On Writing a Novel for Publication - The Problem With Writing Material That Is Derogatory to Someone

Novelists sometimes have a great story on their hip that they're bursting to tell, but a character in the tale is fashioned around a real person with negative traits. So the question is, what's the best way to write about an unflattering characterization that happens to be true?

William Goldman Stated It Best

For anyone who might not be familiar with Mr. Goldman, he wrote BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID, WHEN HARRY MET SALLY, and THE PRINCESS BRIDE, among many other works. He mentioned in one of his memoirs that he'd written something which wasn't necessarily unflattering about a man he'd known years earlier, but for whatever reason the person took umbrage.

Mr. Goldman suggested that no one write anything negative about someone--if the text might be identifiable with the person being written about--until that individual is dead! As strong as that might sound, I think it's great advice. And to take this one step further, the family of the person can also be offended, and if it could be proved that the material was a deliberate smear, there could be legal ramifications, especially if the party wasn't a public figure.

Even the Most Innocuous Implication Can Be Misconstrued

Who wants to gamble with the way someone's waffle might go down on a given day? I know a writer who had to print a retraction because he misstated a man's occupation from 30 years ago. And this wasn't as if the fellow was the president of a company and he classified him as a clerk. This offended party was a medical technician and the author wrote that he was a lab technician. Both professions at the time carried the identical pay grade, and each continues to be viewed as a prestigious position. Go figure, but the man was dismayed because he felt that the lab technician title was debasing.

More Serious Scenarios Can Occur

If all it amounted to was a retraction, most writers wouldn't be too concerned about what they wrote about anyone. But if a character can be readily identified as the one depicted in the story, and the person feels libeled, let the fireworks begin! If a writer is considering someone as a template for a character in a story, and this person for example was a notorious shoplifter as a young boy in Chicago, my suggestion is to make the character a middle-aged woman in Tuscaloosa who reads fortunes. Seriously, it's not worth the risk. Remember, if the person being written about knows the writer, this individual will be acutely aware of whom the author is modeling the character.

Wait Until the Person Is Deceased and Then Look Further

I touched on this earlier. Even after the person is dead, I'd take a hard look at the individual's family and assess how the negative material might affect them. Only after every hoop is jumped through, and all the questions fully satisfied, would I then venture onto this turf. And I'd constantly ask myself if it's worth besmirching this person's name or family to try to sell my novel--when an imaginary character, adequately removed from the real individual and lineage, would serve my purpose just as well. Please think about this, as leaning to the cautious side of this equation might save a lot of grief and money down the road.

Robert L. Bacon, Founder
The Perfect Write®

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Simplify Your Life With a "Not To Do" List!

A good friend advised me one day that when life verges on "overwhelm," that the best course is to take one "whelm" at a time. In trying to be the best wife, mother, friend, and professional that I can be, life can get "lifey" and I am forced to sit down, center myself, and go back to basics.

For me, back to basics means back to my journal. Journal writing is where I can dig deep, and find ways to work smarter and be happier. For years, I have dutifully used lists in my journal to clarify my goals and prioritize my tasks. Depending on what is going on in my life at any one time, my infamous "to-do" list has ranged in length from several pages to a blissful half a page. Somehow the old 80/20 rule always prevails, and I usually get done what I "need" to get done - not necessarily all that I "want" to get done.

One of my favorite journal writing tools is my "Not to-do" list. With this list, I can include line items such as "I will not overspend my clothing budget," or "I will not take on that new client that my gut tells me to stay away from," or "I will not eat that gorgeous piece of cheesecake." With topics ranging from physical health to cooking to work to gardening to family, the not to-do list can reach every corner of your life!

What can a "not to-do" list do for you?
A not to-do list can actually help shape down your to-do list. Tasks on your to-do list that seemed vital can be modified, enhanced or even deleted with this new perspective.Empowerment. Once we put an idea or oath in writing, it seems to take on deeper significance. I end up feeling more confident, creative and accomplished - with more energy for the important tasks in my life.When comparing your "to-do" list and your "not to-do" list, invariably there are tasks/projects that fall in between - those items that never seem to get done. Comparing these two lists helps pinpoint those items that you are procrastinating on. Once you see in black and white what has consistently been left undone, you are better able to understand why those tasks remain. After this exercise, I usually find myself more equipped in finding new solutions to the tasks that I am avoiding.Not to-do lists free you from unnecessary ritual tasks. For years, I felt that I had to set aside precious time to make holiday cookies. When I put that task on my not to-do list one year, the world didn't stop. And, the following year, when I really felt like baking, I carved out the time to try new recipes - much to the delight of my family.Not to-do lists keep you centered in the present. When you free yourself from your to-do list and consciously choose not to engage in other tasks, you tend to value and focus your time on those projects that are meaningful. Your productivity soars and your contentment follows.

Try starting a "Not To Do" list in your journal today!

Debi Wacker is a Journal Coach and co-owner of Write to Health http://www.writetohealth.com/, a creative writing adventure dedicated to helping people discover the healing benefits of journal writing. Write to Health's journal circles explore and celebrate health through writing about spirituality, addiction recovery, cancer survivorship, life transition, grief process and life legacy. Write to Health's online journal writing courses teach a variety of techniques including letter writing, clustering and lists. Inspirational blank journals and guided meditations complement the writing programs and help clients begin a writing practice in the comfort of their own homes. Debi is also co-author and publisher of The Sacred Purse, a collaborative book of women's poetry and essays, and continues work on her first novel. She is president of LightSource Marketing, a marketing and business development consulting firm with offices in Virginia Beach and Washington D.C. Debi specializes in strategic and market planning, program design and development, and copywriting. Debi recently returned to the college campus as a part-time professor. Reach her at debi@writetohealth.com.

Research and Fiction - How to Research When Something Doesn't Exist

My first thought upon answering this question is, that it does exist - in the writer's imagination. And therefore, it is to the writer's own experience, own memories, own observations and wisdom that we look, to conduct our research. But my second thought is this: when, as a creative writer, you are writing about something that doesn't exist, what is the most desired outcome? It is this: that your reader must - while he is reading your book - believe in it. During the process of engaging with your story, your reader must feel, react, respond, exactly as if this thing does exist. So how do we achieve that?

We make use of a device with a well-established name: "the willing suspension of disbelief". It's what happens when we are absorbed in a Doctor Who story, or a tale of Arthur and Merlin. It happens to all those who read and love "The Lord of the Rings" or the Narnia stories... and of course all successful novels in the fantasy and science fiction genre. As we read, we believe. That's not because we actually think Middle Earth is real, or it is indeed possible to walk through a wardrobe of fur coats into a snow-laden forest. It's because - in view of the powerful story-telling - we willingly suspend our disbelief.

The magic the author uses to achieve this may be found, essentially, in psychological reality. And that may be expressed through truthful characterisation, and classic story structure. Both of these are so important precisely because they correspond to psychological realities in the lives of all of us; and so we recognise them. These are the archetypes that Carl Jung referred to. They may also be identified as "the tropes" of any particular genre; in other words, the expectations that readers have of this genre, whether or not they are consciously aware of them: the hero, ally, trickster, mentor, wise fool, common man,maze,death-trap,moral trap,hazardous journey,riddle, inmost cave,trophy of conquest.

Such is our faith in classic story structure, that we will believe the story-teller on the basis of it. When we as readers see it is there, we can let our guard down, we can enter into whatever the story-teller has for us, and we can say, "I believe the promises this author makes. I want to know the answers to the question she poses; and I believe she will provide satisfying answers which will reward all the time I spend reading this story."

SC Skillman

S.C. Skillman is the author of "Mystical Circles - a psychological thriller". Here you will find mysterious behaviour, events that keep you guessing, and people playing at cross purposes - "intense psychological drama in a beautiful setting". Buy the book on Amazon or download it on your Kindle. You can also visit the author's website to find out more. Click the secure payment gateway to buy a signed copy at http://www.scskillman.co.uk/.

The Art of Writing Articles

Writing is really a gift. A natural talent is a real boon for the writer. But writing can be learnt and cultivated. Practicing makes one a better writer over a period of time. A decent command over the language in which one is writing, a flair for words and phrases, a good grasp of the subject on which the article is composed and a direct, simple approach, are a few basic requirements to become a tolerably good writer of articles.

Subject/Topic

The most difficult and crucial component of article writing is choosing the subject wisely. The subject must be interesting, of current interest and yet simple. Subjects relating to complex political and legal issues are better avoided.

Style

Choose your style of writing carefully. Simple, elegant and straight-forward writing is the best. Never use complex sentences and pompous language. Short sentences and precise paragraphs would color to your writing. One should be precise and succinct in writing. The trick is to put oneself in the shoes of the reader and think like a reader.

Introduction

The introduction should cover all the aspects of the subject/topic and make the reader want to continue reading the entire article. The introduction should be brief and yet capture the spirit of the article. Even the busiest reader must be aroused to read on. Crisp and imaginative introduction would stir even the most disinterested visitor to read the article in full.

Elaboration

This is the main body of the article. This should be divided into a suitably short paragraphs based on the points the writer is making. The writer can devote time to the history, the present status and the future course of the subject and divide each part of the subject in to different sub-headings. The point is that the article must be packaged to look and feel attractive and interesting even to the most casual reader.

Conclusion

Once the writer has made sure that he has covered all the relevant points in the body of the article, he can go about concluding the article. Conclusion must subtly draw the attention of the reader to the point of view of the writer without being obvious about it. With consummate skills the writer must draw the reader to the writer's viewpoint. Conclusion must not be too lengthy.

Credits

This is where the writer must acknowledge the sources on the subject that the writer relied on for composing the article.

Plastic Reality

Sublime thoughts of a perfect life now just seemed like distant myth. He had begun regretting for not have chosen a life of a drifter. The tree that he had called his home was coming to the end of its cycle and now resembled a withered old man with not enough strength to even carry a leaf. Fatigue had grown on him from scraping the dead wood and fungus which had accumulated through time but there was only one thought which made him think a multiple times before walking away.

An unsuspecting traveler wouldn't have given a second thought about this orange tree just considering it to be another piece of nature's picturesque creation. But for him it was different. There was a history attached to this tree which was holding him back. A history of a boy and a girl who had found a meaning to true happiness under the shades of this same tree. A happiness they had comforted with just mere luxuries of a shed, a lake behind the tree and the fruits the tree bore. A happiness they had always compared to the enriching flavor of those juicy fruits. It was them who planted the first seed together hoping with uncertainty of what would become of something so tiny. It grew and grew while they relished around it, enjoying the fruits of their labor. Their days were spent involving themselves in foolhardy arguments and silly mud fights. By sunset they would sit on the lakeside and bet each other on who could spit out the orange seeds the farthest. But happiness is always momentary, and there came a time when the girl had to leave. Promises were made but they both knew times would change and circumstances were never stable.

Forever an enemy of death, he formulates a plan. He plants a new seed just next to the dead orange tree and waits for it to grow. Over time he watches over the plant with all the gentleness he could muster, holding patience for one single hope. When the day came and the tree stood high, he picks the fruits, packs them in a bag and sets off to a nearby village. He sells the fruits to a commission agent and gets a reasonable price for the sale. He leaves the village with a smile and the path set clear, dreaming about the chain of events to come in the near future. He begins his journey for a new life, a new goal to find his new home. No, it doesn't end here.

The commission agent ships the oranges to a wholesaler located miles away which then gets sold to a vendor who is happy with the quality of the fruits. The following day, a mysterious girl clad in colors of black, forest greens and deep red shops for the oranges and takes them home. She unties the veil covering her face and neatly arranges the oranges on a dish. She slices them in sharp figures and takes a deep filling bite. While she is munching on the oranges she feels something pricking her teeth. She reaches out and picks a seed. And she smiles.

"To revel in the wonders of life, to think, to remember, to dream - this is to know happiness." Giancarlo Di Gratsi

"Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things." Robert Brault

"Happiness is only real when Shared." Jon Krakauer

So Start Your Book Already, and Write Like the Wind

People love to buy books that show them how to live a better life. Your experiences are unique. You have been tested and have gone through the trial by fire. You are now prepared to write your book and teach others how to find security and satisfaction, just as you were able to. And, as you help others, you create a new income stream for yourself.

Share Your Unique Experience With Others

You have something to say that no one else can say because your experience is unique. Your experience, and your book, can be a valuable example for others, something that they can learn from and perhaps copy and build on to improve their own lives.

You may think, "There are already a lot of books written on my topic, so there's not much more to say." The same could be said of love songs, but people keep writing them, and hopefully always will.

Yes, there are many books written, but I think the world would benefit from one by you. You can bring your authentic experience to the table, an experience that is unique and that connects with other people.

Your Book Meets a Need in Your Own Life

When you write a book, you not help others by sharing the lessons that life has taught you, but you also fill a need in your own life.

Writing your experiences and opinions on paper forces you to focus on what you have accomplished and learned. To put ideas into words on a page requires a thoughtful analysis of what you have done. This analysis deepens the experience for you and when written down, immortalizes the experience. Now it is forever etched in your mind and on the published page.

Writing a book is not for the faint of heart, but you will regret the time that you spend doing it. Writing a book requires such a great effort, to organize your thoughts, to edit & re-write, and to go through periods of doubt and mental stress. But by the time you finally finish, you feel a wave of relief and accomplishment wash over you. You have created something remarkable. And that feeling never really goes away.

Meet Your Two New Best Friends

I encourage you to buy two things to get started:

1.) a new spiral bound notebook, and

2.) a new pen.

These are your new "special" friends. Use them only for recording information about your book. Take them with you everywhere you go. I take my notebook to doctor's appointments, to lunch, to kids sporting events, to church, and it sits close to me when I am sleeping. Write down everything that comes to mind about your book.

Before you know it, ideas will start popping into your mind like popcorn in a microwave oven. You'll read something in a magazine, or hear someone say something in conversation, or see something in a movie, that will spark ideas or quotes for you to note in your special notebook.

Let the Journey Begin

There are few things more rewarding than writing and publishing a book.

Mark Twain said, "Really great people make you feel that you can be great too."

When you write a book, you tell your readers, "I was successful in doing this, and you can do it too."

Don't keep that book simmering inside of you. Let it out, where it belongs. Many people will have their lives enriched by the experiences that you share. You may change their world, and your own.

Terry Sprouse is author of the new book "Carve Out Your Niche: How to Live Your Passion, Write Your Book, & Help Others Change Their World;" and, the award winning "Fix em Up, Rent em Out."

Visit Terry's blog at http://www.carveoutyourniche.com/ to download a free chapter from his new book!

Improving Your Work: A Book Author's Ongoing Challenge

After decades of writing I have an established style, yet try to improve my work. My options include writing courses, conferences, day-long workshops, and joining a writers' group. Some options are more appealing than others. I'm not interested in taking more courses, for example, or joining a writer's group because I've done these things before.

You may be trying to improve your work. The options available to you may depend on where you live and the training you already have. Cost also influences your options.

Aaron Potts, in a Today is That Day website article, "Self Improvement Plan: Write it Down -- and Read It," thinks written goals are powerful success tip. This tip has many advantages, according to Potts. First, writing down your goals forces you to be specific. Written goals may serve as a daily reminder. Seeing your goals in print or handwriting makes them real. Finally, written goals may be used to reposition yourself for success.

"Write down your goals in the form of a document, not a list!" Potts advises. I made that document and my goals include adding long sentences to break up short prose, learning new vocabulary words, and focusing on summary paragraphs at the end of chapters.

The Writerly Life blog posted an article that grabbed my attention instantly, "Why That Writing Improvement Book Won't Help You." According to the author, who lists his or her initials as BLH, these books are often vague and advice like "find your center" isn't helpful. Often these books encourage "homogenous writing," the author continues, and that doesn't help either. Finally, the author says these books tend to be more about marketing than writing.

The article pertains to fuction writing and, though I write nonfiction, I found it helpful. Besides, I already own books about writing and don't want to spend money on more.

The Janel's Jumble blog addresses writing skills in a post titled, "Writing Improvement Tools." The author of the post jots down a story idea each day. These notes include scenes, character sketches, beginning and ending sentences. Each week Janel writes a story from a prompt. "I tend to think EVERY story I write could eventually be published," she declares. Her final tip is to read in an unfamiliar genre, something I do and enjoy.

To improve my writing I take a break and read poetry or mysteries. Robert Frost's poems always inspire me and I note his word choices and descriptive language. For a change of pace I've read books about marketing and economics. While I'm interested in marketing, economics can be a turn-off.

In the end, I've found writing is what improves an author's work. So I keep practicing and practicing. Waiting a month and then reading my manuscript again is one of the most helpful things I do. Do you want to improve your writing? Consider your options, pick the best, and pursue them. Most of all, keep writing!

Copyright 2011 by Harriet Hodgson

http://www.harriethodgson.com/

Harriet Hodgson has been an independent journalist for 35+ years. Her 24th book, "Smiling Through Your Tears: Anticipating Grief," written with Lois Krahn, MD, is available from Amazon. Centering Corporation published her 26th book, "Writing to Recover: The Journey from Loss and Grief to a New Life," a companion journal, "The Spiritual Woman: Quotes to Refresh and Sustain Your Soul," and "Happy Again! Your New and Meaningful Life After Loss."

Hodgson has two other new books out, "101 Affirmations to Ease Your Grief Journey," and "Real Meals on 18 Wheels: A Guide for Healthy Living on the Highway," Kathryn Clements, RD, co-author. Both books are available from Amazon. Please visit Harriet's website and learn more about this busy author and grandmother.