Fact or Fiction?

It's no secret that I've written a novel entitled "The Long Road from Perdition".  When I asked writers to read the book and offer some constructive criticism, I was a little taken aback that they thought the book was factual. Some even believed that I was Nicholas and was narrating my life through his character.

Since then, I have had others read the book and wonder the same thing.  I don't want to give away the plot, but there are some absolutely heartbreaking moments that are intertwined throughout the book.   I feel that it is much like life really is; heartbreak, anguish, joy, happiness and back to heartbreak again. I want to emphasize that the book is not factual.  I did write about certain events that are known to me and used certain characteristics from a variety of people I've known throughout my life to create characters.  I believe every fiction writer does this.

The fact that people are wondering about this book tells me I've accomplished what I set out to do.  I want readers to think about Nicholas and his struggles long after the last page is turned.  I have to admit, he almost seems real to me as well.  And, at times, during the writing of this book, I felt I was typing as fast as I could to get the plot, emotion and dialogue down as I was seeing and hearing it in my head.  It's almost as if I was watching a movie playing of it in my head.  Perhaps it was watching Adrien Grenier on an episode of Entourage that encouraged Nicholas's physical features...or maybe the plot developed after hearing Jonny Lang's anguished Wander this World.

All I know is that it all came together and became a novel that I'm very proud to have written.  Thank you readers for your comments...I'm grateful.

JRS