Have you ever thought about writing a novel based on your life? Many people tell me they’ve mused about putting the events of their life into a book but have never been able to sit down and do it.
That’s understandable! It’s tricky to fictionalize events that are so personal.
I learned this about six years ago when I wrote my novel, Walking on Sea Glass, a story inspired by my husband and me. Have you read it? It’s okay if you haven’t! I’m just asking because it’s been out in the world awhile.
It was actually Dan, aka my hero, who kept urging me to write our story. Though I’d already written six novels, I had no clue how to put our own experiences into a novel.
I mean, what do I keep true to life? What do a fictionalize? And what about real people who were in our lives during the timeline of the story? How do I deal with them?
In the end, I created a story world similar to ours, but not the same.
I didn’t use real people, though I sometimes combined personalities to convey events that happened or words that were said. I even added a comical thread that was a huge twist on something that did occur. It’s kind of my little secret of how I came up with that!
Though Walking on Sea Glass is more of an “inspired by” than a “based on” of our lives, my husband had to help me with scenes from the hero’s point of view. To give you some background, when I met Dan, he was a recent widower and I was dealing with a difficult medical diagnosis. So right there we had built-in “conflict” for our story.
Here’s one way Dan helped me craft this story.
I was working on a scene based on a tragic moment from Dan’s past. He had told me about this night many times, and when I set out to craft a fictionalized version of it, I wrote it the way I envisioned it.
In this scene, my hero has just returned home from a long day at the hospital with a loved one. His hands are full as he exits his car, and just as he’s about to tap the door closed with his hip, his cellphone rings. One look at the number on the screen, and he realizes he’s about to receive some very bad news.
I pictured this scene in my mind and wrote what I saw: My hero was holding a coffee mug, and in his shock from receiving the phone call, he dropped the mug onto the cement driveway while he stood there in the dark and watched it shatter.
When Dan reviewed that scene, he shook his head no. “That’s not what he would have done,” he told me, his mouth a grim line. “He wouldn’t drop the mug—he would throw it against the pavement.”
Wow. I understood Beau, my book’s hero, a lot better, just from that one explanation.
Just so you know, Walking on Sea Glass isn’t all drama. As in real life, there are plenty of lighter moments too. And laughs. Many scenes were based on real events—one of my kids kept asking which ones–while others were figments of my hyperactive imagination 😀
GIVEAWAY
If you’re a Kindle Unlimited Subscriber, you can download Walking on Sea Glass and start reading right away.
I’d also love to give away a paperback copy of Walking on Sea Glass to a reader in the US and an ebook copy to an international reader. So there are two giveaways up for grabs!
Last day to enter is Friday, August 26, 2022.
To enter, please answer these questions in the comment box: Have you ever thought about writing a novel based on your life? Would it be a drama or comedy?
JULIE CAROBINI writes inspirational beach romances. She is the author of two dozen novels known for spirited heroines, charming heroes, quirky friends, and the secrets they keep. Her bestselling titles include Walking on Sea Glass, Runaway Tide, Beach Sunrise, Reunion in Saltwater Beach, and more. She has won awards from The National League of American Pen Women and ACFW, and her books have received bestseller status many times. Julie is Mom to three young adults and lives on the California coast with her husband, Dan, and their rescue pup, Dancer. Grab a free eBook here: www.juliecarobini.com/free-book
Hi Julie, I’ve never read ‘Walking on Sea Glass’ but it’s fascinating to hear how you wrote it, I will definitely add it to my ‘to read’ list.
I’ve never thought of writing anything based on my own life, I’m not sure there would be much to interest people, but I also think I’d find it hard to share moments of strong emotions and feelings, even if they were fictionalised.
I think you and your husband are really brave. So if I did, it would be a comedy – I think I have enough mishaps and funny stories to share and I would definitely find it easier to open up through humour.
Neither. It would be about lost memories.
Definitely a drama with some humour thrown in! Or maybe the other way around…. I would imagine it’s only as the story develops that I would see which way it was going- but basically it would be medical fiction…. And definitely lots of miraculous moments that would be ‘unbelievable’ to any reader.
I think a book based on my life would be a little of both drama and comedy. :D
I’ve neve thought about writing my life story. I think it would be pretty boring! I did write a book once, though. It has since been destroyed by me, and I can’t even really remember what it was about or the characters names!
I’ve never thought about writing out my own sorry. Or anyone else’s. Haha! I’m a wordy person and I can’t imagine how confusing any story I attempted would be.
I have never thought about writing a novel about my life. It would have to be a drama and a comedy combined.
Hi Julie yes I have thought about writing a book on my life, and it would be a drama. Some things are just left unanswered and will never really know the actual facts. I have never read your book but it sounds like a great read and your book cover is beautiful. Have a great week and stay safe. Thank you for the chance.
I loved Walking on Sea Glass! I’ve used bits of my life here and there in novels, but never anything remotely autobiographical. I married my high school sweetheart. We haven’t had much drama and aren’t amusing enough for comedy, either! I’m thankful my life is pretty boring!
Occasionally the thought has crossed my mind to write a book about my life, but then I think it’d be too boring for people to care about reading. I think it would be a mixture of comedy/drama though.
When I was 13 Epilepsy raised its head. I am now 64 and still have it, but it has been under control with meds since I was 21. Got married, had two tow headed kiddos. When they went high school I looked for some books on Epilepsy in the library and a few book stores. There really was not a lot about the subject. I thought may be I could write a book about my experiences and maybe help someone else out there. But for some reason I was blocked at every turn. Literally. So I put it all back into God’s hands again. And I never got a go ahead to give it another try. Instead, God had me talking to people with disabilities and showing me that one of my main gifts is being a Shepard. I have had the distinct pleasure of helping many ladies. Sometimes for a short time, sometimes for longer periods. God always knows what is best and that we need to remember this and let Him be the Guide.
Thank you, Ruthie! I agree that humor, especially the self-deprecating kind :-), is easier to share.
That’s hard. I also have some things that won’t make it into a book. Blessings <3
Oh, that sounds fascinating, Jeannette! I, too, have experienced miracles.
I can relate, Elizabeth! Lol
I have thought about writing a novel about my life but I don’t think it would be too interesting. I think that it would be a mix. My life is not really full of drama, but I tend to make things bigger in my head than they actually are. However I do think that there would be some comedic parts because my family is crazy :)
I bet that book was cathartic for you to write, Trudy. So good for you! (I’m thinking of burning my diaries actually, haha)
Meltynda, that’s funny! I can be wordy too, which I was I need an editor :-D
I hear you. Walking on Sea Glass is a combo too!
no, maybe comedy
You’re welcome, Alicia. Thank you for stopping by!
Ah, high school sweethearts <3. So sweet … and I don't think you're boring !
Megan, I think most of us have a mixture of all three: comedy, drama, and boring =)
Laughter is great medicine!
I have never thought about writing about my life. When I was a teenager (eons ago) I did attempt to write a story. I can remember writing a converssfion–let’s say attempted to write a conversation. Can’t remember what the conversation was even about. I have never attempted to write again!! IF I had that talent, my story would be a mix, so a dramedy?
Ooh, I love that, Lori. He led you and you listened. Sooo satisfying and keeps you close to Him, I’m sure. ❤️ Also wanted to mention that I read a romantic comedy about epilepsy. Can you believe that? The Match was a very sweet story involving a woman with epilepsy who trains service dogs. I learned a bunch (when I wasn’t laughing at the heroine’s antics). You might enjoy it too.
Yes! A dramady … great way to define many of our lives, Bonne! =)
People are always telling me sweetie novels about my life because we grew up in the 70s in a multi racially mixed family in the south. My life has been so different and challenging that it would totally out sale house horrible reality tv shows!
That sounds fascinating, Cindi!
Crazy families make for good stories, Angeline 😂. And I know what you mean about making things bigger in our heads–I’m that way too!
Wow. That explanation *is* powerful. Honestly, I’ve never had the desire to write a story inspired by or based on the events of my life. But I’ve definitely enjoyed the books I’ve read from a couple of authors that decided to fictionalize part of their lives. :)
Thank you so much, Priscila. Appreciate that!
I have never thought about writing about my life. If I did it would be mostly a love story because I have been with my husband for over 3/4 of my life and without him there would be no story.
Yes, I have thought about it, but shut down the idea immediately. There is so much pain in my past that I do now want to have to relive it. I do now want to hurt my parents who are still alive by bringing some of it to light. If I would write it, it would certainnly be a drama. Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you.
I am definitely not a writer ao it would never occur to me to write the story of my life. But if it was going to be written I would want it to be turned into a rom-com, although I probably need to amp up both the “rom” and “com” first, lol.
A novel about my life would be an overcomer story of survival after being in an abusive marriage.
Ah!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Totally understood, Debra. You’re welcome and God bless you too 🥰
Lelia, it’s hard to know what to say, other than I’m so glad you have left such a terrible situation behind. Yes, you are truly an overcomer!
Haha, Jessica. Sounds like you have a lot of fun in your life 😅
If I made a lifetime story it would be a story on my family with coming from a large family of 2 older siblings and 10 younger siblings 2 nephews ages 1 and 10 months 2 nieces ages violet will be 2 on Sunday and Lottie 9 months.
I’ve never thought about writing a novel based on my life…
Biography – maybe :)
It would probably be a drama, full of joy though!
No I haven’t
Im late had a tooth extracted on Monday and its taken time to feel semi normal again.
I could get the throwing the coffee mug. I am one who would do that or hit something or go and chop wood which is one thing I would do when mad.
My life would be more a tragedy! There would be both drama with humorous (well to the reader) Just the drama with Henry and Libby (cats) the past few days. Henry brought in a mouse which he then lost and I finally caught (ice cream container and then slide a piece of cardboard under to remove said rodent only to hear Henry again and this time it was a large mouse which he presided to lose in my room! being so in pain I did go to bed and 1.30ish in the morning both are hunting it in my room. it was under the spare bed. This morning it was in the laundry under the washer but leaving the back door open and other rooms blocked I hope it is gone. It better be or two cats can find a new home. at the time its not funny but looking back it can be.
This sounds like an absolutely amazing book! Thanks for sharing I’m going to download now!
Thank you, Dreaa. I hope you enjoy Walking on Sea Glass!
Is it okay that I’m laughing over here, Jenny? Lol You told that very well! I remember my husband using Tupperware to catch a mouse in the house–I made him through it out! (He wasn’t going to.) I hope you fell better soon!
Ah, I love that: “full of joy!”
Its ok to laugh. There is an update. The mouse didn’t go out the back door! I went to have a nap heard noise so went to check come back and see something that was like a ping pong ball size of grey fur and realise its the mouse on my nighty on the floor (it was going in the wash anyway) so I go get the container and cardboard put it over slide the cardboard and deposit in the bin out the back yelling at Henry on the way telling him hes a bad boy and if he does it again he can pack his bags. I keep the container for this as I have caught probably 20+ this way but most are smaller and some dead. I didn’t get the nap. I still half expect to see it. I would have put the tupperware container somewhere (labeled) where it could be used again if needed. Now tonight i will probably have nightmares.
Oh no! I hope you slept well, regardless, Jenny!
well til 3am when Henry came in loudly meowing yep another mouse I caught and binned. When I said 20 maybe I left of zero off. Its been at least 5 in the past 3 weeks. but no nightmares.
I like your story. I’ll be checking the book out.
I’m not sure I could write my own story although people very often suggested it when I talked about the way I met my hubby.
I have never thought about putting the stories of my life on paper. What a challenge that would be and it be full of drama. That is the way that I have lived life, full and challenging each and every day. I have not read your book, but I certainly would love to! Thank you for sharing your life with others.
Never thought about writing a novel about my life, but if I did I think it would be a comedy.
Your book sounds very interesting.
I have never thought of writing a book about my life, but after I married, my mom kept telling me I should write a book titled, “How I Almost Became Amish”. LOL
I’m a private person, so writing a book about my life wouldn’t tempt me at all.
Idk about writing a novel or not I don’t think i’ve really thought about that…..but I have thought of maybe some kind of book that others could see my life experiences and still see hope or light through the dark.
I don’t think I would write a story about my life as it hasn’t been that interesting. If I had to write something about my life it would probably be something featuring my children and the things they did and said.