Writing Fiction Versus Non-Fiction

Fiction and Non-fiction have often been compared throughout the years. With each genre having its own pros and cons, people often cannot help but debate on which type of writing style is really much more easier or practical for a writer to call his or her own. Let us examine the differences of these two styles then and find out how they truly differ and what similarities hold true to both.

How Does One Write About Fiction?

Writing about fiction basically tries to reach out to an audience that has a knack for seeking entertainment on anything that can feed their imagination and allow them to be brought to different places and periods. And thus, it is only proper for any fiction writer to have a very big imagination and to be very creative.

Some of the basic requirements that any fiction writer must have to write a good story is to include a good and interesting plot, strong and relatable characters and of course, a good handle on the pen that can give them an edge and great writing style. These elements must be well developed and a writer must make sure to concentrate on answering the whys behind the events conspiring in his stories.

Most readers of fiction stories usually want to escape their realities as well as challenge their brains, and so, mysteries, conflicts and a lot of suspense are integral to include in writing about fiction. These things keep a reader enticed and glued on to events that are happening within the plot.

What most writers love about creating fiction is that because it does not have strict boundaries, they have much more freedom and control on what they actually want to include in their work, without so many people condemning them on what is factual or not. And research does not have to be as extensive and the most that is really required of them is for them to let their imaginations run wild.

How Does One Write About Non-Fiction?

On the other hand, writing about non-fiction when it comes to preparation, may not be as easy as fiction writing. After all, non-fiction writers unlike their counterparts basically thrive off what is real instead of finding entertainment through the imagination.

Writers of non-fiction must concentrate more on things that we can see and touch. Actual experience plays a major role on the substantiality of the story and readers would understandably look for vivid descriptions about events and historical references for them to remain interested.

And so, unlike in writing fiction that would only require one to have a very good imagination, this type of genre requires extensive research. And guessing to fill in the spaces within the story's events is rarely tolerated. In fact, many controversies have already sprung out about this issue time and again. Therefore one must include the exact historical information in his or her work.

Which Style Is Better To Adopt?

Because of the differences of the methods of writing in the two styles, and because they require different specialties and talents, many writers may often feel quite confusing on which writing style is better to adopt as their own.

With most writers who actually take on writing as a career, they may often claim that sticking with only just one form of writing may not be enough to actually help you earn a living. Most often than not, if you want to become known and successful as a writer, versatility on these two writing styles is essential as many different demands may come your way.

Although different, each of these styles has its pros and cons that may render them equal to each other. Although writing about non-fiction would no longer require one to do extensive research, not everyone is talented enough with a big and captivating imagination, and so non-fiction may still have its obstacles to present a writer during the creative process. On the other hand, doing extensive research for fiction can be quite draining, but at least one no longer has to worry about making up a storyline as it is already thought up beforehand by actual events.

These two writing styles may certainly be very different, and they have their own advantages and disadvantages to the writer. But being versatile in both styles can certainly do a lot of any writer and even establish his or her creativity.

Neither style is superior or inferior from the other. Both of these genres have proven through the test of time how each of them has captured the intelligence and interest of many. Thus, for any writer, can never go wrong with whichever style he or she may choose.