How has the experience of writing the book changed Truman? Has it been a positive or a negative change? How do you think it will affect the rest of his life?

The experience of writing the book "In Cold Blood" had a negative effect on Truman. By all accounts provided, Truman was a social butterfly. He enjoyed being around others and was shown to be the most vocal of the group. He was simply a people person.

As Truman plunged himself into the world of Perry, he spent less time socializing with others. Much of Truman's time was spent with Perry, writing, or focusing on his book in other ways. Truman's personal strength of relating well to others backfired and he began getting emotionally involved with Perry at a very deep level.  They shared many intimate moments discussing similarities in their mothers, Truman feeding Perry baby food, and talk about caring for each other very deeply as friends.

When Truman learned the truth, that Perry was the murderer, the situation spun out of control. Truman was hurt deeply that this person he had come to know could be the cold blooded killer. Truman lied about attempting to find an attorney to argue the case before the Supreme Court.

In the end, the journey that lead Truman Capote to becoming the most famous and best read author in America at that time also destroyed him. He had guilt for not doing more to help Perry. He was confused and hurt as to why Perry would, or could, commit such a heinous act. Truman even ignored the success of his close friends.

The success of "In Cold Blood" was the final success for Capote. He lived out the rest of his life as an alcoholic. So the experience had a positive effect on only one part of Truman's life, his writing life and career.  Truman Capote paid a great price with his sanity, health, and emotions...which is a far greater price that the success he had professionally.