to be considerate of other people's feelings and then have a ball.

[Sheri Liegh Adams]

Thank you so much! What you said made so much sense and it really did open my eyes to see how I could write so the people I was worried of hurting could be used and yet made to look totally different. I NEVER thought of using that approach. You are very wise and I very much appreciate your advice. Now I just have to jot down what I want to write and then well, type away! Mind you, I'll have to do something with my cat...he has a tendency to interrupt lol.

Sheri

[Emily Bryan]

One solution might be to set your story in another time and place. The character types may be the same, but there's less chance crotchety old Uncle Mortimer will recognize himself if he's a knight's lackey.

Personally, I've never modeled any of my characters on any one human being. They are all conglomerates. It's safer.

Emily