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.