I think the history behind these terms is also interesting. Creative Nonfiction was coined by Lee Gutkind as a rebranding of New Journalism and it took hold. Also called long-form journalism or narrative nonfiction. I, too, share some of those concerns about veracity, including my own, which is part of why I am so drawn to it. It being creative nonfiction or whatever we want to call writing true stories.
Thank you for this thoughtful piece. I think the term creative non-fiction works well for readers and helps them know what to expect, while giving writers the freedom to be imaginative and bring a story alive with their words. For me the term literary non-fiction has little meaning I can grasp whereas narrative non-fiction works okay.
Good article. Congratulations on your success. I write from, true events, incorporate dreams sometimes, or imagination. The article I wrote on Alzheimer’s, title; It happens, which I may post again, and again, came from me trying to take an evening nap and this story, poem, writing, would not let me rest, till I put it on paper. Does this happen to you all ?
Anyone who says non-fiction is necessary non-creative is assuming that the ONLY creative element of fiction lies in "making up the story". Finding the words, imagery and symbols to convey an actual experience or place is every bit as creative as for an imagined one. NB Shakespeare didn't make up ANY of his own stories (except maybe The Tempest).
Thank you for this concise and informative post. I have been at a loss to explain these categories of writing, or to understand what the differences are. Your suggestion that “managing a reader’s expectations” is a defining factor is a real “aha!” for me. If I’m not clear in my approach, then I have no authority. Appreciate your insights.
I first heard of creative non-fiction at a writers conference. The coach suggested my travel memoir could be considered creative non-fiction. I loved the idea of it, but, what was it? Since then I do consider my essay writing to be that. As a former journalist I want to keep the facts straight in my writings. Thanks for adding in info about narrative and literary non-fiction. The triumvirate. Great piece. And look forward to your deep dive into journalism at some point too.
This is a very interesting and helpful discussion, thank you. I prefer the term creative non-fiction, although it confused me at first and I had to research to understand more.
I think the history behind these terms is also interesting. Creative Nonfiction was coined by Lee Gutkind as a rebranding of New Journalism and it took hold. Also called long-form journalism or narrative nonfiction. I, too, share some of those concerns about veracity, including my own, which is part of why I am so drawn to it. It being creative nonfiction or whatever we want to call writing true stories.
Thank you for this thoughtful piece. I think the term creative non-fiction works well for readers and helps them know what to expect, while giving writers the freedom to be imaginative and bring a story alive with their words. For me the term literary non-fiction has little meaning I can grasp whereas narrative non-fiction works okay.
Good article. Congratulations on your success. I write from, true events, incorporate dreams sometimes, or imagination. The article I wrote on Alzheimer’s, title; It happens, which I may post again, and again, came from me trying to take an evening nap and this story, poem, writing, would not let me rest, till I put it on paper. Does this happen to you all ?
Anyone who says non-fiction is necessary non-creative is assuming that the ONLY creative element of fiction lies in "making up the story". Finding the words, imagery and symbols to convey an actual experience or place is every bit as creative as for an imagined one. NB Shakespeare didn't make up ANY of his own stories (except maybe The Tempest).
Thank you for this concise and informative post. I have been at a loss to explain these categories of writing, or to understand what the differences are. Your suggestion that “managing a reader’s expectations” is a defining factor is a real “aha!” for me. If I’m not clear in my approach, then I have no authority. Appreciate your insights.
I first heard of creative non-fiction at a writers conference. The coach suggested my travel memoir could be considered creative non-fiction. I loved the idea of it, but, what was it? Since then I do consider my essay writing to be that. As a former journalist I want to keep the facts straight in my writings. Thanks for adding in info about narrative and literary non-fiction. The triumvirate. Great piece. And look forward to your deep dive into journalism at some point too.
This is a very interesting and helpful discussion, thank you. I prefer the term creative non-fiction, although it confused me at first and I had to research to understand more.