Emily Rapp Black, author and professor, discusses truth in creative nonfiction. They explore the distinction between creative nonfiction and other forms, reflect on death's impact on life perspective, engage in extreme sports for release, delve into the challenges and subjectivity of truth, share experiences with hate mail, writing personal topics and finding inspiration, discuss resurrection and curiosity in creative nonfiction, and recommend craft books and resources for writers.
Delving into difficult and uncomfortable places helps uncover the heart of the story in creative nonfiction.
Craft and artistry, along with authenticity, create a connection between creative nonfiction writers and readers.
Personal narratives in creative nonfiction offer a selfless act of sharing and connection.
Engaging narrative techniques, like sensory details and world-building, enhance the impact of creative nonfiction.
Deep dives
The Power of Saying the Uncomfortable Truths
In writing creative nonfiction, it is important to have the courage to say the things we are afraid or ashamed to say. By delving into those difficult and uncomfortable places, we can uncover the heart of our story and connect with readers on a deeper level. While it is crucial to adhere to the fidelity of our lived experiences, there is some room for invention and creative license as long as it serves the narrative and does not deceive or manipulate readers. Research and attention to detail are also important to maintain a sense of accuracy and credibility. Ultimately, writing creative nonfiction is an act of service to the world, offering insights and perspectives that resonate with readers and allow them to see their own lived experiences reflected in the pages.
The Liberation of Vulnerability in Writing
Writing creative nonfiction requires embracing vulnerability and saying the things we desperately wish to hide. It is these moments of honesty and rawness that often resonate the most with readers and elicit powerful responses. However, it is important to not simply indulge in self-centered storytelling, but to deliver the narrative in a way that is compelling and engaging for readers. Craft and artistry are crucial in making the reading experience enjoyable and meaningful for the audience, while maintaining a sense of authenticity and emotional truth. By being specific, vivid, and grounded in sensory details, creative nonfiction writers can create a connection with readers and invite them into their world.
The Value of Personal Stories
Contrary to the belief that writing personal stories in creative nonfiction is self-indulgent or self-obsessed, personal narratives offer a selfless act of sharing and connection. These stories, when approached artfully, can resonate deeply with readers and provide comfort, insight, and understanding. By delving into the specificities of our own experiences and crafting them in a way that is relatable and compelling, we can create a bridge of empathy and foster a sense of community among readers who share similar experiences. The goal is not to please everyone, but to touch and impact those who connect with our stories on a profound level.
The Art of Storytelling in Creative Nonfiction
Writing creative nonfiction requires the art of storytelling, which encompasses craft, structure, and attention to detail. Rather than presenting a linear recollection of events, effective creative nonfiction employs narrative techniques such as scene-setting, sensory descriptions, and character development to engage readers and draw them into the story. It is important to strike a balance between factual accuracy and the creative liberties necessary for a compelling narrative. By capturing the essence of a lived experience through vivid storytelling, writers can create a powerful and immersive reading experience.
The Importance of Narrative Perspective and Reflection in Creative Nonfiction
In creative nonfiction, it is crucial to go beyond just presenting facts and instead engage the reader on a deeper level. This can be achieved by utilizing narrative techniques like sensory details and world-building, similar to what fiction writers do. Additionally, it is important to find meaning and deeper insight in the events being depicted, rather than just providing a straightforward account. By showing readers how the writer felt and experienced the events, creative nonfiction can create a connection and understanding, regardless of whether the events are completely true or not.
Writing from Personal Experience and the Power of Reflection
Creative nonfiction allows writers to hold up a mirror to the reader, allowing them to understand themselves better. By delving into personal experiences, writers can explore the complexities of life and capture the emotional and sensory aspects of their stories. Reflecting on the past and how those experiences were felt in the body can bring realism and depth to the narrative. It is not just about presenting the facts, but about sharing the emotional truth and creating a space for readers to learn or gain insights from the writer's own reflections.
The Challenges of Crafting Endings in Creative Nonfiction
Crafting an ending in creative nonfiction can vary depending on the story being told. Unlike in genre fiction, where endings are often definitive and neatly resolved, creative nonfiction may have more open-ended or reflective conclusions. Endings in creative nonfiction can evoke emotions, impart a sense of perspective or transformed priorities, and leave the reader with a deeper understanding or appreciation. Each piece of creative nonfiction may require its own tailored approach to endings, and writers need to intuitively find the right balance between resolution and open interpretation.
In today's 'Craftwork' episode, a conversation with Emily Rapp Black about "truth" in creative nonfiction.
Emily is the author of five books of creative nonfiction: Poster Child, The Still Point of the Turning World, which was a New York Times bestseller, Sanctuary, Frida Kahlo and My Left Leg, and I Would Die if I Were You (forthcoming). She is Professor of Creative Writing at UC-Riverside and a co-founder, with Gina Frangello, of Circe Consulting, which offers coaching and developmental editing to writers.
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Otherppl with Brad Listi is a weekly literary podcast featuring in-depth interviews with today's leading writers.
