Follow us on social media!
Notifications
Clear all
Topic starter
I have considered this but my worry is that if the book ever did get published and I use someone's personality (like say a family member) in a negative light, they might be very upset about it. I know a lot of authors do this and change the names, ages, etc. to cover it up but I still worry that wouldn't be enough. Do you think taking inspiration for characters in your story from people you know in your personal life is a good idea?
Posted : 04/03/2021 8:58 pm
Basically, we often find that person or their story as the inspiration and that is a wonderful way to getting to know your character, place, and time that they lived.
So many authors put in a disclaimer and if it was a real person, that the names and location etc, to protect yourself from a lawsuit, also protecting their privacy.
Posted : 05/03/2021 2:23 pm
Nickie85 reacted
Topic starter
Basically, we often find that person or their story as the inspiration and that is a wonderful way to getting to know your character, place, and time that they lived.
So many authors put in a disclaimer and if it was a real person, that the names and location etc, to protect yourself from a lawsuit, also protecting their privacy.
I know they have disclaimers for it which is great for general public figures and things of that nature. My concern is a family member or friend being upset over it. I would like to make a character based on someone in my family and while I love her, she is not the nicest person. Very selfish and has narcissistic tendencies. I feel like she would be the one to get upset about it.
Posted : 06/03/2021 5:36 pm
Yes, of course. The depth of your story can be felt only when you relate characters to people in real life. That way, you will feel you are part of the story, and so will your audience.
Posted : 08/03/2021 2:57 pm
Nickie85 reacted
Sure, i do that even when reading. I would relate the characters to someone I know and use their face in my imagination. I helps you stay on track with the personalities. That way, you will not be confused or mix the personalities later on as the story progresses.
Posted : 08/03/2021 3:01 pm
Nickie85 reacted
Writing from people you know is a great way to write. It actually immensely helps you build characters.
Posted : 13/03/2021 4:30 pm
Nickie85 reacted
Topic starter
Do any of you worry about what I do when writing in the likeness of people you know? Maybe I am just being too deep with it all and worrying too much for my own sake. I just don't want to have some story have a character in it that can hurt someone's feelings in my family.
Posted : 18/03/2021 4:13 pm
Do any of you worry about what I do when writing in the likeness of people you know? Maybe I am just being too deep with it all and worrying too much for my own sake. I just don't want to have some story have a character in it that can hurt someone's feelings in my family.
It's a valid concern ofcourse, but just base it off them with enough differences to comfortably tell them it isn't about them
Posted : 05/04/2021 4:09 pm
