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Research for Fiction

Asked by Laurie Lutz on February 8, 2021

Like a research paper has footnotes, does fiction based on actual events need to be documented, and if so, how?

Jerry's Answer

All fiction is based on true events if you think about it, Laurie. But if you're truly writing a novel, no...no footnotes. It's a story you're making up. Readers don't want to be reminded that you're married to actual events.

That said, what you DO include about the true events should be accurate, because if they're not, readers will let you know.

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