Creative Nonfiction

Creative Writing

Essays

Based in factReader expects it to be truthfulComes from the French for “try”

Attempt to: Be accurate Be interesting Offer a perspective

What is creative nonfiction?

Creative Nonfiction

Tells a true storyIs an essay enlivened and made more meaningful usingImagery VoiceCharactersSetting

Creative Nonfiction

Is an essay that includes the personal, but wants to say something bigger, something that allows the reader in.

Brainstorming

Begin with the most conventional way of titling a piece.

On __________. Make a list of at least six things that represent things you like to write about, things that interest you and that you feel confident you know something about. These may be abstractions or specifics: On Liberty or On Jen’s Saddle.

Brainstorming Cont’d

Make a list of six subjects you do not want to write about, and wouldn’t show anybody if you did. (On _________.)

Brainstorming Cont’d

Make a list of six titles in which “On” makes the title a pun: On Speed, On the Net, On My Feet.

Brainstorming Cont’d

Make a list of six titles dealing with subjects about which you know “nothing at all.” For me, such a list might include: On Brain Surgery, On Indian Food, on Hardcore Music.

Next Step

If you choose to write an essay from the first list, you are embarking on an honorable enterprise.

If you choose to write an essay from the second list, you are very brave.

Next Step

If you choose to write from list three, you’ll probably have a good time--and remember that you should deal with both aspects of the pun. On My Feet should deal with toenails, calluses, and pain, but also with poise and presence.

Next Step

The last list offers the wildest ride and may turn up something original, comic, or unexpectedly true. Remember that your intent is not to deceive” signal or confess your ignorance when appropriate.

Any of the four lists may, like focused freewrites, unlock subject matter you didn’t know you had in you.

Types

Memoir

A story retrieved from the writer’s memoryStars the writer as protagonistWritten in first personUses “I” to remember and comment on the events

Places emphasis on the storyThe “point” emerges from events + characters, rather than from narration.

A record of the event, not a reaction to it.

“Why I Ride” - Jana Richman

See handout.

Personal Essay

Origin is in something that has happened in the writer’s life, but may be more recent (i.e. this morning)

May be an exploration of an area of interest

Includes thoughts, ideas, and personal input of the writer

“Everything that’s wrong with Facebook” - Phil TrinhSee handout.What event was this piece born out of?

What interest is this an exploration of?

How does Trinh feel about this topic?

Form

Forms of Creative NonfictionDoes not need to follow the “standard” thesis-conclusion format of an essay

Can borrow from any form you choose: story, monologue, lesson, list, collage, etc.

Find the right shape for the idea you wish to present.

Techniques

Simplicity

“Clutter is the disease of American writing.” - William Zinsser

Americans have short attention spans. Strip sentences to their cleanest components.

Clear thinking becomes clear writing. Ask yourself: What am I trying to say?

Research

Internet, booksPeople

InterviewsObservationDetective work

My biggest point

You never want your reader to ask “So What?”

Write creative nonfiction with a purpose.

Homework

Please bring in five pictures that tell the history of your life so far. These should be defining moments.