Nathan Bransford - The Forums

Hi guys -

I'm getting more serious about starting to write, and my genre is mostly non-fiction (specifically prescriptive non-fiction, otherwise known as pop psychology) and memoir. I see alot of topics here about fiction, but I'm wondering about some advice for a non-fiction writer.

If people want to share, I'd love to hear about what worked for you in non-fiction books that you read. What kept you reading and not getting bored?

And if you write in these genres, do you have any tips?

I know this is a broad topic, but I guess I'm just interested in people's reactions and what works best, as I'm starting out as a newbie.

Phillip Lopate is the guru of writing memoir. The Art of the Personal Essay: An Anthology from the Classical Era to the Present 1995. Print.

A take on Lopate's Creative Nonfiction (CNF) writing perspective: Reflection and Retrospection: A Pedagogic Mystery Story
Web;

http://www.philliplopate.com/reflection.html

Philip Gerard runs a close second.

Writing Creative Nonfiction: Instruction and Insights from Teachers of the Associated Writing Programs. Print.

Gerard CNF research advice at Association of Writing and Writing Programs (AWP), "The Art of Creative Research." Web.

http://www.awpwriter.org/magazine/writers/pgerard01.htm

Bill Roorbach's Writing Life Stories is more accessible and casually voiced. His online presence is at Bill and Dave's Cocktail Hour blog with cohost Dave Gessner, author of several environmental CNF books, recently The Tarball Chronicles. Print.

That's a lot of homework, but a good start.

I'm kind of tied up, booked solid for the next two years. So, Mira, I'm not presently able to consider a cowritten Voice book. I will be able from time to time to consult on your CNF journey. Number one feature of CNF is real-world reporting that also uses fiction writing techniques.

I've read Into the Wild and Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer. Right now I'm in the middle of Under the Banner of Heaven, also by Krakauer. I think what works for me in these books is the subject matter. He has a way of telling the facts, but in a way so it isn't text book. It also has so much to do with the story he's telling that you would miss out if you skimmed over what would normally be considered the "boring parts".

Polymath - thank you for the recommendations! I wasn't sure what books to turn to for teaching, so I appreciate the titles. I'll check them out. Thank you!

That's cool about the voice thing. I was only half serious. I mostly thought a book alternating between your voice and my voice would be great fun......I get tickled just thinking about it. In fact, let me know if you ever change your mind.

Moni - thanks. Sounds like Jon K. is good at telling factual events as if they were stories, that keep you hooked. That's a really nice skill! Not sure I have it, but good to aim for it.

Mira, if you can hold on a couple years, maybe we can talk then. Meanwhile, reflect on what voice means to you and how inspirational prompts might help struggling writers to self-realize their natural voices and creatively capture other voices.