On Creative Non-fiction

Non-fiction as a genre is one of the backbones of society. In tapping into societal realities and personal experiences, humans have put pen to paper and produced articles, essays and columns that remain relevant even today. 

We’ve all heard the term ‘creative non-fiction’, but many people (not me. I’m an expert) still struggle to understand what this popular genre encompasses, and how to write work that qualifies as CNF. So for this month’s editorial, we will delve (*looks left and right) into creative non-fiction. 

*rapturous applause. 

What is creative non-fiction?

Creative nonfiction (CNF) is a genre that uses literary techniques to combine factual accounts and accurately tell true stories. Most subgenres of nonfiction - essays, memoirs and articles - can be written as creative non-fiction, and we will tell you how. 

Elements of Creative Non-fiction

E for Entertainment!

While non-fiction aims to provide readers with the facts as they are, creative non-fiction will bring those same facts, but in a way that is engaging for the readers.  One way to tweak a piece into CNF is to change its perspective. In creative non-fiction, rather than putting distance between the writer and the piece, you should consider, perspectives that make the story seem more personal, and writing in first-person often helps achieve this objective. Shifting perspective, even at different points in the article, shakes up things and keeps readers engaged. 

Another trick is to use literary techniques often reserved for fiction. Pacing - telling a story with a beginning, middle, climax and ending - is one way to achieve that. Other elements, such as allegory, metaphor, character development and scene settings, as used in fiction, can be used to flesh out a creative non-fiction piece. Employ these writing techniques to ensure your readers stay for the ride and still earn the payout of new information.

E for Emotion

Rather than sticking to delivering information, as in the traditional subgenres of nonfiction, creative nonfiction writing is all about infusing stories with a unique tone. One easy way to achieve this is by letting emotion bleed into your piece. Creative nonfiction writers tend to approach their subject matter through a more emotional lens. 

While a journalist tries to avoid speaking about their own life or opinion in a piece, in creative non-fiction, you should listen to your emotions, and where necessary, allow them to affect the shape and tone of your writing.

F for Facts

Your work in creative non-fiction has to be engaging, and it may share other characteristics with fiction, but you should ensure everything you write is factually accurate. 

So many amazing creative non-fiction pieces draw on the personal to make their stories more engaging for their readers. On Iko Africa Taiwo Hassan’s reviews are a great example of creative non-fiction, and a blend of personal experiences employed in his narrative for non-fiction.

His review of “Mrs Chaterjee Vs Norway: The Power Of Rani Mukerji” starts from his first encounters with the actress through other movies and builds up to his thoughts on the titular film. 

What non-fiction stands out to you? 

Albert Nkereuwem,

Iko Editorial.