Creative Nonfiction

I want to improve my writing, and I think the best way to do that is through mindful practice, specifically focusing on areas of my writing that need work. But I want it to have a purpose.

I don’t want to waste my time completing writing exercises that will only collect dust. If I stretch my skills in the literary training center (my office and computer), I want those bits of writing to go to something bigger. And that bigger is a writing project of substance. For me, a fictional novel.

I have said that you should choose a topic to write about that you really love. If you write about a place you would like to spend more time in, the writing becomes a joy.

I will be posting some writing exercises over the next few weeks. If you choose to complete them, keep this idea—this topic that you love—in mind, so that these pieces of writing will be connected and can be used to support your overall story.

The writing exercises will be under the umbrella of creative nonfiction. 

Wikipedia says creative nonfiction is "a genre of writing that uses literary styles and techniques to create factually accurate narratives." en.m.wikipedia.org 

It can be used to expand or work your writing muscle. 

For example, by taking the time to describe the coffee shop you are working at in detail, you will be creating a fully fleshed-out scene. 

By studying a unique character in that coffee shop (hopefully without them knowing) you can develop an interesting side character. 

By practicing in this way, you will pull together important elements of your overall story. That is the nature of creative nonfiction.

Check out my YouTube video on this topic!