A recent road trip by Gifted Underachiever Pat led her to some thoughts on how far we can go in using other people in our art. Can we base characters or story events on people we know and things we’ve seen happen to them?
If yes, what are the limits? If we change everything just enough to make it impossible for our inspiration to recognize themselves, is that okay?
We say sure, why not?
Questions for Listeners:
\* If you found details of your life in a novel by someone you knew, would you freak out or would you understand?
\* Have you ever used someone else’s image or circumstances either to create your art or to make it better?
\* If yes, was there any fallout?
For Further Exploration:
Author Accused of Using Classmate’s Story: https://www.thedailybeast.com/writer-amy-griffin-accused-of-using-classmates-sexual-abuse-story-as-her-own
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