Characteristics of creative nonfiction

1. Characteristics of creative nonfiction English 322 NDSU Jessica Jorgenson

2. Quotation • “I know that once I write about the past, I will have changed the past, in a sense set it in concrete, and I will never remember it quite the same way. The experience itself is lost; like the old Sunday storytellers who told and retold their stories until what they remembered was the tale itself, what I will remember is what I have written.” • From “The Art of Memoir” by Mary Clearman Blew

3. What is CNF? • CNF is a type of writing that uses literary skills in the writing of nonfiction; it’s factually true and artistically elegant. • CNF allows a writer to inject himself/herself into the narrative of verifiable facts he or she has collected • CNF is a hybrid of nonfiction and literature • CNF is referred to as the elusive “fourth genre” • The first recognized example of CNF was In Cold Blood by Truman Capote.

4. Elements of CNF • Flexibility of form: can be poetry, prose, essay, or another literary form. • Literary approach to nonfiction: Use of literary devices like tone, point-of-view, dialogue, description, flashback/forward • Self-discovery/exploration: CNF is all about exploring an idea or issue; self-discovery and exploration is a result of this.

5. Elements of CNF—con’t • Personal presence: The writer’s voice creates an identity that is usually themselves and usually first person POV. • Veracity: conveying the truth; documentable subject matter. In other words, including facts and critical analysis of a situation. • Ex: James Frey fiasco on Oprah where he was accused of not being true to memoir because he fictionalized events, places, people.

6. Guidelines for writing CNF • Research thoroughly • Cultivate relationships to create trust and capture accurate truth • Never invent or change facts or events. Truth is stranger than fiction. • Aim for a clear writing style with rhythm, texture, color, and a dramatic pace. • Write for real people to enrich their lives • Write about real events and people to make them come alive and give a record of them

7. Advice for CNF • Read examples: Read as much CNF as you can. Reading CNF will help you capture elements of the craft as you grow as a writer • Start with the simple, move to the details: Start with situations like explaining a name, or talking about personal details, then move into a more complex narratives as you write more about the people and places around you. • Realize the process: You will have to research information, people, places, and draft/write/revise. If you like history and real stories, you likely will enjoy the process more.

8. More advice for writing CNF • Deal with an issue or problem people are concerned about or find a way to make them concerned or interested. • Provide accurate information • Report fairly since you are talking about real people/events • Interpret your information but don’t tell the reader what to think • Draw conclusions but allow the reader space to draw their own opinions on events • Organize your information since you are using research • Use language that is poetic/literary/interesting

9. CNF Writing Exercise • Writing Prompt (15 minutes) • What is the personal significance of your given name (first, middle, and/or last)? Does your name mean different things to you, your family, or your friends? What are your nicknames? What do your nicknames mean to those around you? • After some quick thought, respond to this prompt. You don’t need to answer all the questions. You’ll have 15 minutes to write as much as you can on this subject.