Advice on writing based on true stories?

[Stephanie]

While I am most definitely a reader, I've often thought of being a writer, but only because I do believe I have a great story to tell. It's something that is based on a true story that happened to me about 5 years ago. I'm not sure if it would be a great book to an outsider or just because it was special to me.

I watch those romance stories on the big screen and I read some amazing romance novels, but....I still think I've been there and I have one that could be right up there with the best....sobbing at the end and all.

My story I want to tell, but I don't know how my life would be if I were to release it. Or even how the people that would be in my story would take it. How the person in my life right now would see it...me writing about something in my past. Since there really isn't an ending to this story currently in my life, I would make up one. Not only that, since I don't have any writing experience, it seems overwhelming. I don't even have much patience to start long projects. But if I wait as more years pass, I'm worried that I'll forget all the details in my mind.

Have any writers been through something similar to this? I guess I'm looking for some advice and encouragement.

[Stephanie]

Thanks so much for the advice! Perhaps I am just seeking closure, since there isn't an ending and I'm in search of making up my own ending. I'm not quite sure.

I'm not really sure if I have answers to those questions I would ask myself just yet. But I will try to write out this diary and take a look back at it when I'm done. I hope those answers will be discovered.

As far as the others involved in this story, it may not help them at all. Life has carried on since then and bringing up the past would not be great for anyone but the reader looking for a good romance/sappy story. I'm with someone else now and he lives on the other side of the globe, married and has babies. But I always think back to the story. I comes to my mind everyday, and I guess I keep trying to remember the details over and over again so I never forget them. OR....maybe you are right, maybe I'm seeking a big final ending that never happened. We keep in touch quite a bit as friends, almost daily. Maybe that's what leaves my story so open ended currently.

If my book were to ever become published, I'm not sure what it could do to his marriage (even though the wife came quite a bit afterwards) or my relationship (also afterwards). It's kind of a secret that is unspoken we take to our grave....I think....not sure. Ugh! I'll tackle this diary and then take a new look at it.

Thanks so much!

[A.F.]

You might want to check out one of our past Q&A's with Marianne Wheelaghan. Her book the Blue Suitcase is based of her family and she talks about her writing process in the Q&A. You might find it helpful: http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/6...

[Stephanie]

I'll check it out. Thank you!

[Robert]

My best advice is to read true stories to get an idea and also it cannot hurt to embrace the cliche, "Write what you know"