Wednesday, July 3, 2019

YOURS MOSTLY TRULY


This post is part of the monthly blog hop/therapy session known as the Insecure Writers Support Group, founded by the one and only, Alex J. Cavanaugh. 

July 3 question: What personal traits have you written into your character(s)?

My W.I.P. series titled:
LOVE IN THE TIME OF WRINKLES
Is based on a true story—mine of course...
So of course it includes all my personal traits...
The good, the not so good, and the—please forgive me!
When I sent it to an editor...
She replied back, 
“It reads more like a journal.  And while it’s interesting, it’s not engaging.”
“But it’s about me. What really happened.”
“Many writers think their lives are interesting, however that doesn’t always mean it is interesting to readers.“
While I wanted to defend my manuscript (my life)...
I got it. I knew what she meant.
“So should I write it as a memoir?
“Not unless you’re sure that the characters in your story will like how you’ve portrayed them. They may have different memories of how an event took place. Many authors have faced the wrath from a friend or loved one.”
“So should I scrap the whole thing?”
No. The story is good; your writing is good. Why not write it as fiction based on a true story. That way you’re not limited. You’ll have liberties. And free to ante up the humor being that the genre is humorus women’s fiction.

So I did...
And I am.
So”
How about you?
Do you put your personal traits in your novels?
And if so - which ones?


Always,
Em-Musing



11 comments:

Natalie Aguirre said...

I think that's awesome how you took the editor's advice to make some major changes to your story. I'm learning to listen to my critique partners more. And if something isn't working for them, I change it and make my story better.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Smart move! We don't like to hear when something doesn't work, but at least she gave you a solution.

Liza said...

Looks like you got some solid advice. Good luck as you move forward with your story.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

That is smart advice. We published a book that was fiction based on a true story and it moved people who read it.

Suzanne Furness said...

Critique is much easier to take if it is offered with some helpful suggestions. It sounds like your editor has helped you more your story forward and that's awesome. Best of luck with your fiction based life story.

cleemckenzie said...

Good for you finding a way to use all that you wrote. I love humorous women's fiction.

Nick Wilford said...

Sounds like that editor opened up a whole new direction for your writing. A very positive interaction. BTW, did you change your header recently? It looks like you're exploring the jungle - fun!

Powdered Toast Man said...

I have yet to write a novel but I put myself into my blog posts. Gotta stick with what ya know, ya know.

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