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One workshop in the writing conference (in fact the past three conferences I've attended had a session over the subject) dealt with working facts or non-fiction into fiction. Since I'm writing a young adult novel by weaving true stories and facts into a fictional plot and framework, I thought I'd address the topic in the newsletter.
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Working Fact into Fiction
Most fiction writing has a touch or two of fact mixed in: Perhaps a real city, state, or locale is used; a real person/celebrity may be mentioned; facts about a family or from history may be woven into the work. However facts or non-fiction may become part of a work of fiction, the author must be sure his/her facts are correct.
I read a book three years ago that caused me not to want to read any more of that writer's books. She had a town in Oklahoma that was a day's wagon ride from Woodward, Oklahoma (which is almost in the Oklahoma Panhandle and maybe an hour's ride from Lawton, which is roughly in the southwest part of the state. She had Lawton almost on the Red River, which it isn't. She had the non-fiction part of the story so wrong that the whole book was ruined for me.
Any facts must be researched. The author mentioned above only had to look a map to discover how wrong she was, and she was too lazy to do so.
Use facts realistically and in a believable manner. If the plot involves the Civil War, for example, having a car, even an antique one, in the story is not realistic or believable.
Be careful if using real people. Any plot or story line that involves real people must not sully their reputations unless the information can be documented. Otherwise, an author can be sued, and probably will be.
The story I'm writing uses some of my husband's stories about being a cowboy and breaking horses. To be sure that no one living can think they are in the book, I'm setting the time of the story over forty years before my husband was born. I'm then adapting his stories to match the time frame from 1899 until about 1915.
Weaving facts, history, or other non-fiction information into a fiction work can enhance the story or plot, even the characters. Just use the information carefully.
Here's a sample of my writing a short story based on history: "Once Upon a Christmas" .
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Words from Our Readers
Gabrielle Marle 
I agree that writing tight can make the plot flows. But I still write unnecessary things, hoping to make the story as dramatic as possible. It usually backfires.
Using strong action verbs and writing concise, tight sentences can create the most powerful drama.
ndean
'Tightening' your writing is needed, but it completely depends on what your writing. For example the example you gave at the end (in blue and green) of how you tightened your scene is good but isn't quite right, for me. I found the blue scene (the one un-tightened) far more enjoyable. The extra words slowed the pace and thus created more impact when the torture truly began. To annoy English teachers around the globe, it created more tension. I completely agree that some words need destroying in certain sentences but in some case a longer sentence is more appropriate, for example: after a particularly fast paced scene.
Awesome piece though; its really got me thinking.
NDean
Well, if you were an editor for a publisher, I would go with what you like. However, it was the editor for a publisher that told me that scene needed to be tighter. It wasn't the length of the sentences that he was concerned about, but the use of unneeded words that repeated what was already said.
Thank you for the following thank yous. I'm always glad when I write something that people find helpful.
MetaphorSquared
Excellent newsletter full of sterling tips! Well done!
>>^..^<< Kat
This is a valuable lesson. Thank you!
shelly88
Thank you for your newsletter, I now know why my course instructor wanted me to write tighter. I thought I was understanding him but it took your newsletter for me to see how wrong I was. Thanks again
Jay is studying
Thanks for putting together the most useful single newsletter edition on all of WDC!
windac
I found this issue to be eye-opening... thank you for sharing!
Helen McNicol
A Great newsletter, Vivian, this one will be printed off as part of my editing bible!
Regards,
Helen
Nanny Wini 
Hi there, I am new in here and have found your newsletter very informative. Much appreciated
Chris Murray - Nanny Wini
Welcome to W.Com, Chris.
Thank you for joining me for this issue of the For Authors Newsletter. I hope your Thanksgiving was tasteful and loads of fun.
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For Authors: November 28, 2007 Issue [#2085]
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