Non-fiction is an account or representation of a subject which is presented as fact. This presentation may be accurate or not; that is, it can give either a true or a false account of the subject in question. However, it is generally assumed that the authors of such accounts believe them to be truthful at the time of their composition. Non-fiction is one of the two main divisions in writing, particularly used in libraries, the other being fiction. However, non-fiction need not be written text necessarily, since pictures and film can also purport to present a factual account of a subject.

Types

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Essays, journals, documentaries, scientific papers, photographs, biographies, textbooks, blueprints, technical documentation, user manuals, diagrams and journalism are all common examples of non-fiction works, and fiction within any of these works is usually regarded as dishonest. Other works can legitimately be either fiction or non-fiction, such as letters, magazine articles, histories, websites, speeches and travelogues. Although they are mostly either one or the other it is not uncommon for there to be a blend of both, particularly non-fiction with a dash of fiction for added spice.

Distinctions

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The numerous literary and creative devices used within fiction are generally thought inappropriate for use in non-fiction. They are still present particularly in older works but they are often muted so as not to overshadow the information within the work. Simplicity, clarity and directness are some of the most important considerations when producing non-fiction. Audience is important in any artistic or descriptive endeavour but it is perhaps most important in non-fiction. In fiction, the writer believes that readers will make an effort to follow and interpret an indirectly or abstractly presented progression of theme, whereas the production of non-fiction has more to do with the direct provision of information. Understanding of the potential readers use for the work and their existing knowledge of a subject are both fundamental for effective non-fiction. Despite the truth of non-fiction it is often necessary to persuade the reader to agree with the ideas and so a balanced, coherent and informed argument is also vital. Mark Twain said, paraphrased: "The difference between fiction and non-fiction is that fiction must be absolutely believable."

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Nice mix of new arrivals today! Dashiel Hammett, Laurtec, Deighton's non-fiction, Patresky, and plenty more.... http://bit.ly/2vGWeI
Bardsbooks (Bards Books) Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:52:48 -0000
Nice mix of new arrivals today! Dashiel Hammett, Laurtec, Deighton's non-fiction, Patresky, and plenty more.... http://bit.ly/2vGWeI
Kinda excited about the Non-Fiction reunion show this Saturday. Mark Strigl
talkingmetal (talkingmetal) Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:50:32 -0000
Kinda excited about the Non-Fiction reunion show this Saturday. Mark Strigl
Creative non-fiction has been renamed and will be referred to as Group Therapy from this point forward. It fits.
ersatz_amber (Amber Cady) Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:14:55 -0000
Creative non-fiction has been renamed and will be referred to as Group Therapy from this point forward. It fits.
I've been working on a chapter-by-chapter summary for a non-fiction proposal ... tomorrow back to editing my novel!
triciagoyer (Tricia Goyer) Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:53:46 -0000
I've been working on a chapter-by-chapter summary for a non-fiction proposal ... tomorrow back to editing my novel!
When I'm interpreting non fiction and actual events, I like to read, interview if I can, watch films, anything I can get my hands on.
TGBLive_Nicole (Nicole Newman-Colter) Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:39:12 -0000
When I'm interpreting non fiction and actual events, I like to read, interview if I can, watch films, anything I can get my hands on.
"operation Takeover Jersey" NJ ALL DAY!!!...Jersey ppl are SO NON-FICTION...FACT!
caesarfact (caesar fact) Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:33:43 -0000
"operation Takeover Jersey" NJ ALL DAY!!!...Jersey ppl are SO NON-FICTION...FACT!

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