Lesson 1.7: How to Write Creative Non Fiction

Question 1

fiction vs creative nonfiction

Answer 1

fiction - inspired by a what if question
nonfiction - inspired from experiences, knowledge, interest, ideas, and curiosities

NO ROOM FOR FABRICATION OR MANIPULATION OF FACTS

Question 2

get your facts straight

Answer 2

tell the truth.

Question 3

issue a disclaimer

Answer 3

if you aren’t sure about the details but are determined
to include them, be upfront and plan on issuing a disclaimer that clarifies the creative liberties you’ve taken.

Question 4

consider the repercussions

Answer 4

check with the people that you will be writing about. respect privacy

Question 5

be objective

Answer 5

You don’t need to be overly objective if you’re telling your own,
personal story. However, nobody wants to read a highly biased biography. Book
reviews for biographies are packed with harsh criticism for authors who didn’t
fact-check or provide references and for those who leave out important
information or pick and choose which details to include to make the subject look
good or bad.

Question 6

pay attention to language

Answer 6

You’re not writing a textbook, so make full use of
language, literary devices, and storytelling techniques.

Question 7

know your audience

Answer 7

Creative nonfiction sells, but you must have an interested
audience. A memoir about an ordinary person’s first year of college isn’t
especially interesting. Who’s going to read it? However, a memoir about someone
with a learning disability navigating the first year of college is quite compelling,
and there’s an identifiable audience for it. When writing creative nonfiction, a
clearly defined audience is essential

Question 8

five rs of crenon

Answer 8

Write about real life.
Conduct extensive research.
Write the historical narrative.
Share personal reflection
Learn about the person or event by reading.