2. Creative Non-FiCTion
An introduction

3. What is Non-Fiction?
Most readers encounter non-fiction on a daily basis via traditional journalistic outlets, such as newspapers.
In essence, non-fiction is any writing which uses real-world facts as its material, and non-fiction's focus is to clearly present such facts.
Traditional journalism, technical textbooks, and academic works of any subject are good examples of non-fiction in its standard form.

4. What is Creative Non-Fiction?
Creative nonfiction, in contrast, places its focus on literary constructions and storytelling elements.
Like a novelist, creative nonfiction writers (when writing narrative nonfiction) are focused on creating compelling, artful narratives within which to convey real-world facts and events.
The focus for a creative nonfiction writer is on storytelling, and the personal essay, memoir, and feature writing are all examples of creative nonfiction.

5. Forms in the Genre Personal Essays Memoir Travel Writing Food Writing
Biography
Literary Journalism
Other hybridized essays

6. Literary Elements story/narration place/scene/setting characterization
a personally-engaged author (also termed as the author as a character)
literary voice
artistic
polished language and grammar

7. Non-Fiction Elements essay form
use of explanatory or expository language
standardized rhetorical patterns
focus on researched ideas and facts

8. The Personal Essay
“This I Believe”

9. What is a Personal Essay?
Focuses on a belief or insight about life that is important to the writer.
Different from Personal Narrative or Memoir
Narrative- focuses on an important event
TAKS essays- A Time You Had Courage
Memoir- focuses on an important relationship
Steven King’s On Writing- is the story of his relationship with writing.

10. Let’s Look at Some Examples
Finding the Flexibility to Survive
We Are Each Other's Business
And my friend Julia’s Essay

11. Storytelling Activity
Look at the prompts on the handout. As a group, choose one to start out with that you all have a “story” you can tell to answer the question.
Take turns telling your stories. As each person talks, someone should take notes on what they say to share back with them later.

12. Your Task…
Write your own “This I Believe” essay. Or at least start it.