Using Fiction Writing to Improve Your Non-Fiction Writing

There are many writers out there who write fiction and non-fiction alike. In the fiction world we follow a basic story structure. I’m no authority on that. If you’re interested in learning about it in depth, please visit Larry Brooks at Storyfix.com. He is a wealth of information on the topic.

Learning other how-to methods when it comes to writing can only help you hone your craft. Fiction writers should study non-fiction writing. The same goes for those who write non-fiction; study fiction writing. You will gain numerous tips by stepping out of your comfort zone and learning the tricks of other writing styles.

This is just a brief introduction into how fiction and following story structure can help you with writing non-fiction.

In fiction, as well as in non-fiction, you need a beginning, middle, and an end. If you’re writing fiction, the beginning will introduce the main characters and set the story up. In non-fiction it will introduce the arguments you want to make or the material you want review.

In fiction, between the beginning and middle of the story a writer will throw in clues and plot twists to keep the reader reading. Non-fiction can be handled the same way. You can throw in clues about your opinion or other important information that will be covered.

In the middle of the story things really start to happen. In fiction this is the point that your character should decide to fight back and take action. In non-fiction this is where your key material or arguments would be covered–a turning point, so to speak, to sway the reader.

Between the middle and end of a fiction story writers are allowed to throw in a few more clues before the story is wrapped up with a conclusion. In non-fiction writing you probably don’t want to bring in new information at this point, but you can use it to stress or prove your key points before the conclusion; reiterate the high points you’ve already covered.

Of course, that leaves us with the ending–this is where everything is wrapped up in a neat little package; the fiction story concludes, the hero wins and gets the girl. In non-fiction you would bring conclusion to your arguments and objective.

Which ever you write, the reader should feel a sense of closure.

Take the time to look into fiction, non-fiction, journalism, poetry and even song lyrics. By doing so, you will only improve your writing skills and your understanding of structure–whether it’s for fiction or non-fiction.

Image courtesy: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/158/366393127_ae569532a7.jpg

Written by Patti Stafford from Patti Stafford
Posted on March 10th, 2010 and filed under Writing
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