Fibbing accounts in non-fiction works.

Hello to all! With the recent issue brooding about the author who lied in his book on Oprah and to the world writers are taught a lesson on ethics and morals. Usually I don't enter the realms of non-fiction here, but this is important. Twisting true stories or events around in a non-fiction published piece is a huge no-no. It could lead to lawsuits, bad publicity, and career suicide. The whole point of non-fiction is telling the truth. This is the main reason why I prefer to write fiction.

Misleading readers and betraying their trust by writing a book, journal, memoir, or whatever is not a smart route to take in becoming a successful writer. In the long run a writer will suffer grave consequences. They'll be opposed for their lack of good judgment and principles. I think to gain national or regional recognition and respect from a loyal readership you must be honest and upfront. Construing lies from personal accounts by others by putting your own "spin" on a true story can have a dramatic effect on how the characters are portrayed, giving people the wrong idea and misinformation. For instance, claiming an individual was murdered outside their home instead of stating the fact the person died of heart disease raises doubts of an author's intregity.

Fiction, on the other hand allows an author to explore creative concepts and their imagination to make up a incredible, entertaining story. If this is what a writer enjoys they should stay within this literature category. Besides, what overall good comes from deceiving readers when trying to sell a potential non-fiction masterpiece? Writers who do this not only hurt their appeal with the target audience, but book sales and their future. Hopefully the controversy with this recent author will open writers' eyes to reality and help them reflect on ethics.

This week has been a drag on my writing. Not really creating and developing ideas/stories as I'd like to normally. It's a case of writers block, that happens. I'll bounce back though. What I did do besides submitting queries and short stories to online magazines is find a swell online writing community. It's widespread in writing areas and very populated with members. Here is a link to the site:

www.gather.com

The site has ongoing writing contests too. After registering as a member you can list your own articles and stories. There are sections for non-fiction, short stories, articles, poetry, humor pieces, and other types of experimental literary works. Take a look around and see for yourself. That's all the market information I've conjured up this week. Now my concentration is on getting my short stories published and revamped if necessary. Then I can work on more time consuming projects like getting my novel and screenplay shorts sold.

Hi! This year new year I hadn't made any resolutions. As a writer though, I've found out some startling information that will save me time and trouble. The crime busters standing against literary fraud on the web have tracked down several scam artists. They've been pulling the wool over writers' eyes too long and now have been nailed. The most recent schemer even was claimed to have faked her own death, posing under another identity. Also insightful news is available on the shady practices of Publish America.

I feel good to know that these types of criminals are being stopped. Researching writing markets is important to find out exactly who you're dealing with online. Doing so will help writers and others avoid wasting lots of money and contending with legal battles. Be sure to visit the good folks at the literary crime notices/warnings site at: www.writerbeware.com.

They're doing a terrific job and a service for all writers. All the latest details of reports are there. Special thanks to this group. Their continous efforts and advice are appreciated.