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Styles of Creative Non-Fiction Writing

Creative non-fiction is an umbrella term that refers to many styles of writing, from memoirs and essays to literary journalism and books that discuss times, places and events creatively. According to the website Creative Nonfiction, the genre's main element is creative, flexible writing that shares information that is mostly true and can be traced to fact.
  1. Memoirs

    • Memoirs tell a creative, truthful tale.

      Memoirs and autobiographies are important forms of creative non-fiction. While both tell the true story of one's life, they do so in different ways. Memoirs may be written in vignettes or chapters illustrating random memories, while autobiographies are more linear. Autobiographies tend to reveal the life of a person in chronological order, while memoirs often show glimpses here and there. These two forms of book creatively tell a truthful tale.

    Literary Journalism

    • Literary journalism tells of facts in a creative fashion.

      Literary journalism, according to the University of Idaho, is a major sub-genre of creative non-fiction. Straight journalism is factual, which doesn't apply to creative non-fiction. However, while literary journalism is more creative and uses literary narrative techniques it is still journalism, truthfully describing real events and facts. Literary journalism often includes features and first-person perspectives about travel, food or cultural events. The journalist usually tells of his experience while relaying information about the location, or food, or event discussed.

    Factual Stories

    • Books that inform readers creatively about real events are creative non-fiction.

      Books that provide an introspective approach about a real event or place are often considered creative non-fiction. The website Creative Nonfiction uses the example of both "Death in the Afternoon" and "Down and Out in Paris and London" as good creative non-fiction books. The site states that the books look at poverty and society through an informative lens while also providing a personal edge.

Nonfiction

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