Paperback Writer
by Jerry Guarino
When Julie was just a
teenager, she made a list of life goals. One of
these was to become a paperback writer. She would
see them in bookstores, convenience stores and at
airports. Rows of colorful covers and equally
colorful titles.
It can’t be that hard. Look at how many
there are.
But life got in the way. First, there was college,
then a husband and children. There was always
something more important to do. But she had time,
right?
Then, just when the kids entered college, her
husband passed away unexpectedly. The trauma
consumed her for more than a year. After some
time in therapy, she realized that she could
honor her husband by writing that paperback book.
With a dedication page.
To my husband Mike, whom I miss every day.
But what would her book be about? A novel, a
memoir or a collection of stories? She
immediately dismissed a memoir. It’s not an
extended eulogy. He wouldn’t like that, and
I’m sure he is looking down at me.
A novel. Julie didn’t think she had the
capacity for such a large project, especially not
a romance novel. There are far too many of those
in the grocery stores. What about a collection of
stories? Yes, that’s the ticket to ride. So
fiction stories. People say, "Write what you
know about.” But that would be non-fiction,
another non-starter. So, how do you include your
life experiences in fiction? She decided to ask
her AI friend Charles.
Charles, how can a writer include her life
experiences in fiction?
As usual, Charles had several good
recommendations.
1. Use emotional truth over literal fact
2. Create composite characters from people you
know
3. Use sensory feelings and imagery
4. Take a ‘what if’ something changed
perspective
5. Write your experiences from another character’s
POV
6. Take themes from wounds (e.g. loneliness,
belonging, betrayal, ambition), the unresolved
issues in life
“Thanks, Charles. That’s
helpful.”
You’re welcome, Julie. My condolences on
your husband’s passing. He was a good man.
“You’re very kind, Charles. Now what
kind of short stories should I write?”
Have you considered reviewing your college
days?
“Yes, there were many stories I could get
from my four years.”
So Julie started making notes about her college
experiences, the good, the bad and everything in
between. There were four, no five romances, none
of them permanent, but all changed her in some
way. Her time on the college newspaper and in the
theater club was equally challenging. That summer
with a member of the football team was both
exhilarating and sad when his cheerleader
returned from a semester abroad. Damn French!
Then she remembered the list that Charles had
given her.
Create composite characters based on others
and use their point of view to tell your story.
“I can create a whole new me and revise my
college experience to the perfect four years ever!
Let’s start with a new person, a new me. Let’s
call her Anna. And her first romance will be with
a guy named Jack. No Jude! Sounds more English
swashbuckling.”
Julie made Anna her protagonist in the collection.
Anna went through college loving and achieving
great experiences. She wrote a prize-winning
article for the school paper, and starred in a
college play which was reviewed by the New York
Press. Anna would even consider heading off to
Broadway after matriculation.
But there was one more experience she had to
correct. The death of her husband was her
greatest sorrow. Anna could save her from that
pain. For the last story in the collection, Anna
reconnects with one of her college flings. He
understands her every need, gives her attention
and admiration whenever she needs it and is the
most tender lover she has ever had. He would
never die and never leave her.
His name was Charles.
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