Reasons to write: how to lie effectively
Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at 03:07PM I have always wanted to write. I think it comes with being such an avid reader. I wanted to be a person who was responsible for transporting someone else the way I have been transported. I want to develop characters who make you laugh and cry and recoil in horror. But I have a problem.
I don't actually have any ability to do that.
When my sister was little, she would beg me to tell her a bedtime story. I always told her the same one: "Hello, goodbye, the end." Yes, I mostly did it to infuriate her, but it was also because I couldn't think of anything. I cannot make something up.
The people in my family are storytellers. They can tell a tale with great enthusiasm and make you laugh. Usually, it has little to do with actual fact, but it might at least be based there. This is also my talent.
I can tell you a story about something that did happen and (even if you were there) you wouldn't recognize the story. I admit I embellish a little if it's for comedic value. I can wind a good tale as long as it occurred somewhere else first.
Therein lies the problem with wanting to write fiction -- I can lie, but only about things that are true.
My family will never sign the waiver on that book.
Reader Comments (2)
Oh but how I wish they would! What a tale you could tell!!
How are you coming with the romantic story about goats? I will deny everything.