Alyce Wilson's Blog: Dispatches from Wonderland - Posts Tagged "nonfiction"
Fictionalized Nonfiction
Reading Arthur Golden's "Memoirs of a Geisha" fairly recently made me think about the role of research in writing fiction. In particular, what does an author owe to a subject who, like the geishas interviewed by Golden, reveal personal stories?
When Golden's book came out, one of the interview subjects was upset about the way her life was portrayed. In particular, according to the paperback's introduction, she seemed to be upset that her negative assessments of certain individuals were highlighted as much as they were.
Thus lies the question: unless you're ghost-writing an autobiography, how much does an author owe to the subject? Is labeling the book fiction, rather than nonfiction, enough to allow the author some freedom?
To date, most of my published prose has been personal essays, many of which involve real-life friends and family. Generally speaking, I aim for accuracy, but I'm not above making changes for dramatic effect.
When it comes to fiction, which I've been writing more recently, I borrow loosely from real people and events. Such is the prerogative of an author.
However, I'm also discovering the importance of doing research for some fiction pieces. If it became necessary to interview someone, and if that interview was used, in large portions, to form the essential details of major characters, I would certainly have to give matters of accuracy some consideration. Given Golden's high-profile differences with his interview subject, I believe I would make terms clear -- perhaps even in writing -- before engaging in the interview.
What do you think?
When Golden's book came out, one of the interview subjects was upset about the way her life was portrayed. In particular, according to the paperback's introduction, she seemed to be upset that her negative assessments of certain individuals were highlighted as much as they were.
Thus lies the question: unless you're ghost-writing an autobiography, how much does an author owe to the subject? Is labeling the book fiction, rather than nonfiction, enough to allow the author some freedom?
To date, most of my published prose has been personal essays, many of which involve real-life friends and family. Generally speaking, I aim for accuracy, but I'm not above making changes for dramatic effect.
When it comes to fiction, which I've been writing more recently, I borrow loosely from real people and events. Such is the prerogative of an author.
However, I'm also discovering the importance of doing research for some fiction pieces. If it became necessary to interview someone, and if that interview was used, in large portions, to form the essential details of major characters, I would certainly have to give matters of accuracy some consideration. Given Golden's high-profile differences with his interview subject, I believe I would make terms clear -- perhaps even in writing -- before engaging in the interview.
What do you think?
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