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| by the |G| TM |
In Monday's post, I wrote about a homework assignment I had in a creative writing class at UCDavis Extension where I was asked to write an incident that included a fragment of conversation, keeping as close to the actual incident as possible.
Then I was to write an invented scene containing that same fragment of conversation.
When we read the two scenes aloud, the class tried to guess which of the two incidents was real and which was fiction.
Not surprisingly, the class often had a difficult time distinguishing between the two.
My Thursday Two Questions to you are:
- Have you ever mixed fact and fiction, be it in a story you wrote or in the retelling of an incident in your life (you know, those little white lies to make the tale more interesting as in many memoirs and those biographies on TV)?
- In your opinion, is it okay to stretch the truth a bit for the sake of a good story, or do you draw a sharp line between fact and fiction?
22 comments:
1) yes, but the "embellishments" are most often hindsights than white lies.
2) if you're writing fiction, it's ok to stretch the truth a little bit to make the story more interesting. but if you're writing a report, it should be factual and verifiable.
Hi Luna Miranda. Hindsights? What an interesting observation. In fiction, we authors stretch the truth A LOT, that's why we write fiction. But in nonfiction, such as memoirs and biographies, yes, caution is the word. Look at all the trouble James Frey got into with his memoir, "A Million Little Pieces." That said, I don't believe for a minute that everything in memoirs,etc., are the whole truth and nothing but the truth. How, for instance, can people remember the exact incidents and the exact conversations that happend a week before let alone years?
When telling stories to friends I'm sure most of us embellish slightly. I'm not sure if it would qualify as white lies as much as a memory lapses sometimes.
If a story is being presented as factual it should be just that, all the details should be checked and verified. If it is a work of fiction the sky's the limit, let your imagination soar.
His SquirrelQueen. Memory lapses definitely account for many of our so-called embellishments when telling "factual" stories of our lives. We stick as close as possible to reality and have to fill in the parts that are blanks. That's why I'd have a hard time with a memoir. Except for the things I've written down in my journals and the facts can be varified somehow, I don't trust my memory at all.
1) To make a story interesting, facts and fictions sometimes work best together.
2) I find in life, some time I have to tell white lies to protect the people I love, and in fiction the truth because no one really knows me..
Hi DoanLegacy. At times, the line between fact and fiction is a fine one. I write so much fiction on a daily basis that I have to be careful not to "flower" things up when I tell my own story, which would curently put most people to sleep. Now, the things my granddaughters get up to need no embellisment to make a great story.
Naturally when I write I always throw in an element of truth to my stories, as that's where my inspiration comes from, but it's mainly fiction. I dare say, when I'm retaling an experience I'm more likely to fabricate part of my story just to stretch the drama, but not too far that it's not believable.
White lies...we all do that from time-to-time. For example, when my mother says, "Do you like my new dress?" Now, I'm not about to say, "Ooo, that's the most hideous thing I've ever seen!" Instead, I'll say, "The purple really brings the green out in your eyes." What harm is there with that? Nothing in my opinion. There is no need to hurt someone's feeling when no good comes from the truth. However, if masking the truth about something more serious then I'd have to think long and hard before spinning a yarn.
Answers: 1) of course you will find a little bit of people I know in my books. Spice of life baby!
2)It's definitely okay!
Well put, Cathy, with both answers. Our fiction holds elements of truth and sometimes our truth holds elements of fiction. I think we're all aware of this when we converse with each other. As long as we don't go overboard on stretching the truth, to where it becomes a lie, I think we're okay (it really helps with the memory lapses). I do have an acquaintance or two who speak nothing but the truth and never, ever exaggerate. I admire them, but sometimes the "story tellers" are more fun to listen to.
Hi Tonya. Short and sweet. "Spice of life, baby!" Love it.
I put facts and fiction in all my stories. I read newspapers for anything interesting that I can give my characters.
Hello Dorothy. Newspapers are a great source for interesting facts to incorporate into one's fiction. I've been known to do this myself with some interesting results.
Actually, I coined the term 'true-fiction'. I use it all the time when writing fiction and think it is very appropriate for this genre.
For non-fiction material, I do indepth reserach, as anything that carries my name/byline, I want the most accurate information availalbe.
Writing is a reflection on the author's abilities and it should be researched and reported correctly to his/her audience.
For factual material, however, it is 'the exact facts only' as I do indepth research and my name on factual articles represents
When telling a story, whether it's true or not, I may not lie, per se, but I will emphasize something while leaving out something else. Everybody does this, almost especially our news media these days, whether they like to admit it or not.
There's a difference between a report and a story. I think it's almost required to embellish a little when telling a story. If I wanted "just the facts, ma'am", I'd read a police report. I must side with Gaelic Storm on this and say "Don't let the truth get in the way of a good story."
1 &2) For the sake of a story yes, it's fine to an extend that no one gets hurt. Don't know how, but just for the sake of thorough analysis.
For facts in writing, such as a recommendation, I think no.
I can understand doing that in a movie, or for a story, but for real life, it's not necessary unless one has something to hide. So for me, I try not to lie and anything added or taken away would be from memory lapses.
2. For a good story, I think it depends on where the telling is being done. Are you writing a book, or doing story time or just reporting a truth etc.
Hi Bernadine. I like that, "true fiction." And for non-fiction, indepth research and "exact facts" only. You draw a sharp line. A good idea, especially when your name is attached. Sounds like you write articles rather than memoir, or maybe both.
Good point, Kort. There's definitely a difference between a report and a story. Stories scream for embellishment. As you point out, "Don't let the truth get in the way of a good story." But a report, oh yes, something like a police report especially, must be as factual as possible. And even then, who knows who saw what and at what angle and how well he or she remembers things under pressure?
Hi Self Sagacity. You also draw a line between fiction and non-fiction. Especially when it comes to a recommendation. That, of course, I count as a report rather than "creative nonfiction" but I know what you mean. It's probably a good idea not to mix fiction into nonfiction at all possible, excpept for elements of fiction, such as characterization, dialogue, exposition, etc. (while sticking to the facts).
Hello Jamerican Spice. In an ideal world, it wouldn't be necessary to add or take away from our "personal" stories. I admire and "trust" people who only state the real in their accounts. But I do understand why some people add and take away from their so-called factual accounts. Some feel unnoticed and unheard and think that by padding their stories, they'll sound more interesting, make people laugh or care--and care. Usually their friends and relatives know what's going on and take that into account. I also understand those who delete from their life stories out of a need for privacy. If one is an author and wants to be taken seriously and trusted in the publishing world, he or she better be careful. Just ask James Frey.
Hi Margaret,
Thanks for the nice reply to my comment. Yes, I write both fiction and non-fiction, but to be perfectly honest - I will write anything and take any assignment.
My fiction is 'true fiction' melding both facts and embellisments and boarders somewhat on memoirs.
Well, hello again, Bernadine. I think a good way to describe memoir is "true fiction," a melding of fact and embellishment. I'll have to remember that. You must do freelance work. I admire people who do that. It takes a special energy and talent.
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