The 5Rs of Creative Nonfiction

Question 1

The writer constructs a personal essay, memoir, and so forth, that is based on personal experience. He also writes about real people and true events

Answer 1

“Real life” aspect

Question 2

After gathering information, the writer needs to analyze and assess what he/she has collected. He then must evaluate it and express his thoughts, views, and opinions.

Answer 2

Based on the writer engaging in personal “reflection” about what he/she is writing about

Question 3

The writer needs to conduct research to learn about the topic. The writer also needs this to discover what has been written about the topic. Even if a writer is crafting a personal essay, he will need to complete secondary research, such as reviewing a personal journal, or primary research, such as interviewing a friend or family member, to ensure that the information is truthful and factual

Answer 3

Requires that the writer completes “research”

Question 4

Reading while conducting research is not sufficient. The writer must read the work of the masters of his profession.

Answer 4

“Reading”

Question 5

Writing creative nonfiction is both an art and craft. The art of creative nonfiction requires that the writer uses his talents, instincts, creative abilities, and imagination to write memorable creative nonfiction. The craft of creative nonfiction requires that the writer learn and deploy the style and techniques of creative nonfiction in his/her work.

Answer 5

“Writing”