(M-W's Word of the Day: Redux, adjective, brought back)
Hello, procrastinators! Tomorrow is a big day for me-I have both an APUSH test and a Spanish presentation-but before I crack down and hit the books, I figured I'd share some of my experiences with using real life inspiration in writing.
Because I have an overactive imagination, and because I have such an interesting group of friends and peers/bandmates, I'm always tempted to write stories using other people's lives as a basis. In fact, many of my stashed stories are based largely on real events and people. However, be careful about copying someone's life. I did this once (and this time it was unintentionally), and the minute my friend read it for me, she called me on it. It wasn't even a bad representation, so imagine if this person who I was writing about was the villain in the story.
To prevent awkward moments like this, I recommend separating the parts that apply to the plot from the rest of the person, then creating a new character around it.
For example, take Mary Sue, who's a lot like your friend Frances. They're both dealing with divorcing parents, which is the main plotline. Make sure that if Frances is into cinema, Mary Sue has another passion, and that if Frances is a little ditzy at times, Mary Sue isn't. That way, though their stories are similar, their personalities aren't, so there isn't really a way to prove that you based Mary Sue off of Frances.
Do you base your characters off of real people? Do you change details, or keep them the same? Comment below!
Until then, time to cram...and speak in Spanish. At the same time. Wish me luck!
T
#estoyllorando
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