There’s a storm in the romance novel world, concerning romantic novelist Cassie Edwards. I haven’t been following the story, but apparently the plagiarism issue was raised by the site Smart Bitches who Love Trashy Books.

From the AP story, a comparison between Ms Edwards’ novel and her source.

Nora Roberts says peer lifted material – Yahoo! News: “From ‘Savage Longings’:

‘The women who belonged to this society created ceremonial decorations by sewing quills on robes, lodge coverings, and other things made of the skins of animals. Snow Deer had told Charles that the Cheyenne women considered this work of high importance, and when properly performed, it was quite as much respected as were bravery and success in war among the men.’

From ‘Cheyenne Indians’:

‘Of the women’s associations referred to the most important one was that devoted to the ceremonial decoration, by sewing on quills, of robes, lodge coverings, and other things made of the skins of animals. This work women considered of high importance, and, when properly performed, quite as creditable as were bravery and success in war among the men.’”

Always attribute your sources, whatever you’re writing

The AP reports Ms Edwards said: “Edwards, interviewed earlier this week by the AP, acknowledged that she sometimes “takes” her material “from reference books,” but added that she didn’t know she was supposed to credit her sources.”

This is undoubtedly so. A romance novel isn’t a feature article in a magazine. If you were writing a magazine article, you’d send your sources with the copy, so the fact checkers could look over it.

However, even if you’re writing a novel, if you’re using reference material, you should always make a clear distinction between the sources you’ve used, and your own words. The above example is pretty close to the original – Ms Edwards should have used a little creativity to make the information her own, so to speak.

If you’re relying heavily on a source, as Ms Edwards obviously was, then it’s only polite to attribute at the end of the novel, with a “Thanks To” or “Sources” page. Many novelists do this, in many different genres. It’s a commonly accepted practice. It’s also polite and courteous to do this.

The fact that her publisher didn’t request this, really doesn’t absolve Ms Edwards; she owns the copyright of her novel (I assume) and if so, she’s responsible for what’s published under her name.

So if you’re using sources for your novel, do remember to include a “Sources” page, whatever you call it. It saves hassle – and most importantly, it’s polite to do so.

Most novelist spend the entire time they’re writing praying to the gods for a great opening paragraph. That is, a hook which will entice readers to read on.

Their prayers were answered for these two writers.

Blonde Faith (WALTER MOSLEY)

It’s hard to get lost when you’re coming home from work. When you have a job, and a paycheck, the road is set right out in front of you: a paved highway with no exits except yours. There’s the parking lot, the grocery store, the kids’ school, the cleaner’s, the gas station, and then your front door.

The Fall of Troy (PETER ACKROYD)

He fell down heavily on his knees, took her hand and brought it up to his mouth. “I kiss the hand of the future Mrs. Obermann.” He spoke in English. Neither she nor her parents understood German, and he disliked speaking demotic Greek. He considered it vulgar.

You want to write a book. Good for you! Writing a book is fun, and it can be a very profitable enterprise, which earns you royalty checks every six months for years to come.

However, before you start tapping your keyboard, you’re wondering WHAT you should write? Nonfiction or novels – that is, truth, or lies?

It’s completely up to you.

Generally speaking, nonfiction sells better, and is easier to write, because most people know a lot about something, or are interested enough in something that they can research it and write a book about it.

But if you want to write novels, you’re in good company.

In 2006, over 79,000 people took part in NaNoWriMo, the novel writing marathon, and sixteen NaNoWriMo novelists have had their NaNo-novels published, including Sarah Gruen, author of New York Times #1 Best Seller, Water for Elephants.

So to repeat: whether you write nonfiction or fiction is up to you – and you can write both, if that’s your choice, as it is for many writers.

Writing Freelance Star: Write a Book helps you to write both nonfiction and novels. Write your way to riches today.