CNF Module 4

Lesson 2 : How to Write Creative Nonfiction
The creative nonfiction writer produces a personal essay, memoir, travel piece, and so forth, with a
variety of techniques, writing tools, and methods. He/she is required to use the elements of nonfiction,
literary devices of fiction, and what Lee Gutkind called “the 5 Rs of Creative nonfiction.” The
following is a brief explanation of each:
Elements of Creative Nonfiction
The creative nonfiction writer often incorporates several elements of nonfiction when writing a memoir,
personal essay, travel writing, and so on. The following is a brief explanation of the most common
elements of nonfiction:
 Fact. The writing must be based on fact, rather than fiction. It cannot be made up.
 Extensive research. The piece of writing is based on primary research, such as an interview or
personal experience, and often secondary research, such as gathering information from books,
magazines, and newspapers.
 Reportage/reporting. The writer must be able to document events or personal experiences.
 Personal experience and personal opinion. Often, the writer includes personal experience,
feelings, thoughts, and opinions. For instance, when writing a personal essay or memoir.
 Explanation/Exposition. The writer is required to explain the personal experience or topic to

the reader.
 Essay format. Creative nonfiction is often written in essay format. Example: Personal Essay,
Literary Journalistic essay, brief essay.
Literary Elements
Creative nonfiction is the literature of fact. Yet, the creative nonfiction writer utilizes many of the
literary devices of fiction writing. The following is a list of the most common literary devices that
writers incorporate into their nonfiction writing:
 Storytelling/narration. The writer needs to be able to tell his/her story. A good story includes an
inciting incident, a goal, challenges and obstacles, a turning point, and resolution of the story.
 Character. The nonfiction piece often requires a main character. Example: If a writer is creating
his/her memoir, then the writer is the central character.
 Setting and scene. The writer creates scenes that are action-oriented; include dialogue; and
contain vivid descriptions.
 Plot and plot structure. These are the main events that make up the story. In a personal essay,
there might be only one event. In a memoir, there are often several significant events.
 Figurative language. The writer often uses simile and metaphor to create an interesting piece of
creative nonfiction.
 Imagery. The writer constructs “word pictures” using sensory language. Imagery can be
figurative or literal.
 Point of view. Often the writer uses the first person “I.”
 Dialogue. These are the conversations spoken between people. It is an important component of
creative nonfiction.
 Theme. There is a central idea that is weaved through the essay or work. Often, the theme
reveals a universal truth.
The 5’Rs of Creative Nonfiction
Lee Gutkind, who is a writer, professor, and expert on creative nonfiction, wrote an essay called “The
Five R’s of Creative Nonfiction.” In this essay, he identified five essential elements of creative
nonfiction. These include:
1. Creative nonfiction has a “real life” aspect. The writer constructs a personal essay, memoir, and
so forth, that is based on personal experience. He also writes about real people and true events.
2. Creative nonfiction is based on the writer engaging in personal “reflection” about what he/she is
writing about. After gathering information, the writer needs to analyze and assess what he/she has
collected. He then must evaluate it and expression his thoughts, views, opinions. Personal opinion is
permissible and encouraged.
3. Creative nonfiction requires that the writer complete research. The writer needs to conduct
research to learn about the topic. The writer also needs to complete research to discover what has been
written about the topic. Even if a writer is crafting a personal essay, he will need to complete secondary
research, such as reviewing a personal journal, or primary research, such as interviewing a friend or
family member, to ensure that the information is truthful and factual.
4. The fourth aspect of creative nonfiction is reading. Reading while conducting research is not
sufficient. The writer must read the work of the masters of his profession.
5. The final element of creative nonfiction is writing. Writing creative nonfiction is both an art and
craft. The art of creative nonfiction requires that the writer uses his talents, instincts, creative abilities,
and imagination to write memorable creative nonfiction. The craft of creative nonfiction requires that
the writer learn and deploy the style and techniques of creative nonfiction in his/her work.
Types of Creative Nonfiction
Creative nonfiction is about fact and truth. The truth can be about a personal experience, event, or issue
in the public eye. There are many categories or genres to choose from, such as the personal essay,
memoir, and autobiography. The following is a list of the most popular types of creative nonfiction:
 Personal Essay. The writer crafts and essay that is based on personal experience or a single
event, which results in significant personal meaning or a lesson learned. The writer uses the first person
“I.”
 Memoir. The writer constructs a true story about a time or period in his/life, one that had
significant personal meaning and a universal truth. The writer composes the story using the first person
“I.”
 Literary journalism essay. The writer crafts an essay about an issue or topic using literary
devices, such as the elements of fiction and figurative language.
 Autobiography. The writer composes his/her life story, from birth to the present, using the first
person “I.”
 Travel Writing. The writer crafts articles or essays about travel using literary devices.
 Food writing. The writer crafts stories about food and cuisine using literary devices.
 Profiles. The writer constructs biographies or essays on real people using literary devices.
Reference:
Hood, D. (2010, February 17). Writing creative nonfiction [Blog post]. Retrieved from
https://davehood59.wordpress.com/2010/02/17/writing-creative-nonfiction/

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Lesson 2 : How to Write Creative Nonfiction

Elements of Creative Nonfiction

 Reportage/reporting. The writer must be able to document events or personal experiences.

 Explanation/Exposition. The writer is required to explain the personal experience or topic to

The 5’Rs of Creative Nonfiction

Types of Creative Nonfiction

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