If you write fiction, you tell (or write) lies all the time. And, if you are good enough at lying, some day you may have a best seller on your hands.
Sure I base most of my stories on truths, but like a recipe. . .
I spice it up a little
I take out what I don't like
I add a little of this and a little of that
I change the names (ingredients) to protect the innocent (and me)
Today I sent in a few manuscripts to the West Virginia Writer's Contest. I wrote a few whoppers that I hope the judges will like.
One of my manuscripts started out to be a nice story that was mostly true. You know what they say, it was based on a true story. But, I realized for it to have a chance I had to add a little of this and add a little of that. I tossed in a few extra ingredients that weren't in the original recipe. I changed the names and I spiced it up a little.
Have you written any lies lately? If you have, I hope they were good ones.
Happy Writing!
So true Janet. I have written a few lies myself. I’ve told a few too--as in writing, a good story teller has a few lies up their sleeves too :)
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the writing contest.
That's the beauty of writing. We use real life as a starting point, then set our muse to it, sometimes making the story unrecognizable from the initial idea. It's definitely a fun journey ...
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the contest!
Best wishes, Janet, with those writing contests! Hope you win. Thanks for the writing recipe. I like it!
ReplyDeleteOh yes I'm good at telling lies, but hopefuly good lies. Best wishes, hope you win.
ReplyDeleteHi Janet, best wishes on your writing contest. I know just what you mean. I have written both whoppers and as Forrest Gump used to say "It's just a little white lie. Mama said it wouldn't hurt nothing!".
ReplyDeleteNot everyone in my life and family, fully understands my desire to write fiction because they are so used to me telling true stories of family experiences ect. They always assume that I am the character they are reading and sometimes grow uncomfortable by the emotions expressed.
That held me back from sharing my work for awhile. Reading the blogs of so many inspiring women artists and writers I have learned that this is often par for the course and no reason not to forge ahead. The encouragement I have received has been very liberating. And while I'm now, writing more whoppers than before, in a way, they also have more real "truth" and substance to them. I love your blog and especially today's post. Have a wonderful Wednesday! Delisa :)
I guess that's what makes writing fiction fun-you get to make it up as you go : )
ReplyDeleteWonderful post. Its true, I definitely start with real life and then...add :) Good stuff!
ReplyDeleteSarah Allen
(my creative writing blog)