Writing Creative Nonfiction: Types, Techniques, and Structures

Introduction

Creative nonfiction is a type of writing that combines elements of fiction and nonfiction to create an engaging story. It allows the author to draw on their own experiences, incorporate research and interviews, and craft vivid scenes that bring the story to life. As a genre, creative nonfiction has been gaining popularity in recent years, as authors explore new ways to tell true stories in an entertaining and compelling way.

The term “creative nonfiction” encompasses many different types of writing, from memoirs to personal essays to narrative nonfiction. Each type has its own unique features, but all share the same goal—to tell a true story in an interesting and engaging way. In this article, we’ll explore the types of creative nonfiction, the techniques used to craft vivid scenes, and the structures used to organize the pieces. We’ll also look at how to use research and interviews to inform your writing, develop characters, and build tension.

Types of Creative Nonfiction

Creative nonfiction encompasses a variety of forms, including personal essays, memoirs, literary journalism, and narrative nonfiction. Each form has its own unique features, and writers often use multiple forms in one piece. Let’s take a closer look at the different types of creative nonfiction.

Personal Essays

Personal essays are short, autobiographical works in which the author reflects on their experiences. They can be humorous or serious, and often focus on a particular theme or event. Personal essays typically include the writer’s thoughts and feelings about the topic, and can be written in a casual, conversational tone. Notable examples of personal essays include Joan Didion’s “On Self-Respect” and David Sedaris’s “Me Talk Pretty One Day.”

Memoirs

Memoirs are longer works in which the author recounts significant events in their life. Unlike personal essays, memoirs are typically organized chronologically and explore a specific theme or idea. Memoirs often focus on a particular period in the author’s life, such as childhood or a particularly difficult experience. Notable examples of memoirs include Mary Karr’s The Liars’ Club and Steve Martin’s Born Standing Up.

Literary Journalism

Literary journalism is a form of nonfiction in which the author uses literary techniques to report on a newsworthy event or issue. Writers often combine interviews, research, and personal observations to create a narrative that explores the subject from multiple angles. Notable examples of literary journalism include Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood and Gay Talese’s “Frank Sinatra Has a Cold.”

Narrative Nonfiction

Narrative nonfiction is a form of nonfiction writing in which the author tells a true story in a narrative format. Narrative nonfiction is often written in the style of a novel, with characters, a plot, and a setting. Notable examples of narrative nonfiction include Susan Orlean’s The Orchid Thief and Erik Larson’s The Devil in the White City.

Techniques to Craft Vivid Scenes in Creative Nonfiction

The key to writing engaging creative nonfiction is to craft vivid scenes that draw readers into the story. Here are some techniques to help you do just that.

Using Dialogue

Dialogue is a powerful tool for creating vivid scenes in creative nonfiction. By incorporating dialogue into your piece, you can make it more realistic and engaging. When writing dialogue, remember to keep it natural and believable. Avoid using long speeches or ornate language, as these can seem contrived and unrealistic.

Including Sensory Details

Sensory details are another important element of creative nonfiction. By including sensory details—such as sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures—you can bring your scenes to life and make them more engaging. Remember to use all five senses when describing a scene, and try to include both concrete and abstract details.

Incorporating Storytelling Elements

Storytelling elements, such as plot, setting, and character development, are essential for crafting engaging scenes in creative nonfiction. Consider the structure of your piece and think about how you can use plot points, settings, and character arcs to draw readers into your story. By focusing on these elements, you can create a compelling narrative that will keep readers hooked.

Using Research and Interviews to Inform Your Writing

Research and interviews are important tools for informing your writing. By conducting research and interviewing sources, you can provide context and depth to your piece. Here are some tips for using research and interviews to inform your writing.

The Importance of Research

Research is essential for writing creative nonfiction. It’s important to fact-check your work and ensure that your piece is accurate and up-to-date. Before beginning your research, make sure you have a clear understanding of your topic. Once you’ve identified your sources, read widely and take notes on what you find. Be sure to cite any sources that you use in your piece.

Tips for Interviewing Sources

Interviews are an important part of creative nonfiction. When interviewing sources, it’s important to be respectful and open-minded. Prepare questions in advance, and give your sources plenty of time to answer. If possible, record the interview so you can go back and review it later. Additionally, be sure to get permission from your sources before using their quotes in your piece.

Developing Characters and Building Tension

Characters and tension are two of the most important elements of creative nonfiction. By developing your characters and building tension, you can engage readers and keep them turning the page. Here are some tips for creating believable characters and building tension in your piece.

Creating Believable Characters

When developing your characters, it’s important to make them believable and relatable. To do this, you should give your characters distinct personalities and motivations. Ask yourself questions about your characters—what do they want? Why do they act the way they do? How do they interact with other characters? Answering these questions can help you create believable characters that readers will be invested in.

Techniques for Building Tension

Tension is an essential element of creative nonfiction. To create tension in your piece, you can use cliffhangers, surprise twists, and foreshadowing. You can also use suspenseful language and slow pacing to keep readers on the edge of their seats. Remember to vary the level of tension throughout the piece—too much tension can be overwhelming, while too little can be boring.

Finding the Right Structure for Your Creative Nonfiction Piece

The structure of your creative nonfiction piece is an important consideration. The right structure can help you organize your thoughts and craft a cohesive story. Here are some tips for finding the right structure for your piece.

Choosing the Right Structure

When choosing a structure for your piece, consider the nature of your story and the effect you want to achieve. Do you want to tell a linear story, or do you prefer a more experimental approach? Will you use flashbacks, or will you focus on one moment in time? Deciding on a structure can help you organize your thoughts and craft an effective story.

Examples of Structures

There are many different structures you can use for your creative nonfiction piece. Some common structures include chronological order, flashback, and multiple perspectives. You can also experiment with more unconventional structures, such as lists or fragments. Consider how each structure might affect your story, and choose the one that best fits your goals.

Conclusion

Writing creative nonfiction is a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. By understanding the types, techniques, and structures of creative nonfiction, you can craft an engaging story that resonates with readers. Research and interviews can help you add context and depth to your piece, while developing characters and building tension will keep readers hooked. Finally, choosing the right structure can help you organize your thoughts and create a cohesive story. With these tips in mind, you’re ready to start writing your own creative nonfiction masterpiece.