As a fiction writer, I’ve been asked plenty of questions about whether any of my characters or stories were based on my real life. And my answer? Always a resounding NO.

Don’t get me wrong. Are there pieces of my life interwoven in my writing? Absolutely. For example, the age when my love interests meet in my book, Dear Daughter, is the same as when my husband and I met and started dating. Or one of my characters is the daughter of a farmer just like my mom. Pieces of my life can be found in my writing but they are not foundational to the stories.

For those closest to me, the tiny details I add into my stories is a dedication to them, a reminder of what and who is most important to me that will long outlive me. If you don’t know me personally, you won’t catch the details I add. (i.e. A maiden name used as a chapter title or character’s last name.)

But if you’re one of the people who asks me to put them in my stories, don’t be offended when I don’t.

Here’s why I keep fiction separate from facts:

• It greatly limits my writing.
  • Let’s say that I have a friend named Stephanie. Now, when I go to write about Stephanie, I’m limited on developing the character and her story. What if real Stephanie reads my book and fictional Stephanie is annoying or something bad happens to her? Heaven forbid fictional Stephanie dies. Real Stephanie is still alive, well, and perhaps questioning how I really feel about her.
• I’m a very private person.
  • There’s an intimate kissing scene in my first book, The Influencers. One of the first questions I was asked about the couple was if I based it off of me and my husband (specifically the swoony parts). Absolutely not! The only people invited into my marriage are my husband, me, and Jesus. NOT every person who reads my books. You could say my life is closed-door as well. ;P
• Bad reviews would be HEARTBREAKING.
  • Think about it. If I put my life on a page and got a two-star review claiming the story was boring and silly, it would be more than criticism on my writing but also my real life.

Maybe you’re a reader or writer who doesn’t agree with how I choose to write. And that’s OKAY! Everyone has their own way of creating and this is what works for me. And you never know, maybe someone will tick me off enough I write them into my next story. I can’t promise they won’t be the antagonist or die but… Just kidding. I’d at least have the decency to change the name. ;D

I hoped you enjoyed your little behind-the-scenes peek at my writing. Comment below with questions you might have about my writing process. I’d love to have a chat with you!

Click HERE to check out my books! All are available on KU, paperback, e-book, and NOW audiobook!! (Some even are available in hardcover!)

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Until next time, Kassandra