Friday, October 22, 2010

Lying for a Living


I've never been a good liar. When I tried it as a kid, I got caught every time. Or, if I didn't get caught, the guilt would eat me alive and most of the time, I'd fess up.

Don't get me wrong...I'm no angel. I'm just saying that lying just doesn't come naturally to me. When God was handing out consciences, he gave me an extra dose. For which I'm thankful, by the way.

As a writer, I've written my share of non-fiction. I've sold plenty of "fact-based" articles, how-to's and personal non-fiction essays. In fact, I make most of my freelancing income from "truth." However, I'll be honest. When it comes to writing, I love to lie!

Okay, so we all know that writing novels and short stories isn't technically "lying," but fiction is a definitely a legitimate fabrication of the truth, right? So there you go. Fiction satisfies my occasional urge to lie.

So basically, I write lots of truth, but my passion is lying--er, fiction. My goal is to one day make as much money as I do writing non-fiction. A couple of book contracts would be a start.

What about you? What's your preference? Truth or Fiction?

Speaking of fiction, have you entered to win Mistletoe Prayers that author Betsy St. Amant is giving away this week? Just leave a comment on THIS POST to be entered. The winner will be announced tomorrow morning.

8 comments:

Caroline said...

We like you as you are, Lynda! So don't worry about the lying part. :) Good post.
cb
http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com
browncarole212@yahoo.com

Terri Tiffany said...

Wish I was better at the lying--might have an agent by now LOL Working at it but I think I am better at non-fiction!

kathy taylor said...

I like both- equally. Fiction is like acting. As a former drama teacher, I loved to live a lie, be someone else, and teach my students how to relate to this character. It's fun to temporarily assume someone else's identity and each character has something to teach us, even if it's telling us what not to do. I find the same thing with fiction. Sometimes it's delicious to pretend.

Lynda Lee Schab said...

Aw...thanks, Caroline. :-)

It won't be long, Terri!!

I know what you mean, Kathy. I loved drama in school and have always had a secret fantasy of becoming an actress. Writing fiction is the next best thing. :-)

Jen said...

Haha. I'm a terrible liar but an excellent writer! I think you are on to something...great theory anyway.

Raquel Byrnes said...

Its not LYING so much as interpreting the truth in a creative manner.

I like fiction...obviously.

Debbie Dillon said...

I love this post, Lynda. I'm the same way - can't lie for anything, We're in the same boat. I want to publish as much of my fiction stuff as my non. All in God's timing, I suppose.

pam said...

Good post! Good fiction is always laced with underlying truth, just a little more fun to write! :)