Okay, so here’s the wrap-up regarding my need or “no-need” to label my fictional pieces as such. Terrific comments: https://onetahayes.com/2019/01/03/bloggers-opinion-please/
Thanks, blogging friends. Your comments were helpful.
CONSIDERATIONS:
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Include “Fiction” in title. – That’s certainly upfront.
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Some only Scan or half read. – So they would probably not be bothered.
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Some feel let down when they find the story is not real – Major concern for me.
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Some suggest a disclaimer at the end. – That would be easy for me. Is it fair to those who don’t read the “things below the line?”
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Some like to get in the mood with me. – We swing. 😀
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Most identify with my problem and have come to grips with the issue. – Good for you.
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Put “fiction” in tags. – Not very helpful. But it would cover my “lying” issue. That’s about as useful as a note in the front of a novel. Probably won’t be read.
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Even if we say we are writing fiction, it is probably only “cover-up” truth.
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If one consistently writes “moody” material which does not represent true feeling, say so. No need on diaries, letters.
CONCLUSIONS:
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I see no reward in telling someone upfront not to believe my story – for me or them.
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I don’t want anyone to read then feel like I jerk the rug out from under them if I say it is not the truth.
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I’m much too good at lying – 😀 – So glad it has not been a pattern of behavior for me. I’m 84 (probably the last time I say that because I’ll be 85 in three weeks.) just think how many lies I would have had to keep up with. I might have two husbands. Or, I might owe someone $80,000 and they are coming with an ax to stake a claim on my bank account before I go to the grave! It would be worth sticking around for – to see them find out the value of my estate is $407.82. (liar, liar, pants on fire)
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Jesus told parables. He didn’t bother to label them true happenings or made up stories. I’m pretty sure his listeners could tell based on their surroundings and news coverage, but our modern times have brought along debate about his parables. However, I don’t think my stories will last more than two days on the blog. And then, there’s another issue, some people do call him a liar. So why not me? – I don’t have his love and patience!
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I was telling my g-grands a story of “how my old great-great-great grandpappy” rode in the Pony Express. Eyes wide-opened, mouths agape, one said, “Grandma, is that the truth?” At that point I told her it was not. They still like my stories.
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Most bloggers post what I consider “journal” writings giving account of current activities, travels, cooking, etc. so maybe that is what bloggers “do.”
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Even when we write fiction, it generally holds truth. “out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh.” I’m making allowances for those who write horror stories, or science fiction. I can’t speak for them, but it is probably a learned activity. A skill I don’t care to develop.
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Using other blogs or dividing pages, etc. Might be a good idea but I don’t have the skills for doing that. I can’t even make a widget!
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I label my blog as “sweet aroma” and announce my purpose: “Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God…” 2 Corinthians 2:15
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So what will I do? I will label “FICTION” in my end notes on my 1st person writings. Probably do less 1st person and more 3rd person. And I might find it wise to label some of my “far out” amazing almost unbelievable spiritual experiences as “the truth and nothing but the truth as far as I can remember.”
Thanks for the good advice. – Read below the line!
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This is written by Oneta Hayes, in 1st person. True unless somebody was pulling my leg. But all in good faith and of sound mind. No animals harmed. No bribes paid. Giving my word to stick with these guidelines until such time as I decide not to. 😀
Oneta, you’re not just a sweet aroma. You’re a breath of fresh air! I loved this!
How sweet, muffy… Hope you stick around a lot! 😀
I still have a few years to catch you, if I live that long.
Happy lying😍
Hope they will be as happy as my years. I’m going to rewrite your last line to “Happy Line” and thanks you for wishing my writing to be full of wise, happy, well written lines. 😀
What else is a friend for.
😀 Thanks, friend.
I’m nervous about “Even if we are only writing fiction, it’s probably ‘cover-up’ truth.” I’ve seen researchers try to find biographical information in Hemingway’s fiction, for example, and I think that takes much of the beauty out of literature. I even wrote a short story about a man who wins a prize for a short story published in the local paper, only to have his family and co-workers accuse him of secret wishes of which they do not approve. (And, for that matter, are you really a terrorist gymnast at heart?) J.
Laughing! I’ve already caught it from Pranab holding me to account for that story. No, I’m not a terrorist gymnast at heart. But I might be holding a terrible envy and desire for revenge for such – so much so that I want her dead! 😀 Joking, a place for a disclaimer.
😎
hey good job! duh i forgot about 3rd person, if you “He said, “or Jerald said etc we Know it isnt You! lol I wish you a happy birthday early, as i will forget (age ya know) and so good wishes in your writing! I also thought we could turn it on its head and put NON_FICTION at top when you weren’t writing fiction 😛 ha ha
Thank you, SarahC. One thing I have never been good at – remembering birthdays. Face book is good for that anyway. And it helps when my family send me invitations to birthday parties. Then I think “Oh, yes, now I remember!” 😀 I seldom wrote fiction until I got involved with the challenges. I try to make them worth reading – with a bit of nudge from a grandmother angle, but they are almost always fiction.
i didn’t fiction write either til blogging, well back in class for grades but not on my own. Hubs however likes to write at stories so i should’ve been a little quicker on the 3rd person.
😀
Ok, I’ve been busy with the Mayor and was unable to add any 2 cents when you requested…but I do confess when you wrote about the not being able to drive…I thought you really had meant you were no longer driving…and I felt frustration for you—because of what we were currently dealing with–with both my dad and stepmother. I had read the whole post, but in my defense, it was right after we had taken my stepmother’s keys. Dad had long quit driving and Gloria was no longer capable…and by looking at the various paint colors up and down the side of their car…it was way past time…
Yet when I see that many of your posts are results of prompts…I know that you are finding
all sorts of inspiration…
Carry on as you see fight oh gifted one 🙂
That about the keys was the one that first got response for which I felt I needed to apologize. I didn’t deserve the sympathy. However, it did add a depth of empathy that is needed for understanding the trauma that that act carries for the one who has her keys taken away. In your case, the story was very real and on point. In my story, at least I did let the woman make her own decision. When it happens to me, I’ll probably lose a finger or two. 😀 Thanks, Julie.
You are definitely a breath of fresh air. Keep writing that is the main thing. For me I actually chose to relinquish my car keys. Sad day yes, BUT……….No regrets as long as hubby drives. Became too stressful with long trip into even the closest town after my heart monitor was installed. Life does go on but………….(I do miss the freedom)……Cheers! .
Thanks for a voice of acceptance. Many communities are thoughtful toward providing some transportation for seniors. Of course that is not like the “I think I’ll run over and see what going on at …” kind of transportation! 😀
You, dear lady, are a treat. Thanks for your posts, and for commenting on mine. You are one of the few. Blessings
Thanks, Bill. We have much in common concerning the state of the church and (Church). I’ve noticed you have had periods of being absent several days at a time. I know some was caused by bad weather; I hope all issues are turning out well. And that you have come to the time to see some blessings from the Lord. I know you trust him for that. Again, thanks for your nice words.
Thanks