My novel sometimes is accused of reading like a memoir. That could have something to do with the fact that it is based on a true story. How do you novelize a story that is true without losing the gritty detail of truth that makes it completely unique and personal? I am in the trenches with this question right now so I am not the person to ask. If you have any suggestions, please comment!

In a current revise, I am working on giving the portrayal of a secondary character, based on a real character, more depth. The real life character was mysterious to me in many ways. I did not know what went on in her head, and that intrigued me. But for the novel I must find out what was going on underneath her inscrutable facade. I must go in to the cave of her consciousness with a flashlight. By doing so I am transforming her into a fictional character, because I do not imagine to know what the real person thought.

Is her voice coming to me? Yes. Is it fun to plumb the emotional depths with another teen girl in the story? Yes. Do I feel like I owe the person on whom she is based an apology? Yes. If I did so, it would read something like this:

Dear R,

I know that our adventure in the summer of 1979 changed us both forever. I know that the brave, original thinkers we were that summer are still a part of us today. We will never taste freedom like that again. You must feel some ownership of the story because you helped it unfold. But your part is now played by another character in my book.

Cinnamon Girls is a novel now.

The good news is, you can finally let your teen daughters read it!

Love,

Amy