Well, this is an easy one! Another writing prompt for the 28 Day Author Blog Challenge!
If your book is fiction, how could you change it to make it a
nonfiction book? If your book is nonfiction, what could you do to turn
it into a story? Hollywood has done it, so how could you do the same
thing?
Yassa is fiction that is based on fact. If I took out the love triangle (it could have happened!) and some of the gory scenes where Temujin is exacting revenge on those that have wronged him (or his family), it would be all fact.
But, how stinkin' boring it would be! BORING! History is boring unless you focus on the human element. Facts and dates thrown together in a mishmash of words makes me fall into a zombie trance and drool on the page. Note: to those that have bought my used books, that was hyperbole.
Seriously, let's get serious for a moment. Ha!
Genghis Khan's story is blah blah blah unless you focus on the man himself. He led one heck of an interesting life. If you don't believe me, go check out his Wikipedia page. It's scarily accurate. This line:
Temujin valued loyalty above all else and also valued brotherhood. Jamukha was one of Temujin's best friends growing up. But their
friendship was tested later in life, when Temujin was fighting to become
a khan.
Is the basis of my book and is down the page a bit on the Wiki entry. Jamuka became a rival to Temujin. But why? They were andas (sworn brothers)!! What could have come between them? Duh! A woman. That's where the twist in my version of history comes in. Jamuka betrayed the loyalty he had sworn. It's all in the prologue of the book :)
At the very least, go get a sample. Hollywood would have a field day making my book into a movie. It has all the elements necessary: love, battles, betrayal, ruthlessness, etc...
A book I haven't spoken much about is The Abigale Chronicles - Book One. Not because it's any less important than Yassa, but simply because it speaks for itself. To turn it into a work of non-fiction would be an exercise in futility. There would be no story without the paranormal aspect.
If you like young reader's books, check out The Abigale Chronicles. Book two will release in July!
That's all for today, folks. Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
I'm really enjoying learning more about your books....and of course you are quite right, history when just presented as a series of facts is about as dull as it gets (ask my children). The resonation of emotion is what makes the story...
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Lisa x
That is my fervent hope, Lisa. That the book resonates with the readers :) Thanks for your comment and for the blog luv :)
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DeleteI am easily bored by history books but love historical fiction, so I agree with what you say about taking out the love-triangle and some of the gory scenes from Yassa would make it boring. lol! ;) And all of my books center around the paranormal, so making them non-fiction really wouldn't work.
ReplyDeleteI like paranormal. :) Young readers are going to be shocked when they discover the truth behind the Abigale series :) hehe There are SO many MORE options when writing about other worlds. Thanks for the comment and the blog luv :)
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