DIFFERENT FORMS OF

CREATIVE NONFICTION
 MEMOIR

Memoirs are collections of memories, either surrounding a single

narrative thread or multiple interrelated ideas. The memoir is usually
published as a book or extended piece of fiction, and many memoirs
take years to write and perfect. Memoirs often take on a similar writing
style as the personal essay does, though it must be personable and
interesting enough to encourage the reader through the entire book.
 PERSONAL ESSAY

 Personal essays are stories about personal experiences told

using literary techniques.
 In creative nonfiction, the personal essay is much more
vibrant and dynamic. Personal essays are stories about
personal experiences, and while some personal essays can be
standalone stories about a single event, many essays braid true
stories with extended metaphors and other narratives.
 LYRIC ESSAY

 The lyric essay contains similar subject matter as the personal

essay, but is much more experimental in form.
 Thelyric essay contains similar subject matter as the personal
essay, with one key distinction: lyric essays are much more
experimental in form. Poetry and creative nonfiction merge in
the lyric essay, challenging the conventional prose format of
paragraphs and linear sentences.
 LITERARY JOURNALISM

A report on real life events using literary conventions and styles.

A type of journalism that uses literary techniques to tell a story.
A type of journalism that uses literary techniques to tell a true
story. It is often characterized by in-depth reporting, vivid
description, and a strong narrative voice
Travelogue

A narrative account of a journey or trip that

often includes descriptions of people, places,
and cultures
Historical Nonfiction

A genre of writing that explores historical

events and figures in a creative way
Autobiography

A comprehensive account of the writer’s life

written by themselves
HOW TO WRITE CREATIVE
NONFICTION:
COMMON ELEMENTS AND
TECHNIQUES
 NARRATION
Travel Writing

 A type of writing that describes the writer's experiences while traveling.

Cultural Criticism

 A type of writing that analyzes and critiques cultural artifacts.

Ekphrastic Essays

 A type of writing that describes or analyzes a work of art.

Features

 A type of writing that tells a story about a person, place, or event.

NARRATION

 Telling the story with an effective plot, writing from a certain point of view, and using the
narrative to flesh out the story’s big idea are all key craft elements. How you structure
your story can have a huge impact on how the reader perceives the work, as well as the
insights you draw from the story itself.
OBSERVATION

 Telling the story involves more than just simple plot elements, it also involves situating
the reader in the key details. Setting the scene requires attention to all five senses, and
interpersonal dialogue is much more effective when the narrator observes changes in
vocal pitch, certain facial expressions, and movements in body language. Essentially, let
the reader experience the tiny details – we access each other best through minutiae.