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Autobio. vs. Fact-Based Novel? Need help!
posted to General Discussion
in Moms Who are Authors or Write for Fun
on Jul. 22, 2008 at 11:09 PM
- 2 Replies
- 71 Total Views
In terms of using actual names or made up characters, what is everyones opinion on writing your autobiography or using your life history/circumstances/experiences to write a fact-based novel? I've started my autobio., but wonder if, due to some of the things I intend on including, I should just write a "made-up story" using fake names, towns, dates, etc. I understand that if the book is fact, the 1st Ammenment usually will not allow a lawsuit, but wonder to what extent. I will not include last names, and I will use my married name as the author, hoping that will be enough to protect certain individuals. Any advice? Opinions? Many thanks in advance.
Replies:
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- by on Jul. 23, 2008 at 9:55 AM
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I'm still fairly new to all of this myself but I do understand your situation. I want to write a book of my own experiences but I'm not brave enough. I admire your bravery to do so. However, if your problem is anything like min it might not matter which one you do if you are not using a penname and plan on telling those who are in the book what the title is then they will still recognize charaters after themselves. Personally I would use fake names and places as well as a penname just in case.
If I'm right 90% of the time, why quibble over the other 3%.
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- by on Aug. 2, 2009 at 9:05 PM
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Well My life is way to boring to write about. LOL!! I would say, If you are writing an autobiography to stick as close to the truth as possible, except if there is personal conflict between the actual person using their name. When I write fictional books I draw from people I have meat, and I take their personality to form a character. For instance in one of my books the main character has the characteristics and personality of my best friend in 3rd grade. but the characters name came from a twin I knew in 1st grade. So it isn't hard to reinvent someone or change them to fit , weather it be fiction or Autobiography.
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