July 22, 2008
Off Limits
Are there ever times when you hear something and it’s off limits to writing? To me, pretty much everything is imagination fodder. For example, the other day someone said something to me and I immediately wondered how to work it into a book. But then I got thinking, should it be off limits. First, they’re a writer, too but have never used it. Second, it might be too personal for them. Because, again, they haven’t used it.
But think about TV. Shows like CSI or Law and Order take ideas right out of the newspaper and tweak and twist it to make it fictionalized enough to prevent lawsuit, but you KNOW what they’re referring to.Of course, when you (or rather I) use something overheard or whatnot, it’s probably not that well known. Many a time I have used familial faux pas or annoyances to “enhance” stories. Don’t most writers get their inspiration from reality?
So when are things off limit? When does a juicy tidbit that all but falls into your lap go onto the “if only” shelf because you can’t get rid of it, but you aren’t sure to use it?
Well, right off the bat, I’d say it’s off limits to me if it’s going to hurt/embarass someone close to me.
I agree with Vanessa. Some conversations you have with friend’s are confidential. There are not to share to the world. If you are ever unsure I say ask the person who told you. Tell them how you are really going to write it. I know with me I may hear the story, take only one tidbit and use it. But I just think it’s better for the relationship if you ask for permission.
Now strangers, all bets are off.
hmm… I didn’t mean anything quite so personal. It was more a refernce to something a gal said recently. More of a “fun” thing.
I probably won’t use it because I have to finish my other stuff and it doesn’t fit into any of those… If I start something new I think 1) my brain would explode 2) Amie would KILL me
Stuff I have used… The DH does silly things–like putting popcorn in the work microwave pusing 5 min, walking away and whamo–charcoal city. Stuff like that. Or my BIL’s nickname–and WHY he got the nickname. (I did ask if it’s okay to use and being that he’s 17 he thought it was uber-cool for it to be in a book!)
Oh and once I exhausted every family member’s name I moved onto all the boys’ friends on the block. Good thing they dont’ know……
Well, considering most people think the characters in my books are totally about them. (even though they never are) Then I think it’s fine. I have a co-worker who smokes like a chimney. If she could this woman would light up at her desk. I gave one of my characters that quality. Not a good, but that was the point.
If I was willing to share a story with you then I would be ok with you using it. Life is all about learning and sharing.
Was it what I said in the bar about turning 40?
that comment was fodder for an anthology baby!
If it was something really personal, as Vanessa said, that might hurt someone–even if no one else but us two knew it, then NO i wouldn’t use it. Like if someone told me they’d been teh victim of a crime or talked about problems with a boyfriend.
>>2) Amie would KILL me
Yes she would!!!
BTW I rarely if ever use names of people I actually know –especially family because it creeps me out (outside of writer-friends–I’ve used Mik AND Dennie and Vanessa and Nessie LOL)
It’s off limits when I know I can’t get away with using it.
LOL Cece… no I had forgettn about that…. until now
It was something the “guest” said–actually several things. but again, I prolly won’t use it since it won’t work into what I’m doing now. (and I will prolly forget in a week or two.
Tanya… well… it’s all in the execution really…. if they think it’s flattering or they “gave” you the idea….
Life is all about learning and sharing
ooohhhh I like that!
>>It was something the “guest” said
The bartender? Okay just email me LOL
What Vanessa said.