The genre known as Creative Non-Fiction, appeals to a ...



As a genre, Creative Non-Fiction appeals to a broad audience. Furthermore, the varying themes, subject matter, and format speak to readers of nearly all ages. Students and other young adults often read Creative Non-Fiction essays in magazines or academic collections, while older readers may find the essays in newspapers or journals more appealing. Aside from magazines and journals, Creative Non-Fiction essays also appear in blogs or writing websites, and in the spoken form like NPR’s “This I Believe” series. Just as the subject matter and sources vary greatly, so does the purpose.

Generally speaking, people read Creative Non-Fiction to gain perspective or understanding on a particular them, object, or emotion. Readers also choose to explore Creative Non-Fiction to find solace, a confirmation that they’re not alone in how they feel or what they’re going through. Likewise, the purpose or intended effect of Creative Non-Fiction essays range from inspiring others to explaining a topic or emotion to expressing a feeling to which others can relate.

There is no set type of composer of this genre. Anyone can write this type of essay to explain something they believe or express an emotion. As author Janet Burroway wrote, “Anything is a potential subject matter [and] anything you say about it is an attempt to be accurate, to be interesting, to offer a perspective.” Therefore, most composers write Creative Non-Fiction to contribute their own opinions, beliefs, or experiences. Depending on their unique personal beliefs and content, the intended audience also varies. For instance, Scott Russell Sanders wrote Under the Influence about growing up with an alcoholic father; he aimed to expose the ugly truth and consequences of excessive drinking and discourage others from embarking on such a reckless life path. As mentioned previously, Creative Non-Fiction essays can be about any and every object or emotion. The purpose of the Creative Non-Fiction essay is to explain or add insight into a topic, therefore the possibilities of both audience and subject matter vary greatly. In terms of theme and images, the most common are tangible objects in nature, or specific characters like Sanders’ father.

Like typical essays, Creative Non-Fiction essays are typically written in full prose. Authors include dialogue when necessary of for emphasis. Composers of the genre often vary sentence length, using a crafted and intentional combination of short and long sentences in order to convey meanings or emotions. As for grammar, it depends on the perspective of the author and the purpose of the piece. Some writers include colloquialism or slang for emphasis or to stay true to the experience about which they’re writing. Most writers, if not all, follow prescriptive grammar and punctuation rules.

The overall purpose of this particular genre is to express thoughts and emotions in a way that doesn’t fit other forms. The stories and personal experiences could be told through other mediums like poetry or drama, but these don’t convey the same meaning or message of Creative Non-Fiction. In general, essays have been around for centuries. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, Michel de Montaigne began writing essays in the 16th century as a way to express his ideas. Since then, other essay writers have taken the basic form of an essay and adapted it to fit modern goals.

Their relatively short length can usually identify examples of Creative Non-Fiction essays. The average Creative Non-Fiction essay is about 2-5 pages in length, though it can be slightly shorter or longer. Creative Non-Fiction essays go beyond the typical introduction, body, and conclusion structure of the traditional 5-Paragraph essay, mostly due to content and/or author’s choice. In addition to their length and purpose, one could identify these essays in newspapers or magazines based on their descriptive paragraphs and storytelling aspects.

Composers of this Creative Non-Fiction can begin writing their essays in several ways. Some authors choose to start with the theme or object they’re writing about and let their opinions follow. Oppositely, other writers prefer to introduce their personal stories and experiences and then delve into the bigger picture and larger focus. Either way, writers of Creative Non-Fiction essays make sure to contribute their perspective and tell their stories before concluding their pieces.

Works Cited

Burroway, Janet. “Creative Non-Fiction.” Imaginative Writing: The Elements of Craft. 3rd ed. New York, NY: Pearson Education, 2011. 230-61. Print.

"Michel de Montaigne." Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Encyclopædia Britannica Inc., 2012. Web. 25 Apr. 2012.

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