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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/9207-Fiction-vs-Nonfiction-Part-1.html
For Authors: November 07, 2018 Issue [#9207]




 This week: Fiction vs Nonfiction Part 1
  Edited by: Vivian Author IconMail Icon
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Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

         I have heard writers say or write, "I can write fiction but not nonfiction," or "I can write nonfiction but not fiction." We all can write both if we can write, but we may do better at one than the other. Often components of one type writing are the same as for the other. But, let's compare the two and not be afraid to try either or both.

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Letter from the editor

Fiction vs Nonfiction Part 1



         I will present my thoughts in an outline format to help readers follow, remember, and keep.

Ideas


Where to get ideas for fiction or nonfiction (keep a notebook with ideas):

1.  Newspaper articles, media stories, overheard comments
2.  Assignments, interesting topics, world events, historical locations and people
3.  People watching, research, ideas from others
4.  Family stories, personal experiences, experiences of others, personal interests
Our imaginations are our biggest assets to use when searching for ideas.

Research/Gather Info.


Fiction (I use index cards, one for each character or detail):
1.  Have general idea of story line.
2.  Need names and characteristics (physical, emotional, mental), hobbies, likes, dislikes. Use more information than will be included in writing/work. Include relationships to other characters.
3.  Need details for locations, events, etc.
4.  IF using any facts, be sure they are correct – research. Yes, research is necessary for fiction.

Nonfiction (I also use index cards, one for each individual point):
1. Have thesis. This is the topic and points you’ll cover.
2. Research each and every point.
3. Have at least 3-4 support points for each main point, even if all aren’t used.
4. Conclusion should tie everything together or refer/tie to the beginning

Organization


Fiction: Writers organize their material in one of several ways. Some use more than one.
1. Outlining (I agree with Tony Hillerman that outlining doesn’t work for everyone)
2. Mental “movie” of story before writing
3. Story boards
4. Plot/time lines
I use a combination of “movie” and plot/time lines. I also organize my index cards to help with time line.

Nonfiction:
1. Organize note cards in order of thesis.
2. Create outline, how detailed = writer’s preference (I use detailed outline)

Beginning
a bad beginning means a book/story/article not read


Fiction: “grab” reader’s attention immediately.
1. Begin in the right place, with an inciting incident – something happens that indicates a story-worthy problem. The rest of the story contains the struggle to resolve problem(s).
2. Have the hook within the first sentences or paragraphs. Don’t bore the reader first.
3. Intrigue the reader and cause him to want to continue reading.

Nonfiction: Need an introduction that captures the attention of the reader and leads to the thesis.
1. A story/example
2. Statistics presented in an interesting/amazing way or give surprising fact(s)
3. Provide details leading to the thesis

         I will continue this discussion of fiction vs nonfiction my next newsletter.


Editor's Picks

Writings from W.Com


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Short stories straight up with a shot of truth
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Short stories I have written.
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Ask & Answer

Words from Our Readers


wendox Author IconMail Icon
Thanks so much ---i found this very useful indeed

clkottke
I love the idea of sharing a short story rather than part of your book. Thank you for sharing it.

Quick-Quill Author IconMail Icon
That sound like a great idea. I posted my writing progress on my blog. It took 35 years to get to this point. Now I didn’t write on it for 35 years. I actually wrote 4 versions of the story. 3 full novels and a short story with the basic idea you can read in my Port call Family Secrets.
I may post a link to it in my blog. It’s loosely based on the premise. I wrote it many years ago for a now defunct e-zine. It was #2 of a six part series. A private investigator was murdered and he can’t pass over until he solves his last 6 open cases. I had to bring him into the story and let him move to the next story. I had a great time writing it. Thanks for the hint.

hbk16
This is an interesting book writing experience . Indeed I like the concept of writing short stories which could be considered as chapters when they are enough elaborate. Chapters should find a certain coherance in the liaison which links them in order to create a book . Indeed any writing should show suspense interest and originality so that to meet an immense echo and success. Thanks for sharing.

         My idea is not writing a short story to be used as a chapter in a book, but to write a short story that could be linked to the book, to be used as a freebie to promote the book.

the Wordy Jay Author IconMail Icon
What a clever idea -- giving related short stories for free to promote a full-length novel -- I never thought of that! *Thumbsupl* I've always hated those "teaser" chapters that cut you off just when things get interesting and then insist you buy the book to find out what happens next. At least a short story is complete even though it's short.

         I'm glad so many enjoyed my idea of writing a short story to give away to promote the book it links to.

Later this year, many people will celebrate Thanksgiving. Those of us in the U.S. have our Thanksgiving Day November 22, 2018. I know we all have many things for which to be thankful, and I hope and pray we all have many blessings and that we in turn share our blessings with others.

Viv



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