Has this ever been done before?

Question

My four friends and I always joke about how the story of our friendship could be a novel, or lifetime movie someday... Lately, our lives have been so dramatic and so paralleled and so poignant that I've felt that a book or movie would be an interesting prospect.... except....

I'm not great at writing, and wouldn't be able to do anything like a manuscript...

Has a person ever just suggested a story to an already-established writer or movie-maker, and allowed the writer or movie-maker to take their story and develop it? Or is that just not done? If they did make the story, would we be credited with the idea or would we not hold any rights on the story at all?

Is it a matter of waiting until I'm rich enough to hire a writer to do the work that I'd need to do?

Answer 1

It's been suggested that you might want to employ a ghost writer, but you'll also want to be involved in the process. When you find a writer who is willing to tell your story(ies), expect that the writer will want to interview you and your friends.

It's done more often than you think. Most writers don't betray the entirety of the processes of completing a novel, story, or poem. Often, they wouldn't know where to begin. As actors accept Academy Awards, notice how many people they consistently thank -- family, friends, producers, writers, fellow actors, strangers , God -- and it's the same for writers; but writers don't have as many opportunities to publicly thank people unless they are touring to read their work or have been awarded for writing a play or movie. I recently attended a reading by David Sedaris, and he mentioned more than once the people who inspired his stories and helped edit them.

I write fiction and poetry, and I borrow other people's lives and refashion them into something they wouldn't immediately recognize, but they might if I pointed out their influence.

Judging from the form and clarity of your question, you are a writer. It might help to record you and your friends retelling your fun stories. If you are of age, design a wine party centered around a dictaphone or other audio recording devices and equipment. Comfort breeds honesty, and I'm sure you can get your stories "on paper" and documented for public perusal.

Answer 2

Probably you would be seeking a ghost writer. And that costs a bundle. I know - I just signed a contract to ghost a book this week. Most authors dont take ideas from people - that kind of thing can come back to bite you in the butt later. Why not try talking into a tape recorder and recording your story? Then transcribe it and see what it looks like. You may be able to put it together that way. If it's five people, you should be able to work as a team - focusing on one event at a time. Try it and see how it goes. Pax - C

Answer 3

Hi there,
there are lots of stories here and there. what you need is to have a good writing skill. If you have not that then you think that this or that incident will make a good novel or story! First you need to develop the writing part of your skill, then you will never at the loss of story or incidents to write up, everything can turn into a novel or lifetime movie as you said but , but you need to write with skill and confidence.

Answer 4

No, I will tell you something ,start writing letters to each other telling the whole story from the start ,as if you don't see each other and you r telling the story in front of a stranger that you trust ,and when the book is finished send me a copy .GOOD LUCK

Answer 5

I think the idea sounds really interesting. One of my favorite books, Les Miserables, is all about parallels between people!! It's a small world!

I'm not sure how you would go about turning this idea into a story/screenplay. Sorry! You might pitch the idea to an undergraduate student who is studying film/productions/etc.

Answer 6

If you cant do the writing you better ask a friend of yours a favor. or if you want you can study in any college or university that can help you learn how to do the writing.

Answer 7

You did not tell us in which USA city you live.

Most universities, teach writing courses at night. Call the schools in your city, ask for the English Department and find out if they teach creative writing.