Creative Non-Fiction: Idea Generation & Research

• Creative non-fiction combines factual accuracy with literary style
• Storytelling techniques typical of fiction are employed, while truth is strictly maintained

Stages in Writing Creative Non-Fiction

• Writing creative non-fiction includes idea generation through final revision
• These stages are not necessarily linear
• Writers often revisit earlier stages and revise their work as they progress

Idea Generation

• Identifying potential subjects and exploring possible themes is part of this stage
• Brainstorming, freewriting, and journaling can help discover compelling topics
• Consider personal experiences, historical events, social issues, or interesting individuals as possible subjects
• Ideas should be evaluated based on personal interest, information availability, and potential audience appeal

Research

• Gathering factual information to support the narrative is involved
• Archival work, interviews, site visits, and reading relevant sources may be included, such as books and articles
• Accuracy is essential in creative non-fiction
• Thorough research is essential for building credibility and trust with the reader
• Throughout the writing and revision phases, fact-checking should be a continuous process

Structuring

• Organizing material into a cohesive and engaging narrative is part of structuring
• Often, narrative structures from fiction are used, for example, chronological order, flashback, or braided narrative
• The overall arc of the story should be considered, including how elements contribute to the central theme
• Outlining tools are helpful for visualizing the structure and identifying potential gaps or inconsistencies
• Experimenting with different organizational patterns helps discover the most effective way to tell the story

Drafting

• Writing the first version of the piece is part of drafting
• Focus on getting the story down without too much concern for perfection
• Embrace imperfections, allowing the writing to flow naturally
• Experiment to find the right tone for the piece through different writing styles and voices
• Be open to deviating from the outline if the story unexpectedly changes

Revision

• Refining the draft to improve clarity, coherence, and impact is part of the revision
• Making changes to the structure, content, and style of the piece is involved in revision
• The overall narrative arc, character development, and language effectiveness are factors to consider
• Seek feedback from trusted readers and be open to significant changes based on their suggestions
• Iterative processes mean multiple rounds of editing and rewriting may be needed

Editing

• Improving the clarity, accuracy, and consistency of the writing is the focus of editing
• Attention should be paid to grammar, punctuation, spelling, and style
• Ensure the language is precise and the writing is free of errors
• Reading aloud helps identify awkward phrasing or sentences needing revision
• Consider getting help from a professional editor to improve overall quality

Fact-Checking

• Verifying factual information presented in the piece is essential
• Check dates, names, locations, and other details to ensure accuracy
• Use multiple sources to confirm the accuracy of information
• Be transparent about sources and methods of verification
• This maintains credibility and avoids potential legal issues

Final Review

• A final read-through to catch remaining errors or inconsistencies is required
• Pay attention to the overall flow of the narrative and the impact of the writing
• Ensure the piece is polished and ready for publication or submission
• Trust your instincts and make any final adjustments needed to ensure the piece reflects your vision

Explore the writing process for creative non-fiction, focusing on idea generation and research. Learn how to identify compelling topics through brainstorming and gather factual information to support narratives. Stages are not always linear.