Non-Fiction vs Fiction

post by Michelle Griep

If I were to sit down across the table from you, cups of java in hand of course, and ask you how writing non-fiction is different from writing fiction, how would you answer? Think on it.

Ready? Answer in mind?

You are wrong, Bucko.

Today I'm here to blast out of the water the three most common misconceptions the average humanoid believes to be true about non-fiction vs. fiction.

Myth:
In fiction you get to make things up, but in non-fiction you can only list facts.

Busted:
Would you seriously want to read a novel wherein nothing is true? Fiction needs to have facts incorporated in order to be believable.
And conversely, in non-fiction you need to creatively express your facts so that a reader doesn't shrivel up and die from literary dehydration.

Myth:
Story is fine for fiction but forget about it for non-fiction.

Creativity is needed for fiction and non-fiction alike.

Busted:
We all live in some kind of story. Maybe your life is a drama right now. Or perhaps you're living in a sit-com. Whatever, story grabs hold of readers because that's where writing connects with their heart. This is every bit as much true for non-fiction books as well fiction.

Myth:
Writing fiction is harder than non-fiction --or-- writing non-fiction is harder than fiction.

Busted:
They're both hard. Each requires attention to detail, word choices, writing tight, and content that scoots the reader to the edge of his seat.

Sure, there are some differences between the two. There is no arc or climax in a non-fiction book, no protagonists or antagonists. Fiction has a theme, but it's not a useful how-to tool.

The point is don't be all puffed up thinking non-fiction writers are smarter than fiction authors, nor put fiction writers on a pedestal of supreme creativity because non-fiction writers surely only deal in dust-dry words. Writers are writers no matter the genre. Words are words. The great divide isn't so great after all.

In my newest release, THE CAPTIVE HEART, I blend historical fact with fast-paced fiction. Here's a blurb . . .

Now available on Amazon.

       On the run from a cruel British aristocratic employer, Eleanor Morgan escapes to America, the land of the free, for the opportunity to serve an upstanding Charles Town family. But freedom is hard to come by as an indentured servant, and downright impossible when she’s forced to agree to an even harsher contract—marriage to a man she’s never met.
       Backwoodsman Samuel Heath doesn’t care what others think of him—but his young daughter’s upbringing matters very much. The life of a trapper in the Carolina backcountry is no life for a small girl, but neither is abandoning his child to another family. He decides it’s time to marry again, but that proves to be an impossible task. Who wants to wed a murderer?
       Both Samuel and Eleanor are survivors, facing down the threat of war, betrayal, and divided loyalties that could cost them everything, but this time they must face their biggest challenge ever . . . Love.

TWEETABLE

Knocking out  the misconceptions about non-fiction vs. fiction~Michelle Griep (Click to Tweet)

____________________________________________________________________

Michelle Griep

ABOUT THE AUTHOR ~ MICHELLE GRIEP

Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. Follow her adventures and find out about upcoming new releases at her blog, Writer Off the Leash, or stop by her website. You can also find her at the usual haunts of Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.

Like what you read? There’s more. WRITER OFF THE LEASH: GROWING IN THE WRITING CRAFT is a kick in the pants for anyone who wants to write but is stymied by fear, doubt, or simply doesn’t know how to take their writing to the next level.

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Why Would a Fiction Writer Write Non-Fiction?

I live, eat, and breathe historical fiction. No, really. Sometimes I won’t answer to people unless they call me Jane Eyre, which annoys the bejeebers out of my husband. It’s a hoot to mess with cashiers and sign my checks Jane Austen. Kind of rotten about that lawsuit, though. And I admit, it’s just a tic creepy when I fake a British accent and dress like Charles Dickens. I think it’s the moustache that really throws people.

With that background in mind, what in the world am I doing dipping my toes into the pool of non-fiction with my latest release Writer Off the Leash? It all started with a blog. Grab your milk and cookies, kids, because here comes a story.

Way back when dinosaurs roamed the face of the earth, I staked out my little corner of the internet and named it Writer Off the Leash. I didn’t want to be pinned down to a particular topic, though writing is what I most often post about. I wanted to roam into other neighborhoods like religion, philosophy, and where the best chocolate chip cookie recipe can be found.

Lo and behold—quit blinking, an angel will not appear—that little plot of cyberspace grew, attracting readers from all over the place. Yes, even Hoboken, New Jersey. I know, right? Anyway, these readers started leaving comments about how I should compile all my writerly advice into a book format.

I froze. Me? Put out a non-fiction book? What do I know about truth telling? I’m a historical fiction writer for Pete’s sake. But the voices would not shut up . . . not the ones in my head, the commenters on the blog.

So, I did what any self-respecting, strong, not-so-young woman would do. I caved into peer pressure. I found a buddy who had an interest in the inner workings of publishing and was willing to take my material and figure out how to morph it into paperback and ebook formats. And voila! Harpy type music and a glittery sprinkle of fairy dust later, Writer Off the Leash: Growing in the Writing Craft was born.

I’ve learned a lot from going the self-publishing route. Who’d have thought a cover involved so many many decisions? Editing requires a gazillion read-throughs. Then there’s ISBN’s and Library of Congress and on and on and on. Why did I suffer through it all?

I wanted to blow the lid off stodgy old-school rulebooks and make it clear that writing can—and should—be fun. Here’s a blurb:

Are you a writer at heart? How can you tell? And if you are, how do you go about composing and selling the next Great American Novel? WRITER OFF THE LEASH answers these questions and more--all in an easy to understand, tongue-in-cheek style. This is more than a how-to book. It's a kick in the pants for anyone who wants to write but is stymied by fear, doubt, or simply doesn't know how to take their writing to the next level.

Will there be more non-fiction in my future? Maybe. This has been a fun detour, but if I listen really hard, I hear voices from the past calling me. For now I’m returning to historical fiction.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. Follow her adventures and find out about upcoming new releases at her blog, Writer Off the Leash, or stop by her website. You can also find her at the usual haunts of Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.

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It Came From Under The Stall: How Not To Impress Editors, Agents and Other Writing Professionals

by Thomas Smith

Gather ‘round children, I’m going to tell you a little story.

Once upon a time there was a very nice agent. She devoted a good bit of her time to attending conferences in order to help fledgling writers and scout potential new talent. After one particularly long day of teaching workshops, sitting on panels, taking fifteen-minute appointments and generally “doing the agent thing,” nature called. As she settled in for the first private moment she'd had to herself all day, she heard a voice from the next stall.

“I sure am glad I finally found you. Your appointment list was full, and I've got this novel I want you to take a look at.” Not two seconds later, a large manila envelope came skidding across the tile and came to rest on her brand new Franco Sarto slingback.

Sad but True

This tale would be hilarious if it wasn't true. Unfortunately, there are agents reading this column right now shaking their heads and reliving a similar moment from their own past. And while such a "marketing ploy" is sure to make an impression, it's probably not the impression you are hoping for.

It's not uncommon for writers to make the leap from friendly conference attendee to goggle-eyed lunatic at the mention of the words agent or acquisitions editor. From outlandish claims about their writing projects (“This will be the next Left Behind”) to downright bribery (Yes, there have been $5, $10, and $20 bills clipped to query letters ... and no, they weren't mine), there is something about an encounter with an editor or agent that brings the oddball gene out of its dormant state in even the most level headed people.

Equally frightening are the writers who run headlong into reality and don't know how to deal with it. These are the folks who meet an editor or agent for the first time and expect a line edit and an in-depth discussion about the manuscript they brought with them or they come in with a piece of uncommonly bad writing and find out (though generally in a kind way) that their masterpiece may need a little more work. Such an encounter has been known to make said writer a little cranky. Sometimes cranky enough to tell the offending writing professional exactly what they can do with their red pen. 

And while such an attitude certainly makes a lasting impression, it is probably not the one you want to make. Publishing is a small universe, and if you tick off an editor at one publishing house, and he/she moves to another house, you now have a bad reputation at TWO houses.

God Told Me…

Also, be warned: A one-on-one meeting is not the only way to breach the boundaries of good agent/editor etiquette. A less than well-placed query letter or proposal can do the same thing. Take for example a classic letter that opens something like this:

“Dear editor, God told me to write this story and He also said I should send it to you and you should publish it...” OK, with a show of hands, how many of you out there have a similar letter in your files? Um-hum, I thought so.

There is a response to this letter floating around out there, and I imagine there are many people who wish they had used it. The editor, having seen the story from God letter one too many times, evidentially said:

“Dear Writer: While I thank you for thinking of our publishing company we will not be able to use your story. Since God wrote the best selling book of all time, I can only assume He can spell better than what was evident in you manuscript...”

Now let’s have a show of hands from those of you who have ever written such a letter. (Wait, you there in the green socks … get that hand up). Not many, but a few.

The Road to Professionalism
So ... how does the average writer get in an editor or agent's good graces? It's not as difficult as you may think.

First, be respectful. Remember the magic words, please and thank you. And don’t forget the advice given by every card-carrying mother on the planet: mind your manners.

Don't call editors and agents by their first name unless invited to do so. For example, “Mr. Laube, may I speak with you for a minute or two about the project I'm working on?” will probably make a more favorable impression than, “Hey Stevie-Boy, hang on a minute and take a look at this proposal while I go get some lunch.” 

Here's another tip: Don’t carry a full book-length manuscript with you to your meeting. Most agents and editors don’t want to have to carry a stack of manuscripts with them on the plane. If they are interested in your project, they ask you to mail or e-mail the manuscript to them.A proposal and first three chapters is sufficient.

In short, act like a professional, even if you aren't one ... yet.

When communicating via mail or e-mail, keep the letterhead simple, professional, and as error-free as possible. No garish colors of fancy fonts.

When dealing with these nice folks in person, bring a clean, well-edited manuscript, proposal, one-sheet, or whatever is requested. Make sure it is formatted properly and meets their criteria (number of pages, etc.).

Think about what you want to say even before you arrive at the conference, or before you write that query letter. Have a clear image of the heart of your story in mind before you actually make the pitch. Then practice your pitch. A lot. Doing otherwise could very well scuttle your project in a matter of seconds. A seasoned editor or agent will know in less than a minute how much thought you have put into your idea.

When dealing with writing professionals, having a polite, professional bearing can carry you a long way. Accept criticism graciously, and always thank the other person for her/his time.If an agent or editor sees the potential in you and your work (you are, after all, a package deal), they will work with you to make the project the best it can be, and to help you become the best writer you can be.

You see, bad writing can be fixed, but a bad first impression is much harder to overcome.

NR: To be entered in a drawing for a copy of SOMETHING STIRS, leave a comment. U.S. residents only, please. The winner will be announced on Novel Rocket's Facebook page tomorrow. Be sure to like us there! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Novel-Rocket/129877663761335?ref=hl

Thomas Smith is an award winning writer, newspaper reporter, TV news producer, playwright and essayist. His supernatural suspense novel, Something Stirs, is available at a bookstore near you. In addition to writing he enjoys teaching classes for beginning writers at conferences and local writers’ groups. He has been a joke writer for Joan Rivers and his comedy material has been performed on The Tonight Show. Currently in his fifth decade of service, he is considerably younger than most people his age. Find Thomas onTwitter and Facebook

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WRITING BACK COVER COPY with Shelley Ring

Since 2007, Shelley Ring has written back cover and marketing copy for traditional publishers, as well as for independently published authors. A former Marketing Coordinator for a Christian publisher, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Colorado Christian University, where she worked in Public Relations and wrote for the college newspaper. Her writing vices, never far during creative chaos, include chocolate, iced tea, and baked kale chips. With a passion for outstanding romantic Christian fiction, she is the author of Ransomed, a romantic suspense novel that portrays one woman’s physical and spiritual escape from human trafficking. Shelley’s novels are available on Amazon in digital and paperback. She lives in Colorado with her family, including a sweet-tempered Rottweiler named Mya.

The following article is an excerpt from Shelley’s upcoming book, How to Write Back Cover Copy that Sells: Every Writer's Guide to Creating Successful Marketing Copy.

Blink, blink, blink.

I close my eyes, praying something brilliant will magically appear on the computer screen when I look again. God answers desperate prayers, right?

Well, not this time.

My eyes open to the blinding white screen staring back at me. A flashing black cursor mocks my mental block. For several minutes, my brain draws a frustrating blank. I wrote an entire book, but writing back cover copy seems an insurmountable task.

Insurmountable until I remember the purpose, structure, and language of back cover copy. As a novelist, copywriter, and former publishing Marketing Coordinator, I’ve learned to switch hats from fiction to marketing.

My direction reset, I take a deep breath, and my fingers fly over the keyboard.

The Purpose of the Back Cover

Your back cover exists for two reasons:

1.       Introduce your story.

2.       Compel the reader to open the book.

Once he or she delves between the covers, allow your characters and voice to complete the sale.

The Structure of Fiction Back Cover Copy

Many fiction writers create a basic foundation of goal, motivation, and conflict for their novels. The same structure applies to writing copy for your fiction back cover.

First, introduce your hero/heroine. Provide a snapshot of the character so we immediately identify with him or her.

Next, bring out your character’s motivation and overall conflict in one sentence.

Finally, highlight the character’s black moment. Don’t give the ending away, but show how much the hero or heroine stands to lose. Intrigue the reader.

The Outline for Non-fiction Back Cover Copy

Non-fiction books have a different framework, though they still employ goals, motivations, and conflicts. This style of back cover copy begins by targeting a person’s felt needs. Ask yourself:

• What promise do I make the reader?
• What does he or she want to discover, accomplish, or become?
• Why does my audience desire this, and how does my book fulfill that desire?
• What roadblocks prevent the reader from his or her desire, and how does my book help them overcome those obstacles?

The following examples give you an idea of the big thought or promise in a non-fiction book:

• A proven strategy for conquering financial distress
• Write e-books that actually sell
• An outrageous true account of greed, corruption, and deceit

Follow the big idea with a short list of other reader-oriented benefits:

• Get out of debt and gain a stress-free life.
• Discover 10 secrets of highly effective e-book authors.
• One of the most gripping and bizarre real-life stories ever told.

The Language of Back Cover Copy

As the author, you know your audience better than anyone. Build a composite reader and address that person.

Sales or information-based non-fiction uses you, your, we, and our to speak to the reader. Fiction and creative non-fiction apply more abstract ways. Maximize the danger, the struggle, or the life-and-death situation with words like true account, incredible, terrifying, life-changing, outrageous, or spellbinding.

More tips

In writing the back cover of your book, a few helpful reminders create the richest set-up:

• Include 1-2 keywords about your book’s subject or theme. Keywords help readers draw a correlation between your back cover copy and blog posts, articles, headlines, or ads.
• Watch your length. Keep the word count in the range of 75-200 words, depending on the size of your printed product. A length of 125 words seems to fit the backs of most printed books, while still allowing space for your bio.
• Reflect the story tone or the voice of the non-fiction piece.
• Be tight. Be specific. Be yourself. Your writer voice might be the only truly unique part of your book, so let your style, expertise, or personality shine through and make a connection with your reader.
• Don’t introduce secondary themes or subplots in fiction.
• Don’t reveal the ending in fiction, and don’t give up every secret in non-fiction.
• Use testimonials, awards, and previous books to build credibility and earn trust. Testimonials are most valuable as headlines, while awards and other titles fit well at the end of your copywriting.

Following these simple tips empowers every author to write compelling copy for any book category. No more blinding white screen and mocking cursors. I can write back cover copy.

So can you.

After a heated argument with her boyfriend, sixteen-year-old Rebecca Siersha vanishes into the afternoon sun. Eight years later, her family still finds no trace of her. Until former Marine and modern-day prophet Micah Stone receives a disturbing vision.

Years ago, Micah knew his future. He would marry Rebecca and live in service to God forever. Her disappearance devastated him. Now haunted by the image of her running through the night, darkness chasing her, Micah hears an edict from the Lord: Save her.

Micah determines to uncover the truth behind Rebecca’s disappearance, but just when victory seems near, they meet evil face to face. This time it will take everything within Micah to obey God.

But exactly who will do the saving?

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