Ask Jerry
Memoir or Novel
Asked by Ray Palmer on November 29, 2023
Jerry, I attended the inner circle presentation and asked a question that David did not read. Would it be suitable to use this group to convert my memoir-in-progress into a novel? But the real question here is, does this make any sense, or should I focus on finishing and publishing my memoir in progress?
Jerry's Answer
A couple of thoughts, Ray: I usually prefer true stories be told as nonfiction memoirs, because truth is stranger than fiction and readers--knowing a novel is based on real events--will likely wonder and guess wrong about what parts are true and which are not.
That said, if you DO decide to go the novel route, I would not make plain that it's based on true events and just enjoy all the freedom fiction allows you. Make stuff up that works. :)