How to Write a Novel based on Your Life

Novel or memoir, which is best?

Photo by Maegan Martin on Unsplash

Last year as I debated whether I wanted to write my dad’s immigration story, I asked myself many questions. The first question was why? What was the point of writing this story? Who would care? Before embarking on a writing journey, the writer needs to understand the why. Why this story and why now?

Once I was clear on why I wanted to write the story — because it could be a pivotal novel in my career, but also, I felt that readers could relate to the main character and his journey. The story would have mass appeal, touch people’s hearts, and be entertaining.

My next question once I decided to move forward was to decide if this story should be a novel based on true events or if it should be a memoir. Both had advantages and disadvantages and ultimately, I chose to write the story as a novel. I’ll share why I chose that format in a second, but first, how do you decide between a novel and a memoir?

Novel or Memoir

The first question you need to ask yourself is how close you want to stick to the truth. Do you want to share real stories and events? Some people feel uncomfortable writing about personal experiences or fear that family members will not accept or appreciate family stories being told. If sharing true…