Turning Memoir Into Fiction: A Recipe
The Process:
I’ve been writing memoir and fiction for years but turning a memoir into fiction has been uniquely challenging. It’s more than changing names and places. It’s respecting characters, adding and deleting details while keeping the essence intact.
(4 Tips for Writing Food in Fiction.)
Even more important was telling my protagonist’s story with truth, integrity, and neutrality—not allowing my personal experiences or values to be interjected into the story.
The History:
When I met “Ava” in 2018 she told me bits and pieces of her life: her marriages and children, her addiction and recovery, and her prison time in Kenya. She expressed interest in me writing her story but dredging up her past became too painful, and we put a halt to the project.
In 2021 our conversations began again. Over the next year Ava’s life unfolded. She spoke of her heartbreaks, her joys, and her search for love and acceptance.
Ava’s courage, determination, and salvation will serve as an inspiration not only to women struggling with addiction and loss, but to all women, and I hope it will inspire others to push forward in their writing journey.
Check out Susen Edwards’ Lookin’ for Love here:
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Here’s My “Memoir to Fiction” Recipe
1. Ten Cups of Interviews
Ava and I met by phone for weekly interviews. I’ve heard interviews should be taped and later transcribed. Because I am a kinesthetic (tactile) learner, taping didn’t work for me. I sat at my computer and typed as we spoke. And yes, I made tons of typos, but the gist of the story was there. Occasionally, I needed to ask her to repeat something but not often.
If you’re an auditory learner perhaps taping and transcribing might work better. To me it felt like an unnecessary step.
2. Three Cups of Organization
Decide how you want to organize your interviews. With Ava’s story I felt chronological was the best approach. You may find that organizing by characters or events works better.
Whether you type or tape your interviews, it’s important to chunk your interviews into separate documents. Title them by time, character, or experience. When you’re finished with a file, mark it “done.” This may sound simplistic but it’s a vital part of the process.
And whatever you do, don’t delete your interview files!
3. Two Tablespoons of Real Names and Locations
Because your protagonist is telling her story as it happened it’s important to stick with the facts in your first draft to avoid confusion. Remember this is for your eyes only and not to be publicly shared.
4. Six Tablespoons of Name and Identifying Detail Changes
Create a document listing every character in your story, give them new names, and add that information to the file. Avoid using the same first initials in the new names and change the number of syllables. Change their ethnicity unless it’s an integral part of the story.
Whenever possible, alter identifying details such as physical features, speech patterns, age, and even gender. If you’re including details about public or historic figures, it’s best to consult with an attorney.
If you’re like me, you’ll have a tough time remembering your characters’ real names! Their fictional identities will take over.
5. One Teaspoon of Location
If location in a specific state, climate, or country is integral to your story, you can move the story to a different town in the region or create a fictitious town.
If your novel is character driven, setting becomes less important. Be sure you research your new location for credibility.
6. One Tablespoon of Permission
Speak to an attorney about drafting an agreement between you and your protagonist giving you permission to write the memoir-turned-novel. If possible, have agreements for other characters. Some of your characters may be deceased or unavailable. Your attorney will advise you on what steps to take.
7. One Heaping Cup of Respect
Your characters may have beliefs, values, or lifestyles that conflict with your own. Listen with respect. Thank your protagonist for sharing their story with you and honor their courage.
8. Ten Cups of Edits
Most writers have a love/hate relationship with editing. In addition to your normal editing process, make sure your computer didn’t miss any name changes or change words that shouldn’t have been changed.
9. Chill Until Set
I always recommend taking a break from your manuscript. Whether it’s a week, a month, or six months, you’ll approach it with new eyes.
10. Send to Your Agent/Publisher
11. Enjoy The Journey and Your Success!
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