Facts About Fiction

For those of us who write nonfiction, the move into fiction isn't as easy as we'd think. Last year, I took a Creative Writing In Prose course to fulfill a requirement for my degree. When I enrolled, I felt the course would be easy because I'm already a writer. Boy, was I in for an eye-opener.

I honestly felt the course would be a breeze because I'd written so many articles already and I'd been published to boot. When I received a 68 percent on the first assignment, I thought the professor was just a hard marker. That was until I got romance novelist extrodinaire, Carole Bellacera, to review my assignment for me. She agreed with the mark I got.

"Fiction writing is an entirely different kettle of fish, Chynna," she said to me. "In Nonfiction, you're talking from experience. With Fiction, you're telling a story. Period. If you can't tell a story...you can't do fiction."

By the third assignment (for which I didn't get a much higher mark), I realized Carole was right and I decided I had to figure out the keys to good fiction writing. She should know, she's written five novels and one on the way. Here are some secrets to her success:

(1) In your opinion, Carole, what aspects of fiction should a writer keep in mind while writing their stories?
Two of the most important things, in my opinion, are to keep the story moving forward and to stay in the viewpoint of your main character. Tell the story as if you ARE the character.

(2) What things should a person going from strictly nonfiction keep in mind when moving into fiction writing?
Use emotion. "Show" instead of "tell". And remember that your story has to have plot.

(3) How does a writer "show" and not "tell" and when is it ok to "tell"?
You show and not tell when you're inside the viewpoint of your character and make your reader feel what the character feels. It's okay to "tell" when you're relaying factual information that really doesn't have an impact on the plot or transitioning from one scene to another. But keep it short.

(4) Do you have tips for good, effective dialogue?
Listen to people talk. That's the best way to learn how to write effective dialogue. Keep it real. Don't be too "on the nose" with dialogue. People rarely say exactly what they mean. And don't write long paragraphs of dialogue. People don't usually talk in speeches. Unless, of course, you have a droll character who does exactly that - and that would be a personality trait.

(5) What sorts of things can a fiction writer do to perfect his or her craft?
Most important - read constantly. Read the kind of books you want to write. It's the best way to learn. Classes are great too.

(6) Where can a fiction writer try to get published an what advice can you give to him or her during the process?
This is a tough question, an dI don't have a good answer for it. You get published by studying the marketplace, and submitting to places that might be a good fit. There's no magic pill to get published. If there was, I'd be the first to get my hands on it! As for advice, the best advice I can give is to believe in yourself and never give up.

(7) What's the different between fiction and creative nonfiction?
There may be a definition out there, but I don't know what it is. I can tell you what I think the difference is. Fiction is the stories of imagination made up by the author. Creative nonfiction is true stories written with fictional techniques that bring the stories to life, such as dramatization (think Literary Mama or Creative Nonfiction magazines).

(8) Where can a writer draw inspiration from for stories? Where do you find your inspiration?
A writer can draw inspiration from anywhere and everywhere. I have found inspiration by many different means - dreams, overheard conversations, music. The idea for my latest women's fiction novel, Understudy, came to me through a conversation with a nurse who told me about a situation in the ER when two boys were brought in after a car accident, and their identities were mixed up. That became the premise for my book.

(9) What can a writer to do get over "writer's block"?
Sometimes, it helps to just take a break from writing and wait for it to pass, If I'm having trouble with a particular scene, I go back to my characters and think about their background and motivation. That usually helps me start writing again.

(10) What advice would you give to a writer with dreams of "making it" as a writer?
Believe in yourself, and never give up...no matter how many rejections you receive. The strong - and talented - will prevail.

Powerful advice I've passed onto people who've asked me some of the same questions: Follow your dreams, believe in yourself and never give up. Most importantly, remember that rejections are badges of honor. Wear them with pride and keep going.

Is it any wonder Carole is my mentor? Oh! And I should mention the last assignment I did for that professor (Jess Shaddup 'N Drive, Son) - after talking with Carole - got an A.

Now... off to get it published.
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You can see Carole's work, including her upcoming novel, on her website at http://www.carolebellacera.com/index.asp. Make sure you pick up one of her novels soon.