Writing Gooder

Lets say that you’re in fourth grade, and a few months ago, everyone thought Billy stole a cookie from the cookie jar.  All the evidence pointed to him, but after a trial, it was found that he did not steal the cookie from the cookie jar.

Now it’s almost the end of the school year, and the teacher has told each student to write a story for their end of the year project.  The student who writes the best story will get two free tickets to Six Flags (an amusement park).

Knowing that he’s not a good writer, Billy approaches you (you’re also a fourth grader in his class).  He wants you to write “If I did it.”  That is, if he did steal the cookie, how he stole it and why; he’s saying he didn’t do it, but if he did do it, he would’ve done it this way. In exchange for selling his story to you, Billy wants one of the tickets if you win.

Should you write “If I did it”?

Say you’re an experienced and published writer.  You’ve written several books, and you are known, although not well-known.  Your next book is a non-fiction piece about your travels in a far-away place.  You’re searching for a compelling story of a native that you can use to spice your book up.  Otherwise, it’s just going to be about you going from coffee shop to coffee shop.

Finally, one day, you come across a woman and she shares with you a story that is just what you’re looking for.  It’s compelling, heart-breaking, and inspirational.  As she finishes, you let her know that you’re writing a book, and you ask if you may use her story.  She says no.

What do you do?  If you publish the story, you’re certain to make it to the New York Times Bestseller list at last.  If you don’t publish the story, then it’s going to languish in the bargain basket.  Is there a way you can share the story, but respect the woman’s wishes?