Master Mudget
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creative non-fiction
Does anyone do creative non-fiction here? I do some short-stories based on actual experiences on my website http://smalltales.tripod.com, wondering if anyone else does this?
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6/17/2005, 1:49 pm
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SFGirl
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Re: creative non-fiction
I've never tried it, although I find the idea sort of fascinating. I don't know how well I understand how to do it, either--how "creative" can one be without crossing the line into fiction that is only based on fact? I'd like to know more about that aspect of it.
I have a couple of stories from my grandfather that I'd like to tell, but I think I'd have to go into this realm to tell them properly. To "fill in the details." I'd love to know more.
Sherry
P.S. Welcome to the board.  Please introduce yourself at the Water Cooler if you have a chance!
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Reading: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
Rewriting: One's Aspect To The Sun (novel)
Editing: Winter Unwitched (short story)
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6/17/2005, 6:38 pm
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suelick
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Re: creative non-fiction
Hi. I have a master's degree in creative nonfiction, a degree that probably didn't exist 10 years ago. It is an interesting genre that blends nonfiction with fiction techniques. For someone like me coming from a journalism background, it's hard to let loose and tell the story in a "creative" way, but feels fantastic once you get the hang of it. I always felt before as if I couldn't tell the real story, and this way I can.
There's a magazine called Creative Nonfiction and an associated web site that would give you some idea of how this works. In fact, I think the website even gives a definition of creative nonfiction. There are also several books on creative nonfiction. Some of them are listed at my website (http://www.suelick.com), but a Google search will give you even more.
The line between fact and fiction gets blurry. Some writers say it's okay to make things up as long as they're true to essence of what happened, while others say you can't do that.
Anyway, enough of the lecture for now.
Thanks for bringing his up.
Sue
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Sue Lick
http://www.suelick.com
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6/19/2005, 8:27 pm
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SFGirl
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Re: creative non-fiction
Thanks, Sue!
quote:
Some writers say it's okay to make things up as long as they're true to essence of what happened, while others say you can't do that.
I guess this is where my questions come up. For example, for one of the stories my grandfather told me, I know the essence of the story, the facts of what happened, but to tell it as I'd like, I'd have to "fill in the gaps," add descriptive elements that he didn't include. And he's not around any longer to fill them in for me. I have no desire to change the essential story, but I'd like to make it richer with detail that I feel would be in keeping with the story. So does this merely change it from straight non-fiction to creative non-fiction, or take it into the realm of fiction? That's what I always wonder.
Nice to have an expert on the subject here!
Sherry
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Reading: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
Rewriting: One's Aspect To The Sun (novel)
Editing: Winter Unwitched (short story)
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6/19/2005, 9:22 pm
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SFGirl
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Re: creative non-fiction
Master Mudget, I tried to get to your website but the link wouldn't work. Is it typed correctly?
Sherry
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Reading: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
Rewriting: One's Aspect To The Sun (novel)
Editing: Winter Unwitched (short story)
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6/19/2005, 9:23 pm
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McDoogle
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Re: creative non-fiction
SFGirl,
That's a tough one with wanting to fill in the gaps of your grandfather's true stories. Once someone starts creatively filling in the gaps - even taking your best logical guess - it's no longer non-fiction to me as a reader or a writer.
I think a way around this would be a disclaimer, like 'based on a true story'. Then I wouldn't feel like the writer had 'conned' me.
It would be great to read some of your grandfather's stories... Don't give up on that dream, SFGirl!
McDoogle
Last edited by McDoogle, 2/28/2007, 4:38 pm
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Now Reading: Death Masks: Book 5 of the Dresden Files by Jim Butcher
Still Not Writing: 'Resume for a Gladiator' (2005 novel)
Watching: 'waiting for something good to come on...'
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2/28/2007, 11:27 am
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TheScribe
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Location: Sydney, Australia
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Re: creative non-fiction
What is meant by "creative non-fiction"?
--- Speculative Realms: Where there's a will, there's a way
A collection of fantasy, science fiction and horror stories
Includes my story “Where Strength Lies”
Purchase now from http://www.speculativerealms.com |
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3/9/2007, 1:12 am
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