Figment of Fiction – The Reality of Writing
Where do you live?
Here in the real world where work, living, and education cross boundaries on a monumental level, we often find a figment of fiction in our reality. The creation of characters can be based on a real person. Perhaps you describe the setting from a known and recognized place? Have you ever described a scene in your book and then dreamed about it later? Or dreamed about it first?
Writers relegate segments of life to writing.
No matter what we see on a daily basis, our goal in life is to write. As a fiction writer, I know that life crosses over to the unknown dimension of my books. My dominion of life transfers from fiction to reality and there’s nothing anyone can do to change that. My perceptions of reality distort my fiction, and I’m sure there are many who would tell you my perceptions of fiction distort my reality.
Do you see the significant glitter in writing? Seriously, I’m called to write. I know that THIS is my purpose in life. Without writing, there might be no other purpose – at least – short of my family. I do tend to live for my kids and grandchild. The thrill of knowing life out there existed first her in my hands offer contentment and joy to the power of the written word. I like creating.
No matter where you like to live, the reality of your existence could have an element of fiction involved.
- My friend Maria lives in a cottage in England. I’m convinced her cottage could be the home of a princess. In fact, I’m so convinced that I’m willing to give the princess a name “Daphne”. Now, wouldn’t Princess Daphne be the most perfect character in a children’s story?
- Jo lives in Italy. Can you just imagine a little Roman Emperor named Decimus taking the throne? Give him a white toga, gladiator gold belts and a sword, with leather sandals and he’ll rule gregariously over the words of a novel meant for children.
- Oris lives in a barn on Highway 196. I perceive a mule of great proportions existing in his fields called Dallop. Along the Back Roads he’d be a grand sight, pulling a wagon dressed in leather and pink fringes, this gallant long eared mule with a heart of gold and bells of silver strutting down the roadway.
- My good friend Lea lives far away in the north where sleighbells ring year round and the gift of love is aplenty. There are igloos of caked snow and ice. A tiny Eskimo child named Sarah lives in the igloo on the shores of the north, where caribu roam the tundra. Sarah’s story is yet untold, but waiting. I know.
- Earl calls Texas home. Can you hear the cattle stampeding? Leather creaks and groans, the howl of coyotes echo through the canyon and the moon hangs still in the sky. A little cowpoke named Dusty rides with the riders in the sky.
Can where you live inspire you to write?
Give it an opportunity to inspire you. Look around and see if there isn’t something in your surroundings that brings you back to the source of fiction. The edge of reality can be the foundation of great fiction novel writing.
Now, GO and be inspired!
5 Responses to “Figment of Fiction – The Reality of Writing”
May 1st, 2009 at 11:43 am
Love your writing voice, Jan, very inspiring yet humorous at the same time. Love the human touch.
May 1st, 2009 at 1:06 pm
One of my first books (one of the proverbial in-a-drawer manuscripts) was inspired by where I live now. At the time, I would just visit during the summer. Great imagining, Jan.
May 1st, 2009 at 9:26 pm
What a great idea! You’ve opened up a whole new posibility for me. Lets my imagination run wild and not let reality pull me back. Soar with it. Now that’s a more pretty picture. Thanks Jan for the insight.
May 2nd, 2009 at 5:02 pm
Hi Jan. Nice write. I believe a story idea can be found almost anywhere.
I once came across a small white house set back from the street, barely visible, for the overgrown shrubs and trees. I imagined a group of men seated around a long table, plotting a diabolical scheme to rob a museum of priceless works of art.
I started the story, but never finished.
Enjoyed reading.
Saron
Sharon
May 2nd, 2009 at 5:08 pm
My favorite fiction to reality came out of a dream. I dreamed a neighbor, who lived in a really ODD house was a kidnapping monster, and eventually wrote the story as a short humor story. It’s been published, and it’s about to be published again – guess I’ll have to share the latest publication.
Great stuff, thanks for sharing.
Jan
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