Translating Family Experiences into Writing Scenes By Connie Vines #RR103, #WritingTips,

How do your family experiences translate into writing scenes? 

Oh, my...this type of reveal could create a very spirited discussion during a holiday gathering.  One must tip-toe around this subject with great care!

That said... unfortunately for our friends, family members, co-workers, and even strangers on the street, each may have a glorious or, not so glorious reincarnation in a future novel, short story, or even book trailer.

Strangers would most likely be flattered. Co-workers might be tempted to plot revenge. 

Family members?  

I never wish to hurt anyone's feelings or place them in an unfavorable light...

People are inspiring, unpredictable, scatter-brained, loving, and very funny.  Since we live within a family unit (however, you define the membership) and grow up together, you know family members best,  Therefore, they are ripe for the picking.  

Care must be taken.  The screenwriter of "A Christmas Story" may have had a relative who created a nightmare gift  ( custom bunny suit)--but I doubt it.  More likely it was a friend's family member who lived in a different state or even a different country who was the inspiration. 

While a disaster revolving around a kitchen mishap is universal and an acceptable scene to include in a novel.

Youtube link to the kitchen scene:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cFHAJ5asMk

True Events?  

Am I guilty of including scenes created from personal experiences? Yes.

Am I guilty of harvesting unsuspecting family members or friends and inserting them into my story? Yes.

Am I going to give you more details? 

No. As you can see, Santa is still undecided about my Official Christmas status!

I will confess to relying on personal experience, heavily.  In a YA story, the heroine was pinned between the front door and the screen door, her face squished into the dirty mesh as she tries to call for assistance.

At Senior Prom (unknowingly) both you and your best friend are wearing the same gown and still sit next to each other at the table.

No one advised you the bride's colors were apricot and white (I was dating the brides' cousin). I was wearing an apricot dress.  It wasn't until I was ushered into a photo that I realized what was happening.

I could go on and on...

Well, just one more example: I was asked out on a double date.  The cowboy I knew wanted to take me dancing at a Honky Tonk (for locals in our small town). When he arrived there was another cowboy in the car (unknown to me at the time: his friend had a crush on me).  I assumed we were meeting his friend's date inside. 

I didn't realize my 'dates' were sneaking me in through an open window to avoid a cover charge.  How could I not know it was a window?  My mother always had me leave my glasses at home when I dated.  

What?

I know! 

Fortunately, the evening went well, both of the guys were great dancers and the perfect gentlemen.

And Connie lived happily ever after ...because she refused to leave her glasses at home ever again. 

.

I hope you enjoyed my post,

Connie

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