5 thing non-fiction writers can learn fron fiction
Learn how non-fiction writers can enhance their craft by adopting techniques from fiction writing. This blog explores how strategies like creating a strong narrative arc, developing vivid characters, setting the scene, and using symbolism can make non-fiction work more engaging and memorable.
WRITING & EDITING
5 Things Non-Fiction Writers Can Learn From Fiction Writers
When you think of writing a non-fiction book, you likely picture facts, practical advice, and a clear structure. Non-fiction is focused on educating, informing, or presenting personal experiences. It’s typically direct, offering insights, how-to guides, or a deeper look into a specific topic. Fiction, on the other hand, weaves elaborate tales, often centered around creativity, imagination, and storytelling.
At first glance, these two genres seem worlds apart. However, there’s a surprising amount of cross-genre magic that non-fiction writers can learn from fiction authors. By borrowing certain techniques and principles, non-fiction writers can elevate their work, making it more engaging and memorable for readers.
Here are five key strategies that non-fiction writers can borrow from fiction writers to enhance their craft:
1. Building a Strong Narrative Arc
One of the hallmarks of fiction writing is the compelling narrative arc. In fiction, a story typically has a distinct beginning, middle, and end—often involving the protagonist’s journey or growth. Non-fiction books, especially those telling personal stories or offering practical advice, can benefit from the same kind of structure. While you might not be writing a traditional narrative, you can still create a journey for your reader.
How to Apply This to Non-Fiction:
Think about your non-fiction book as a journey for the reader. Whether you're telling a true-life story, sharing expert knowledge, or explaining a process, the book should follow a progression that guides the reader from one idea to the next, building anticipation along the way.
For example, in a book about overcoming fear, start by outlining the common misconceptions, build the tension by describing challenges, and conclude with solutions and personal growth. This progression will keep your readers engaged and make your content feel more like a journey of discovery rather than a list of facts.
2. Creating Vivid Characters, Even in Non-Fiction
In fiction, characters are often the heart of the story. The protagonist’s motivations, conflicts, and relationships drive the plot forward. Non-fiction writers may not typically work with fictional characters, but they can still apply similar techniques to bring real people—whether it's themselves, clients, or historical figures—to life.
How to Apply This to Non-Fiction:
Incorporate the human element into your writing by focusing on the people involved in your story or the subject matter. Use vivid descriptions and emotional insights to make them relatable. For instance, in a memoir or a self-help book, introduce the people whose actions had a profound impact on your life. Highlight their personalities, quirks, and emotional depth.
When writing about a complex subject, like science or business, focus on the human stories behind the concepts. For example, instead of merely describing a company's success in an impersonal way, tell the story of the founder's struggle, drive, and triumph. By doing this, you humanize your topic and make it more relatable to your audience.
Example: In a book about entrepreneurship, you might describe a specific moment in a business owner’s journey—perhaps the moment they risked everything to start their company—and emphasize their emotional state, their fears, and the stakes involved. This helps the reader form a connection and feel the weight of the decision.
3. Setting the Scene for Impact
Fiction writers are known for crafting atmospheric settings that transport readers into their worlds. The setting in fiction isn’t just a backdrop—it influences the emotions of the characters and the mood of the story. Non-fiction writers can learn from this by using detailed settings to create atmosphere and engage their readers more deeply.
How to Apply This to Non-Fiction:
Even though non-fiction isn’t about world-building in the same sense, you can still establish vivid settings that enhance your reader's understanding. Whether you're describing a place, a time, or an environment, you can create a sensory experience that enhances the overall mood of your writing.
If you’re writing about an event or a place, spend time describing the sights, sounds, and even smells associated with it. This gives the reader a more immersive experience and enhances the emotional resonance of your message.
Example: If you’re writing about a family vacation, don't just mention where you went; describe the salty ocean breeze, the warmth of the sun on your face, the sound of laughter echoing as you watched the waves crash on the shore. This setting can evoke feelings of nostalgia, joy, and longing, which bring a more emotional layer to your story.
4. Conflict and Resolution in Non-Fiction
Every great fiction novel has a central conflict—the protagonist faces challenges and strives for a resolution. In non-fiction, conflict might not be as obvious, but it can still be incorporated. Conflict in non-fiction can take the form of obstacles to success, personal struggles, or even societal challenges. The resolution is just as crucial in non-fiction, as it provides closure or a lesson learned.
How to Apply This to Non-Fiction:
Think of the central idea or message of your book as a conflict to be solved. Even a non-fiction work can have a clear challenge to overcome. Whether you're presenting an issue, exploring a problem, or sharing a personal journey, the conflict creates engagement by showing readers that things weren’t always easy or straightforward. The resolution then gives your readers a sense of closure or understanding.
Example: In a self-help book about overcoming procrastination, the conflict might be the internal battle between desire and discipline, and the resolution could be practical tips and strategies for breaking that cycle. You could draw from fiction to keep that narrative moving, showing the challenges, setbacks, and triumphs along the way.
5. Embracing Symbolism and Deeper Meanings
Fiction writers frequently use symbols and motifs to deepen their stories. Symbols in fiction could represent larger themes, like love, power, or fear. As a non-fiction writer, you can adopt a similar approach by using symbolism, metaphor, or recurring themes to communicate a deeper message.
How to Apply This to Non-Fiction:
By incorporating symbolism or metaphors, you can add layers of meaning to your non-fiction work, making it resonate more with readers. Whether you're writing a memoir, a guidebook, or an analysis of a particular subject, you can weave in elements that reflect the themes you're exploring.
Example: In a book about leadership, you might use the symbol of a compass to represent the guiding values that direct effective leaders. Each time you discuss a leadership principle, you could reference the compass metaphor to reinforce the idea that strong leaders know where they are going and what they stand for.
Conclusion
While non-fiction and fiction seem to belong to different worlds, fiction writers have mastered techniques that can elevate any genre. By borrowing strategies such as strong narrative arcs, vivid character development, setting the scene for impact, embracing conflict and resolution, and using symbolism to deepen meaning, non-fiction writers can craft more compelling, engaging works that resonate with their readers.
Stepping outside your genre’s conventions doesn’t mean abandoning your purpose. Rather, it’s about borrowing the best of fiction to enhance your non-fiction writing—making your book not just informative, but also a page-turner that readers can’t put down. The next time you sit down to write, think about how fiction might influence your non-fiction work, and don’t be afraid to experiment with creative techniques.
