tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7071197508859706097.post1759842194704876742..comments2024-03-09T04:35:47.541-05:00Comments on How to Plan, Write, and Develop a Book: From Fake Memoirs to True-Life Novels--The New Trends in Publishing GenresYour Book Starts Herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07568469874356348872noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7071197508859706097.post-9272998301991408872012-12-14T19:23:10.438-05:002012-12-14T19:23:10.438-05:00So glad you enjoyed the post, Anika. Thanks for t...So glad you enjoyed the post, Anika. Thanks for the thought-provoking response!<br /><br />MaryYour Book Starts Herehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07568469874356348872noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7071197508859706097.post-23720213947106910812012-12-14T17:43:25.115-05:002012-12-14T17:43:25.115-05:00Just curious... how about "based on true"...Just curious... how about "based on true" fiction? Is it simply not as marketable because it has to be shelved as a novel? Is reality TV influencing this pendulum swing toward "true" stories?<br /><br />As a profile writer, I am not able to avoid having a strong slant in my writing. I write portraits of people, generally in their most positive light (home tours, artist profiles, etc.) It's not comprehensive journalism, certainly not expose. But I believe I have an inherent pact with my reader that the sentences I write are true to the best of my knowledge. That often necessitates fact-checking when my memory or my notes seem foggy. I've had story subjects ask me to insert a snippet that is false (believe it or not), and I simply won't do it.<br /><br />In a similar vein, when I read memoir, I realize there will be a strong slant--it's literary self-portraiture after all. But I trust that the writer is not inserting complete falsehood just to keep a story going. I trust that a memoir writer will do some of their own fact-checking when needed and when possible.<br /><br />That said, I have a manuscript that is based-on-true but definitely heads into fiction territory at some points. To respect the story subject's privacy, it is probably best to keep it fictionalized. Yup, that means it will be harder to market--especially for a magazine writer turned newbie author. But I think it's worth it to maintain my own sense of integrity. <br /><br />This is a great make-you-think post. Thanks so much for stirring the pot on this one. Love it!Anika Hanischhttp://www.montanacoauthor.comnoreply@blogger.com