How can I improve my nonfiction writing?
11 Techniques to Improve Your Nonfiction Writing
- Work on narrative structure.
- Hone your voice.
- Play with point of view.
- Focus on details.
- Write tight scenes.
- Mine your life.
- Develop a schedule.
- Keep an idea archive.
What should a nonfiction writer avoid?
Here are a few mistakes that will suffocate your nonfiction story:
- Using passive voice instead of active voice. (ex.
- Wordiness. Eliminate excess words.
- Poor word choice. The thesaurus is the writer’s best friend.
- Using the same word too often. We all have crutch words and phrases.
- Poor readability.
- Academic tone.
Can nonfiction be fake?
Nonfiction is simply a piece of writing that precisely describes real-life events and real people. It’s the opposite of fiction, so it’s not fake.
How do you write a good nonfiction book?
You cannot write a good nonfiction book without first identifying who your reader is. You want a narrow definition, not the sort of “this book will be for everyone, everywhere” mistake that most newbie nonfiction authors make.
Is writing nonfiction easier than writing fiction?
Most writers will tell you that writing nonfiction is easier than writing fiction. This is the good news. The less good news: that doesn’t mean it’s less work to write a nonfiction book.
What is the biggest mistake first-time nonfiction authors make?
The biggest mistake first-time nonfiction authors make is in failing to identify why they want to write the book in the first place. This is a foundational issue that affects every step in the writing and production processes. What is your why?
Do you need a narrative arc to write a book?
Writing a book is not like writing in a diary. It’s not like talking to a friend. And it’s not just a free-flowing capture of bouncing thoughts, though we’ve read manuscript submissions that fit into all three of these categories. Some people, first-time nonfiction authors included, seem to think nonfiction doesn’t require a narrative arc.