Facts vs Fiction

[Joanne Cole - Boyse]

Hi Everyone,
I really wasn't sure who to direct this query to, so have decided perhaps the Round Table was a good place to throw it around. I have been back and forth, on and off my first novel which is completed, sort of, but still needs lots of editing. My main query is this ... If my story is fictional, how important is it to still be factual in the main body with circumstances surrounding various characters and especially my MC?? She is a kidnap victim who finds herself on a small plane with her kidnappers, enroute across the country to an unknown destination. Fact: the small aircraft is downed in a severe storm and crashes. Question therefore is ... I feel I need to research the segment concerning the plane itself, as far as closer distription of flying distance and potential stop for refueling, etc ... should these details be thorough in truth and fact, to carry the story along into its next chapter? I have struggled with this for some time. I think I have answers (factually) to carry it through, but unsure if it is enough. How does one know where to filter fact into fiction? My muse tells me one thing, yet I still hesitate whether to follow and say, "that is enough; that will do." Hmm, if this has made any sense, is there any real answers out there?

[Chiron O'Keefe]

Hi Joanne,

In one of my other writer groups, NY Times bestselling author, Allison Brennan responded to a similar question.

In her book she had a scenario where the killer planned to kill his victim on a live satellite feed over the internet. She talked to a computer security expert
about how to track web cam feeds. Got tons of info. He sent her twenty pages of techno-speak. She cut it down to two pages where the expert heroine explains to the non-expert hero the low-down. She decided two pages was long and boring and ended up reducing down to a couple of paragraphs, ending up with approximately eleven lines of text.

She sent the revised version back to the computer expert to verify the abbreviated version was accurate.

I think you need just enough "fact" to move the fiction along. While readers do enjoy learning things, a little goes a long way.

Remember, you can write anything in your first draft. *smile* Your words can be cut, revised and rearranged later on.

Hope that helps!

Smiles,
Chiron

[Joanne Cole - Boyse]

aaah, Thank you Chiron. I think I had the right idea ... I hate it when I doubt myself so much ! I read and re-read your writers tip you put out so regularly and gather lots of inspiration from them, yet I still have that little nagging doubt about my achieving my goals. I found it difficult to find just the right information on my query about small aircrafts and the tidbits of info I did find was not entirely complete enough for my own satisfaction. Maybe a trip to the library will do it, or search for a better source. In the meantime I will do as you say and simply write it down the way I think it will make sense. The concept of fact mixed with fiction always left a question in my mind that deserved careful thought and consideration. As they say, "back to the drawing board, heh" lol

[Chiron O'Keefe]

Hi Joanne,

We all have those nagging doubts. Even the most prolific writers quake in their boots! *smile*

The internet is amazing for research, isn't it?

One thought I had was this. If there's a small airport close by, maybe give a call or arrange a visit. Have a list of questions at the ready! You can also check out resources on the web and send emails, asking if perhaps someone might have time to give you more information. Always lead with the fact that you're a novelist reaching your next novel. People seem to respond well to that. *smile*

If you get a person "in the know" on your side, you can do just like Allison, showing them your condensed version and asking if it's accurate.

Keep in mind that for your first draft, you can put in notes (I use capital letters, some people highlight) to remind yourself to double-check your research later on. That way you won't interrupt the flow of things.

Good luck with your writing, my dear!!

Smiles,
Chiron

[BobbyRobert]

Doll, when I write I try to be historically accurate. One can't have a cowboy fire a weapon that hasn't been invented yet or have a cowboy reach in his saddlebags for a cell phone. I personally think that when I or many readers run accross something that makes us wonder and say, "No way!" It loses the readers intrest very quickly. But when writng fantasy one can use what he pleases. Hey, it's your story! Above all doll, don't doubt yourself. You can do it! Hope this helps you my dear woman! Bobby

[Joanne Cole - Boyse]

Thank you so much Bobby. You are such a dear and among my favorite inspirations! I definitely see your point and I promise I'll not give up easily .. I just keep plodding along (lol). I will catch up with you soon too. Take care, Joanne

[BobbyRobert]

Doll, just make sure when you pass me, which I know your capable of doing it, you wave hello! Bobby

[Joanne Cole - Boyse]

It sure does, T.J.! I thank you all for your answers and feed-back. It all makes perfect sense! It is Monday morning and I am constructing a query to a couple sources I hope to gather info on my "facts" scenerio. At least it is a start in the right direction and I will let you know how I fair on this. Seems it is never too late to learn new things, heh? LOL

[Zaynah - Aasiyah Qamar/Nolwynn Ardennes]

Joanne,

You've received great advice so far, so i dunno if what I'll say will help. I'll say for personal sake, know everything you can find about the topic. Even if you don't end up using it. Having the info in your head makes you a lot more confident when you write the stuff down. Also, you never know when an editor or a critic can come up and question something. It helps to have an answer ready then. No better way for this than to have done thorough research and be convinced that what you're saying is nothing but the truth.

Z(Aasiyah/Nolwynn)

[Joanne Cole - Boyse]

Ah Zaynah, Thank you. As with all the suggestions I've received, it makes great sense. I have and still am finding more information on my query and have either printed off (from the 'net) or made notes of all I have found, remembering to note sources too. Actually I found someone (a "new" friend) who does fly a small plane and he has been tremendously helpful! I am blessed to have friends here who are so willing to help. It has opened my eyes in realization that I am not the only one who must deal with so many feelings about writing. You all are a true inspiration. I know now I can "pick myself up, dust myself off, and start all over again" ... lol. Love that song!

[Zaynah - Aasiyah Qamar/Nolwynn Ardennes]

Lol, that almost sounds like a writer's life tag line!

Yes, it 'pays' to know people in the same boat as you. We're all always learning.

Best of luck on your story.

Hugs!

Z(Aasiyah/Nolwynn)

[Shereen Vedam]

You probably don't need my input to this, you've received some great answers.

All I wanted to add was my take on fiction as a general rule. Fiction to me is like lying to someone. And the best way to tell a convincing lie is to make it sound believable. You do that by sticking as close to the truth as you can but change a few details that appear insignificant.

No, I'm not a professional liar, really! You can believe me, lol.

But the more facts you get right, the more believable your fictional bits of the story will be.

Shereen's two cents