Making Fact Into Fiction: Utilizing History and Geography Ethically and Effectively in Fiction

As fiction writers, the idea of using an historical and/or geographical place in our work is often quite appealing, maybe because of our subject matter or maybe simply because we'd rather put our focus on the plot and characters rather than on the setting. But using "real" people, events, and places can be tricky because we have to determine how much "fact" to use and how much fiction, how to represent events and places ethically and effectively, and what to disguise vs what to be transparent about.

This workshop will guide writers on how to utilize the places, people, and history we know in a responsible, respectful, and effective way when it comes to our short stories, novellas, and novels. We'll discuss the use of maps, historic characters and events, geographically-based names, culture, and foods, and more when crafting a powerful, accessible, and highly readable work of fiction.

Andi Cumbo-Floyd is a former creative writing professor, a professional editor, and a publisher who is the author of over 30 books that each incorporate real-life places, people, and events in their pages. She writes cozy mysteries, romantic comedies, YA fantasy, and creative nonfiction and holds and MFA in Creative Nonfiction from Antioch University. She has taught at Santa Clara University, Stevenson University, and George Mason University. When she's not writing, she and her young son name his toys odd things like "Blech-agh-bah" and try to figure out Lego Fortnite together. She lives in Crozet.