“Fiction”, “Nonfiction”, “Mystery” and “Romance”, are just a few of the many types of genres that a book can be classified as. Each of these genres are unique in their own way and succeed through different demographics. One in which I find extremely appealing, is Creative Nonfiction. Through the use of literary styles and techniques, Creative Nonfiction, takes valid truths and facts and develops them into an accurate narrative. Creative Nonfiction is utterly intriguing in the way it combines nonfiction elements and literary elements. It incorporates the facts, such as essays, explanations and research, with literary items including story, characters, setting, language and narration. The information is not made up, but takes a more interesting approach in presenting it. It provides real world facts and issues in an appealing matter. Furthermore, it allows for the information to come alive through the use of setting, characters, scenes and narration, which accounts for the “creative” aspect. As a result, one will understand the main point better for Creative Nonfiction “shows rather than tells.” Lastly, it is known for uniting storytelling with journalism. “Ultimately, the primary goal of the creative nonfiction writer is to communicate information, just like a reporter, but to shape it in a way that reads like fiction.”(Gutkind,Lee, The Best Creative Nonfiction.) The two novels we have read this semester are both valid examples of Creative Nonfiction books. All Around The Town by Herbert Asbury discusses the murder, scandal and riot in old New York. Opposed to just listing the facts and research of each incident, Asbury creates a literary narrative while incorporating the actual events of old New York. In The Curve of Binding Energy, John McPhee presents information on Theodore B. Taylor’s life in the same approach used by Asbury. Rather than just sounding like they are reporting data, both works have more of a fictional and thrilling effect. As a result, both stories gain a sense of creativity, therefore creating more attraction to the reader. Although Creative Nonfiction did once go by the name “Literary Journalism”, it is immensely different than that of journalism. Journalism can be defined as the reporting of information that is researched and gathered. Both Journalism and Creative Nonfiction report information discovered, however, Creative Nonfiction expresses it in the form of a story using literary elements, rather than just straightforward data, which is evident in journalism. Furthermore, Creative Nonfiction is also different from Creative Writing. Both genres present information with a sense of creativity and imagination. However, the information in Creative Nonfiction is always real facts and is accurate, whereas Creative Writing can be a work entirely made up. As a result, Creative Nonfiction, I believe is a more effective method of genre than the other two. This is because it has the characteristics of both. It informs the audience on important issues and topics, similar to journalism, but does it in a fascinating and imaginative way, like that of Creative Writing. Additionally, the methods we use to write a successful Creative Nonfiction work are methods that will assist us in writing better academic papers in college. Creative Nonfiction requires you to research thoroughly and be capable of describing the events accurately. These skills are very useful when writing just about any paper. Furthermore, when writing in regards to this genre, it is necessary to be creative and make the stories and people come alive. It is also essential that you construct a clear style that has rich texture, dramatic pace and rhythm. Lastly and most importantly, when using this genre you should write to enrich the lives of others with a sense of value and hope for the importance of our lives and our history. Evidently, these are all wonderful characteristics that will enable you to progress into a stronger writer. I believe Creative Nonfiction is the most unique genre. Not only does it make important information accessible, it makes it full of life and wonder. Creativity is an amazing aspect of writing, especially when discussing actual events. Creative Nonfiction tells of our history and humanity in a way that will appeal to all.
