AboutCathy Clamp Expertise I'm happy to answer questions about any aspect of writing novels, from the beginning kernel of an idea through completion. I can help with writing a query letter and synopsis to an agent or editor. I can explain publishing terminology and acronyms. I can also assist with questions about verifying the credentials of agents/publishers and how to proceed once you've been accepted for publication. I can teach the rules of formatting a manuscript, creating viable plots, characterization and flow in the following genres: romance, science fiction, fantasy, thrillers, suspense, horror, women's fiction, mainstream and mystery.
Experience I'm a USA Today bestselling author of romance fiction in the Tor/Forge Books paranormal romance line. Along with a co-author, I've published eight novels (combination of mass market and trade softcover) since 2003, and have contracts for six more books through 2009.
Organizations Romance Writers of America, Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, Western Outdoor Writers, Horror Writers of America.
Publications Tor/Forge Books, Western Reflections Publishing
Education/Credentials My educational background is limited to real life experience of publishing novels commercially for the past five years.
Awards and Honors USA Today bestseller, Waldenbooks Mass Market Paperback Top 20 bestseller, Nielsen BookScan Top 20 bestseller, Book Buyers Best Award for Paranormal, 2007, Romantic Times Best Werewolf Novel, 2006, Write Touch Readers Award, EVVY Best Historical Chronicle Award, The Lories Best Paranormal. Many others.
Question How can I write a story about a real person, places, and events and have it be a work of fiction?
Answer Hi, Darlene!
The only way to make real events into fiction is to fictionalize them. By that, I mean that you'll have to change important details to make them NOT real life. Not just names and places, but some of the details of the events. Yes, truth is stranger than fiction, but fiction doesn't require releases from people who were involved. If a person would be able to recognize him/herself, or the details of the events could embarrass or humiliate them publicly, then a publisher will have to think long and hard about publishing it. But if you change a man into a woman in the real event, and change WHY the event happened, then you're a step closer to calling it fiction.
