True Story**a nonfiction narative or a novel?

ironmike · Mar 2, 2006

I have spent several years researching the life of a notorious uncle of mine. My uncle was a real character, making and losing millions during the 40s in three southern states. His enterprises ranged for slot machines; jukeboxes, pinball machines, and booze running from North Carolina to Florida. In 1948 he was sentenced to twenty years in federal prison for income tax evasion, he owed the government two and half million dollars for tax evasion. My uncle paid off a judge and the mob to get out of prison. His childhood was even more remarkable than his adult life outside the law.

My problem is...should I tell his story as a narrative non-fiction or a fiction novel based on a true story? What would be the best vehicle for a commercial book.

Maryn · Mar 3, 2006

My guess would be that narrative non-fiction might be more saleable--but that you're going to have to be very, very careful when you name names of people in collusion with your uncle's illegal activities, even if they're deceased.

My reasoning for thinking the non-fic might be better is that anyone can invent an amazing character and his exploits. The reality is what makes this guy's story all the more amazing.

Maryn, offering a best guess

Tish Davidson · Mar 3, 2006

You might want to read Praying for Sheetrock by Melissa Fay Greene to see how similar topics were handled as narrative non-fiction before you decide.

ironmike · Mar 3, 2006

Maryn said:
My guess would be that narrative non-fiction might be more saleable--but that you're going to have to be very, very careful when you name names of people in collusion with your uncle's illegal activities, even if they're deceased.

My reasoning for thinking the non-fic might be better is that anyone can invent an amazing character and his exploits. The reality is what makes this guy's story all the more amazing.

Maryn, offering a best guess

Thanks for your input. My uncle has passed away, I would like to tell his story as told to me by adding some dialogue between the people in his past. How can I add some dialogue that may have been said without crossing the line of just fiction. I will keep all the events true to the story only the verbal interactions of the characters will be supposed. Can this still be nonfiction?

Mike

aghast · Mar 3, 2006

both have merits... non fiction is easier to sell especially if its a good personal story... fiction, you are up against a lot of competition without the benefit of true stories. but remember once you make something up you cant really ethically call it nonfiction anymore, unless your name is james frey.

Thanks for your input. My uncle has passed away, I would like to tell his story as told to me by adding some dialogue between the people in his past. How can I add some dialogue that may have been said without crossing the line of just fiction. I will keep all the events true to the story only the verbal interactions of the characters will be supposed. Can this still be nonfiction?

IMHO if its not from true accounts or personal memories and you are making things up you will have to call it fiction... at least thats what my editor said

ironmike · Mar 3, 2006

aghast said:
both have merits... non fiction is easier to sell especially if its a good personal story... fiction, you are up against a lot of competition without the benefit of true stories. but remember once you make something up you cant really ethically call it nonfiction anymore, unless your name is james frey.

IMHO if its not from true accounts or personal memories and you are making things up you will have to call it fiction... at least thats what my editor said

I would like to keep the story as true as possible. All the characters are dead. How can I tell the story with compelling dialogue based on what I've learned about the different personalities involved.

Mike

Prosthetic Foreheads · Mar 3, 2006

ironmike said:
Thanks for your input. My uncle has passed away, I would like to tell his story as told to me by adding some dialogue between the people in his past. How can I add some dialogue that may have been said without crossing the line of just fiction. I will keep all the events true to the story only the verbal interactions of the characters will be supposed. Can this still be nonfiction?

Mike

Check out a Joe McGinnis book. This sounds exactly like what he does most of the time. He's a reporter and thoroughly researches particular murder cases and then writes them as novels. I'm pretty sure they're classified as non-fiction, but the one I read reads exactly like a novel, complete with different POV characters. He tells you in the beginning that some names were changed and some were not, but every person in the book is real.

ironmike · Mar 3, 2006

Prosthetic Foreheads said:
Check out a Joe McGinnis book. This sounds exactly like what he does most of the time. He's a reporter and thorough researches particular murder cases and then writes them as novels. I'm pretty sure they're classified as non-fiction, but the one I read reads exactly like a novel, complete with different POV characters. He tells you in the beginning that some names were changed and some were not, but every person in the book is real.

Thanks, I'll check his book out.

Mike

Prosthetic Foreheads · Mar 3, 2006

ironmike said:
I would like to keep the story as true as possible. All the characters are dead. How can I tell the story with compelling dialogue based on what I've learned about the different personalities involved.

Mike

Seriously, check out McGinnis. The one I have is called Blind Faith. This is taken directly from the author's explanatory note:

"While much of the dialogue in this book is taken directly from court manuscripts, there are numerous instances in which it has been reconstructed on the basis of the author's interviews with relevant individuals. In addition, certain scenes have been dramatically re-created in order to portray more effectively the personalities of those most intimately involved in this story and the atmosphere surrounding the events upon which this book is based."

Maryn · Mar 4, 2006

I second the McGinnis recommendation. Instructional and entertaining both.

Maryn, blanking on the title of the one she read

Sentia · Mar 4, 2006

Some posters have mentioned McGinnis, a good choice. I would also recommend reading Ann Rule's books, particularly The Stranger Beside Me, her book about Ted Bundy. Everything She Ever Wanted (I might have that title wrong) is another good one.

In her first books, Rule was remarkable in portraying characters as multi-dimensional human beings, for better or worse. Her later books, notably Heart Full of Lies, I felt like she was glossing over some things just to get the book written. Maybe it's just me, or maybe she's written so many that it's become too automatic a process.

I guess you can do what these well-known authors do, and that is, change the names of some of the players to protect the innocent. Certainly check with a lawyer who is familiar with libel laws in publishing. Some people like being associated with a notorious character; others would just as soon nobody make any connection with them whatsoever.

Your book sounds fascinating. Good luck!

ironmike · Mar 7, 2006

Fiction based on a true story or nonfiction with undocumented dialogue?

When querying an agent or publisher with a project, what are the detertermining factors to consider for assigning a genre to a story? (Novel or nonfiction book.)

True Story**a nonfiction narative or a novel?

ironmike

Maryn

I Tried

Tish Davidson

ironmike

aghast

ironmike

Prosthetic Foreheads

ironmike

Prosthetic Foreheads

Maryn

I Tried

Sentia

ironmike