Beware of Writers!

Last week my daughter called to tell me she couldn’t read my new novel.  I said “OK” though I wondered why. She went on to tell me that she felt like she was reading about herself, and it made her really uncomfortable.  That felt even more confusing.  “But nothing like this ever happened to you or your sister,” I blurted.  “That doesn’t matter.  It was still me.”  I walked into the living room and pulled the book from my bookcase. After reading the first four pages, I had to agree with her. Although  I was right also, I did use her, my other daughter, my best friend and a combo of her and me as models for several of the characters in the novel.  Last night I was talking to another writer friend who agreed. ‘Who else can you use to create and round out a character but someone you know very well?’  Who indeed?  I’ve also been told how ‘real’ my characters feel, which has always been very pleasing.  I did suggest that my daughter try again, either when I’m gone or in a few years.  The character arc for ‘her’ character as well as ‘her sister’s’ says a great deal about the way I see them both. Way more positive traits than negative. And even the ‘negative’ isn’t negative, but revolves around the issue of choices, something all of us struggle with throughout life. Besides, who would want to be perfect anyway? Life would be so boring!  Though I must say, it’s also marvelous to learn and get things right that you have gotten wrong before.  Spoiler alert, the new novel #Mishpocheh goes several generations back in two different countries and classes, and is mostly fictitious since there was a lot about both families I didn’t know. And there’s nothing in it about either of my daughters, friends, partner or even me, except as a child.  Even so, I sure am having fun with the characters I’m creating, making them pop off the page, even if none of them is actually anyone I either knew, or knew well.