Fiction vs. Nonfiction

            Two of my courses this semester are “Advanced Creative Writing: Fiction” and “Advanced Creative Writing: Nonfiction.” I’ve had to write lengthy excerpts of both fiction and nonfiction books, and each style is different. However, there are similarities between the two of them.

            You’ve probably heard most of these before. But in case you haven’t or need a review, here are the similarities and differences between writing fiction and nonfiction.

The Similarities

            The interesting things I’ve found in class is how many similarities there are between fiction and nonfiction. When you look at the two styles, you may think that words are the only thing they could have in common. But when you look closer, there are actually a few more things.

Fiction techniques like main character, plot, description, and even dialogue can be incorporated into nonfiction. You’ll see this mainly in memoirs, biographies, and autobiographies. Just like in fiction, stories about things that happened in your life or someone else’s life can be written as if it is a fictional story (meaning it includes both narrative, dialogue, and description). These stories are used to state a fact or teach a lesson, and the only way to keep readers reading is to be as imaginative as possible. That’s why nonfiction is still considered creative writing even though you are stating facts. This is something new I’ve learned, and though I still think fiction is more fun to write, I see how using fiction techniques for nonfiction is helpful!

            I’ve also been told that many fiction books have a hidden message in them. Nonfiction is usually written to communicate a message or goal to the reader, so that makes them similar in that aspect. I don’t believe all fiction has a message, but some might.

            One final similarity I’ve seen is how you write it. As an author, you have your own unique voice and style of writing, which reflects in your projects. You also have to figure out a tone to write with. Depending on your voice and tone, you may choose to use eloquent words or more conversational words. Both fiction and nonfiction can conform to whatever tone you choose, and your words bring them to life. If you were to write a fiction book and then an nonfiction, your voice may demonstrate to the reader that you are the same author.

            So yes, there are definitely similarities between fiction and nonfiction. But then there are many differences.

Things About Fiction

            The wonderful thing about fiction is that you can make most things up. You create your own worlds, your own characters, your own story. Though some nonfiction may follow this a little, you can make changes to a fictional plot without anyone accusing you of lying or remembering wrong.

            The point of fiction is to tell a story. Yes, some authors may dive into it with a message in mind, but I personally don’t think all authors sit down and wonder, “What message can I send to readers through my romantasy?” A lot of authors write fiction because they have a story in mind that they want to tell. Or, as many say, because they want to read that book, but no one has written it.

            Fiction is full of description, dialogue, action, and suspense. It’s meant to keep readers at the edge of their seats (or in some cases make them fall out of their seat). Readers read it for entertainment and escape – they don’t go in looking to learn something new about this world or their lives. What they want is for the author to whisk them away to somewhere they don’t have responsibilities or worries.

            Fiction is just that – fiction. Though some stories take place in our world present day, there are still made-up elements to the story. The characters are supposed to be more than real life, so they may make stupid decisions we wouldn’t make or have the ability to do something we could only dream of doing.

            Planning a fiction book can be as broad or detailed as you want. You may plan scene by scene or chapter by chapter. You may not even plan at all. The thing about fiction outlines is that they are very flexible, and even if you plan, you can still change those plans. Fiction outlines are only seen by you, so you can do with them as you please.

            To me, writing fiction is more fun. I write science fiction because I can create everything, and I love it when a plot comes together. Getting to know my characters as I write them entertains me as well. It’s fun going on adventures with them and seeing where they take me. Sometimes they have a mind of their own and pull me in a completely different direction than I planned.

            Thus, the fun part about fiction is the surprises!

Things About Nonfiction

            The biggest contrast between fiction and nonfiction (I think), besides fact vs. fiction, is the vast difference between genres. In fiction, whether you’re writing a mystery, a romance, or fantasy, you’re still telling a story about characters going through a certain experience. These characters interact with each other through dialogue and discover new things throughout the story. The book itself is structured the same with paragraphs of narrative and dialogue.

            But the genres in nonfiction are insanely different! Memoirs, autobiographies, and biographies can be written like fiction. Self-help books are buckets of information. Cookbooks are lists and instructions.

I dive more into each genre, but I think you get it. The point is, if you learn how to write fiction, you’re pretty set for every genre (except for the little differences in each). But when you write nonfiction, each genre has to be taught separately. I’ve gone in depth about memoirs in college, and then I had to learn how to write self-help books. It’s a separate lesson for each.

Nonfiction can either be personal or a list of instructions. Genres like self-help and memoirs are accompanied by lessons. Throughout those books, you write little stories about yourself (called anecdotes) that show how you learned such a lesson or how you can relate to the reader. These stories are portions that have more creative writing rather than stating facts.

Books with instructions like how-to’s and cookbooks usually don’t include any personal information at all. They are straight to the point. There may be an introduction by the author that includes a personal story or the reason for writing the book, but other than that, the book focuses on the topic at hand.

That’s another thing I’ve noticed about nonfiction books – they’re a lot more personal. In fiction, the author may insert themselves or an aspect of their life into the story, but most of the time it isn’t obvious. In most nonfiction however, the author shares their experience with the topic of the book. There are anecdotes and a lot of “If I could do it, then you can too.” Usually what drives an author to write a nonfiction book is because of their experience. You probably won’t see a fantasy author writing a book about dragons because they’ve fought a dragon!

In both the outline and the book, there are usually different parts with different chapters and then subheadings under each of those chapters. Every point is bite sized. If you plan to publish a nonfiction book through a publisher, the publisher will usually ask to see the outline. That means the outline needs to be very detailed and very organized.

            I say the beauty of nonfiction is the organization and being able to relate to the reader.

            Though learning about fiction and nonfiction in college hasn’t been the most exciting thing, it is still useful to know. I’m glad I know how to write anecdotes like they are fiction stories – that has helped me write my book excerpts and make them a little more interesting. It’s certainly been an experience trying to write both styles!