The Difference Between Fiction and Non-Fiction

Writing down your story is not very hard to do. There is absolutely no need to think about a story-line or plot. You lived it yourself so all you have to do is just pen it down. What I did not realize at the time is that once published, people read a lot of ‘secrets’ they never would have known had you not written your story. Things you do and (maybe even worse) things you think all come out in the open.

Of course I changed most of the names but not all. For ‘strangers’ it will be hard to find out who I am writing about. Not for the people I know and who know me. And it is all exactly as it is in real life. You are kind to most people but not to all. The difference is that in real life you might inform others about your thoughts on somebody. Making it known to a bigger audience is something else and I am pretty sure not all people involved are going to be happy about it. This really was a point of extra attention for me. The truth can be painful. On the other hand, if you cannot face the truth you might have a problem. Besides, my truth is mine, your truth is yours and both may be slightly different.

Shame. I felt ashamed. If everything goes perfectly well there is nothing to feel ashamed about. Unfortunately this was not a success story. On the contrary, it describes what I can consider as the darkest period in my life. Not exactly something to brag about. “Look at what I did!”  When I was writing I was dealing with it and thought I had come over it. But it keeps me busy again after publishing. The good thing is that I know all is true and that, in the end I found new strength. That sure helps a lot.