Every writer finds inspiration in some some sort of real event or memory. It is the nature of the beast.
That is not to say that we use our lives in totality and turn every single aspect into a plot point or scene in one of our books.
No, not at all.
But, we need reference points, or at least, most of do. We do not all write about our lives and entangle it in our works. Though, I would be hard-pressed to say that I do not include tidbits of my world in my novels.
I most certainly do.
The way in which we do it, for those of us who find the golden idea and believe if we can manipulate the details and stretch them into an aspect of our overall plot, that is the dilemma. The razor’s edge balance we must navigate to ensure that we take the real and can turn it enough on its head to make it a work of fiction.
I have written numerous books, not all published yet, as Pandemic-19 was the first to run out of the gate. I wrote a trilogy many years ago and like a seamstress, wove bits and pieces of my life into the storyline. Took the real and made portions of it believable, but so extremely far from the actual truth.
My life was my muse, so I jumped in with both feet for my very first book and went for it.
That my dear friends, was many, many moons ago. I have grown as a writer and as I look back on the younger me, I wonder. Would I do things differently?
I am not so sure I would.
I am an author of fiction and I find my words scattered from the incidents and interactions from my life. Take the pieces apart and look for a thread that might add to an already percolating idea in my crazy author brain, and find a way to glue it all together so that it is seamless and works.
Why not?
Well, that is the problem. What do you make off-limits and what becomes fodder for a story? There is a line that I have, and that makes for an internal dialogue that goes all pros and cons to dissect and ruminate on what is acceptable and what becomes a fervent “hell no” to make its way into my mad world.
Hard choices sometimes.
Yet, without reality for me, the bumps and bruises that come with being a human, I might struggle for content. Though, that might be a stretch since I have quite the imagination!
Case in point. Pandemic-19 was fed by real world events that I took great liberty to twist and turn into an “epic novel”. Not my words, but the words of someone who has been my mentor and guide for a very long time. A trusted friend and confidante. I heard the use of “epic” associated with the book and knowing where I got my material, it made me think.
Where does reality and fiction draw the line?
I guess for me, it is all in the way in which you take a real fact, a real incident, a conversation with someone, whatever it might be from your life, and how you choose to manipulate it. Taking something verbatim and thrusting into the middle of the pages is not the art of writing fiction. Fiction requires stealth, sleight of hand, the grand ability to look at the larger picture and poke holes into the “real” and work it like clay to form a tangible element that doesn’t just add to the plot, but truly shoots it into the next stratosphere. As a reader you see the words and wonder.
Could that happen? Is it real?
We writers are magicians who take the stage in front of you. Put ourselves on full display. Our nightly task to confuse, divert attention, and entertain with a show that while you know deep inside the tricks and just that, there is enough intrigue to make you go, maybe that was real.
If we succeed, then we have done our jobs. If we fail, well then, we are the dregs of our own nightmares.
As I type this on the screen, I have a book plot in the works running rampant in my head. It has taken my attention to such a degree that my next book to come out has taken a bit of a backseat.
Why?
Because the research for it draws from real life and the here and now. If I don’t spend the time at this exact moment, then some things might get lost in the fire. So to speak. It is a complex thriller with a storyline that makes me shudder with glee. The details must remain a closely held secret for now, but I must tell you, it was sparked by an event in my life.
A flint stone that set some tinder ablaze that I just could not ignore.
In order to develop the plot, I have had to go deep into investigation. Put my skills to the test. Brush up on my past to see if I can take elements and transform them into bricks to build the novel.
All to construct a skyscraper that is so far from real that it will make you wonder what was true fiction and what actually happened.
Just, with the names and details twisted by my wicked sense of humor.
I struggled with it. The idea that came forth and landed in my lap. Gritted my teeth about taking something close to home and using it as the subtext for a mainstream suspense thriller. Thought hard about life and throwing it into the flames.
It is the perineal question wracking my mind when I think up a synopsis as a potential project.
Does this cross the line?
For me, it goes with the territory. I try to write fiction that is believable to a degree where you as a reader could see it taking place. Plant the seed of doubt where there is just enough detail and me painting the picture with hues that it might be scary and really make you think.
Is it possible?
If I can make you ask that question, then I have done my job. And, if it means my life finds its way into my words and entertains you my friends, then it is all worth it.
So pay attention. You just might find yourself one day between the pages.
Jason McDonald 