How do you use your experiences in a fiction or non-fiction piece and maintain your privacy? Better yet, how do you use situations involving others without them getting mad at you?Below are some ideas to help you maintain your balance on this tightrope:
1. When developing a character, make it a composite of several people. Aunt Mary won't snub you at the next reunion--unless, of course, you use a mannerism that is peculiar to her and easily recognizable.
2. There are situations you won't want to write about, but can take the emotions associated with them to bring life to your characters or non-fiction pieces. For example: If you've lost a loved one, you'll be able to write about a character, who has endured multiple losses. You can overlay your emotions onto her situation.
3. Never write about real people without getting their permission in writing or changing the names of those involved. You might also want to disguise or change the setting. I'm sure you've seen stories where there's an asterisk after the person's name and a footnote saying the name has been changed to protect them.
If the story is about you, but you wish to remain anonymous, use a pen name. Using a real person's story without their written permission could open you to a lawsuit. (Please note: I am not an attorney and cannot give legal advice. This is just a warning to be safe rather than sorry.)
What are some of the ways you fictionalize your real-life scenes? Have you ever gotten into trouble writing about someone you know?
If it's a mannerism/characteristic/ personality that can be either a man or a woman, I try to see if I can change the gender to the opposite of the real person I'm "copying." It might not be so recognizable that way.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tips, Susan!!
Have a great day:)
Kristen
Just over this last weekend I wrote an article for a magazine (in Holland) and used a discussion with my younger brother as an opening scene. Although (or because) he is family, I asked his permission to do this. Better be safe than sorry :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for your tips, I appreciate it!
I'm on the third book of writing about real women and have had a BLAST with it!
ReplyDeleteI did get permissions on The Rhythm of Secrets, but on An Irishwoman's Tale, Kregel actually mentioned in the copyright info that it was based on a real person.
The Author's Notes try to sort everything out so the reader understands what is fiction, what is real.
Publishers do a great job of helping you here...
My first two books are inspired by the lives of people who lived in the past. So I think that takes a different aspect. The "inspired" by means that I could use the lives but also fictionalize it for the sake of the story. Even so, I do pull from real people and experiences for my characters. So I appreciate your tips!
ReplyDeleteI wrote a post about this and mentioned Mr. (or Mrs.) Potato Heading characters. Loved turning that word ito a verb. Essentially it's putting your #1 into action.
ReplyDeleteGreat post.
~ Wendy
Good tips! I mostly use emotions I've experienced but I do enjoy using characteristics of people--usually just acquaintances or people I've seen in a store or out at coffee or something.
ReplyDeleteI haven't gotten in trouble yet. lol I try not to consciously write about anyone but sometimes I find subconscious stuff in my books. lol Thanks for the tips.
ReplyDeleteI have been made more aware of this recently. I tend to forget to write things down as they happen so Ive been keeping a few journals handy to jot down things when they happen. Which reminds me I need to go do that right now - some interesting stuff happened this weekend. So many human dynamics when you spend time with a crowd of people camping!
ReplyDeleteHi Susan!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jessica and the subconscious. I think stuff sneaks in there while I'm writing and I don't even realize it. It's not anything that's going to get me in trouble, but it's an interesting process.
Thanks for sharing these ideas.
Good post. Will put this into practice as I develop my WIP. :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Karen
I wrote a book that seemed similar to real life in parts but I also then asked the family member and she gave permission to write whatever I needed to.
ReplyDeleteI don't write about people I know, because I respect their privacy. Your suggestion to merge personalities into a fictional person is great advice.
ReplyDeleteHi Kristen -
ReplyDeleteThanks for the idea. Changing gender could disguise the person's identity.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Hi Marja -
ReplyDeleteYes, it's definitely better to err on the side of caution.
Awhile back, I wrote an "as told to" story and changed all the names. It worked out great, and the person was delighted with the results.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Hi Patti -
ReplyDeleteFictionalizing real situations can be fun. I'm looking forward to reading your books. :)
Blessings,
Susan
Hi Jody -
ReplyDeleteOne thing I didn't mention: If the person is deceased, the dynamics change. Linore Burkhard's books come to mind. She writes on the Regency period and uses historical figures in her stories.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Hi Wendy -
ReplyDeleteI'll have to check your archives and find that post. :)
Blessings,
Susan
Hi Cindy -
ReplyDeleteNot long ago, I observed a toddler at the laundromat. The interactions between her and her parents fascinated me, and I jotted down my impressions. One or all of them may someday appear in a novel or something based on their actions.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Hi Jess -
ReplyDeleteHopefully, some of my tips will keep you in the good graces of others. :)
Blessings,
Susan
Hi Jan -
ReplyDeleteLOL! I spent the weekend with family. I always marvel at how unique God made each of us. I probably should jot some interesting things down.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Hi Jillian -
ReplyDeleteGreat to see you! Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
I have to watch that all my characters don't end up sounding like me. Observing others and how they respond in given situations keeps that tendency in check.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Hi Terri -
ReplyDeleteAt least she's forewarned and won't be shocked. Many times, people will find it flattering that you want to use their characteristics in a book.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Hi Karen -
ReplyDeleteThere are so many reactions that can fit into any time period. They can be tweaked to take into account the social conventions and environment.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Hi Jill -
ReplyDeleteI like mixing it up - a kind of personality soup. :)
Blessings,
Susan
Susan:
ReplyDeleteIn this one story I was working on, I added a situation that happened last summer. I turned it into a memory between two grown siblings. I also added another part to the original fact.
Hi Quiet Spirit -
ReplyDeleteInteresting technique - a memory! Thanks for sharing.
Blessings,
Susan :)
My friends give me a lot of grace because I write about what God is teaching me, and many times He teaches me by using those around me!
ReplyDeleteHowever, I never use names....unless the topic is positive and I get permission!
Hi Alisa -
ReplyDeleteYou're blessed to have understanding friends. I'm sure they appreciate your sensitivity to their privacy. :)
Blessings,
Susan