Creative Nonfiction: What It Is
The word “creative” always tends to confuse people. To put it simply, the word is just too broad to have any direct meaning, especially when applied to a genre like creative nonfiction.
If you’re unsure what creative nonfiction is, maybe looking at its characteristics can help.
- It adheres to academic and industry principles. That means it’s as factually accurate as any research paper or technical report, incorporating the disciplines demanded by the field (e.g. exhaustive research, rigorous testing) in which the subject belongs.
- It is written around a thesis. Like most nonfiction writing, it revolves around a central argument, with the different parts of the work striving to create a case for it.
- It features literary style and technique. Unlike other nonfiction work, such as journalism or technical writing, special attention is paid so that the piece is shaped much like a story or a novel.
Creative nonfiction can be structured like ordinary fictional narratives, but may also leave them altogether. At any rate, its aim is to showcase fine writing as much as discuss factual and carefully issues, in direct contrast to the flexible truths that creative writing allows for.
Like all writing, clarity and structure for creative nonfiction can be aided by a good writing style software. On top of proofreading grammar and spelling, it helps check the way you present your work.