Writing for Non-Fiction Genres

» Grandma07 - Victims?

In response to Victims? posted by Gostiee:
While I understand your (correct) feelings that none of the readers were victimized, (I can assure you, I've read some things correctly classified but so poorly written that I think the author should have his pens taken away), I still believe Frey's work is one of fiction.
Even if we are not addicts, the human mind changes things - people internalize happenings in many different ways. All six of my children remember Christmas traditions differently, for example.
If one was to write a book about our family Christmas traditions, the other sibs could call it a work of fiction. Which it wouldn't be, based on their individual memories.)
So- even though at first glance that would seem to prove your opinion that Frey's book should remain classified as non-fiction, there is one very big difference: Frey manipulated his memories to add drama. That is fiction. He did so with purpose.
Even though the book is a wonderful tool to learn of the addicts life, it is still a work of fiction. The flap on the jacket can tell us it is loosely based on his life. It makes all the difference in the world.

-- posted by Grandma07