Turn Fact Into Fiction—Without Hurting Someone or Getting Sued | Jane Friedman

Of course, I'm stunned and shocked by this story, but I'm also deeply sympathetic because I absolutely know this person is a good person and this story is raising all sorts of questions for me. Because I'm a writer, later when I'm alone, I can't help but think: God, this would make a great novel. Already the idea is spinning in my mind, trailing off into subplots and characters, but then I stop myself cold.

Because what my friend gave me was a private confession. What if my friend doesn't want me to use the story? What if my friend says yes, except they want to read it first, and then they decide it's not told the way they see it? I agonize that I am invading my friend's privacy. I worry that I could lose a friend, that I could even be sued.

And still, the story haunts me.