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What's real, what's not
Weekly writing prompt #113
Happy SUNDAY Juicers,
I often envy creative non-fiction writers.
You can tap into a memory, like tapping a tree for sap, and start working with what oozes onto the page right away. The output doesnāt need too much processing before reaching its final state, much like turning sap into syrup.
Fiction, on the other hand, is like making molasses. Life experiences transform and transform again, becoming barely recognizable from their source material. I might base a character on someone I know and then change their gender, age, and appearanceāshoot, Iāll even Frankenstein in some other characteristics taken from another person. Then I might stitch in anecdotes from disparate sources into one storyline.
Staying faithful to memory is not a concern for fiction writers, which can be a double-edged sword. Funnily enough, I had a CNF friend tell me they envied fiction writers for this exact reason. We get to make everything up.
Regardless of how we use memories, it fascinates me endlessly that they transform every time we access themābut thatās a letter for another time.
Happy writing,
Jamie
š This weekās writing prompt:
Write out a hazy memory you have. Then fill in the gaps with newly created detailsā¦ nobody will ever know!! š¤«
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āØ Writing inspo of the week
Develop an interest in life as you see it; the people, things, literature, musicāthe world is so rich, simply throbbing with rich treasures, beautiful souls, and interesting people. Forget yourself.
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