Writing Real Life Experiences into a Story
If you’ve ever taken a writing course you’ve probably heard the phrase “write what you know.” When an English teacher first told me this, my immediate thoughts were, my life isn’t exciting, and who would want to read about it? Years later, after reading a lot of different genres of books, I realize this statement is only half true.
Look at authors like Anne Rice, Stephen King, and Dean Kootnz. You know there are parts in their novels where they fell back on their personal experiences and included that in the story. Think about the vampire series, when Anne Rice describes one of her vampires turned human, eating food for the very first time, where do you think she got that detail? From using her own experiences. Or when Stephen King was involved in a car crash, he didn't let that slow him down, he used it. He used the experience to write his book Misery. So how do you write using your own experiences? Think about your story and the different ways you could make it more real. If you’re writing a romance, think about a relationship you’ve been in, or how you felt when you were dumped or dumped someone. Or think about a fight you and your significant other have had, and find a way to write it in the story. If you’re writing a horror, think about a time when you were scared. How did you feel? Why were you scared? Apply these feelings and emotions to the story and be very detailed. Or, if you’re writing a drama or thriller, think about a loss in your life you may have experienced. Perhaps your pet died, or your grandmother, or an uncle, or a friend. Use these feelings and emotions and write them into the story. If you're writing an action story, think about how it feels when you are running from someone, or cruising down the highway. Try to incorporate those feelings of adrenaline into your novel. By using life events you are making your story or manuscript more real to the reader. Have you ever read a story that makes you cry or laugh out loud? How did you think the author conveyed such emotion in you? Chances are they based their characters's feelings, thoughts or actions on real life events. If you require more direction, a great resource to use is Real Life Experiences - Everyone wants to Write a book. Remember, research is important to a novel, but so is using the power of real life experiences. Good luck!
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