Writing True-Life novels

Well, novels are by definition fiction. People sometimes get into trouble by using the term "fictional novel," so I don't think you want to use the term "true-life novel". It's either going to be nonfiction or a novel inspired by true events.

I think you're thinking of something like In Cold Blood, a nonfiction book written much the same way that a novel would be. If you haven't read it, I'd strongly recommend ICB to see how the events involving an unlikely group of people (a farm family in Kansas, a couple of ex-con losers) can become a modern classic.

Did you mean "turning it into fiction"? If you interviewed people, and then wrote about the actual people, it would automatically be nonfiction.

aspiringwriter said:

Simple question. Actually I'll explain myself some. I am in the process of starting to gather some information on a book I'm writing about topless dancers and their lives, ect. What would the genre be? And would I need release forms even though they're independent contractors?

Another question--if I wanted to write a real-life novel about women behind bars, where should I start? And again, how would I obtain release forms?

Thanks in advance.

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Getting into a prison to interview convicts is extremely difficult, even for established journalists. If you know a woman in prison, you can start with them, although countless books have already been published about the true-life experiences of women in prison. The only person who should advise you about the release forms is a lawyer specializing in media issues.

aspiringwriter said:

Another question--if I wanted to write a real-life novel about women behind bars, where should I start? And again, how would I obtain release forms?

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There's somebody here in AW who is writing a book about women in death row. I think most of his/her (sorry, the name escapes me) contact with women prisoners has been through letters.

Hi! One book I remember for which the author did actually spend time in a prison doing interviews is Pen Pals, by the defunct Olivia Goldsmith. There is a page somewhere in the book with acknowledgments and some info about how she got her material. I think it's worth browsing, just to have an idea.

Adagio

I did my degree in criminology/psychology. During my last year I decided to volunteer with an organization that went into prisons (here in Canada, it was the Elizabeth Fry Society). I didn't have to jump through any hoops to go into the prisons. I did arts & crafts with the prisoners, chatted with them, etc. Some were street workers, others had killed their husbands.....you get all sorts.
Again, if you want to get a feel for what it's like behind bars, volunteer with a charity that assists prisoners. It's pretty easy to get clearance, or at least it was in my case. Maybe as you chat with the different prisoners and get to know them, some might be willing to share their stories.