Fact or Fiction

One of the first complete strangers to read my novel, The Ride, though enthusiastic and encouraging, asked, “Is it based on your life?”

“Why would you think that?” I responded. “It’s a novel. That means it’s fiction.”

She replied, “Many manuscripts, especially first novels, are based on the author’s experiences.”

Does that mean Stephen King went to high school with a girl with telekinetic powers? I wondered, thinking of Carrie.

I can’t speak for Stephen King or other authors, but in my case, what I write has nothing to do with me, my life, or the people I know. There’s a reason I write fiction—my life is rather ordinary (although I have some extraordinary friends and family). Although I enjoy my existence tremendously, most people (including me) would find it on the dull side if I were to write a book about it.

It is true that occasionally someone I see or hear can spark an idea for a character or a plot but so can fresh air. There’s nothing I love more than walks where I can’t wait to get home and write down an idea that popped into my head along the route.

While it may be true that fact is stranger than fiction, I personally find fiction more enjoyable to write. Although I have written a few true vignettes about blunders I made while living overseas, my focus is on writing fiction. It’s fun; almost like playing God—I’m able to create lives and control situations.

But, alas, I can’t control the production schedule for ArcheBooks Publishing, http://archebooks.com/. I’m still next on the list.

Next week, I’ll be interviewing a New Zealand author of short stories, novellas, novels and poems, Yvonne Eve Walus. I hope you’ll stop by. In the meantime, check out her web site http://yewalus.kiwiwebhost.net.nz/index.html and blog http http://yewalus.blogspot.com/ and let me know if you have any questions you’d like to ask her.

Thanks for your visit.

Jane Kennedy Sutton
Author of The Ride (to be released by ArcheBooks Publishing)
janekennedysutton@gmail.com
http://janekennedysutton.googlepages.com/

Tags: The Ride, Archebooks, Stephen King, Carrie, fiction , Yvonne Eve Walus