Television Program Production

   

  WHAT IS NON-FICTION?

Non-fiction is a genre in literature in which real events are depicted using story-telling techniques. Non-fiction, by contrast, is factual and reports on true events. Though the people and situations written about are true, the writer has creative license with how to tell the story. This makes the genre's definition rather flexible. Many non-fiction novels are written in such categories as biographies, historical events, travel, science, religion, philosophy, and art. Usually, non-fiction has a higher standard to uphold than fiction. A few smatterings of fact in a work of fiction do not make it true, while a few fabrications in a non-fiction work can force that story to lose all credibility.

However, non-fiction often uses many of the techniques of fiction to make it more appealing. While some critics argue non- fiction has been around for centuries, Truman Capote claimed to have been the creator of this genre with his 1966 crime novel In Cold Blood. Whether or not Capote created the genre, he did give it a name. He claims the genre was inspired by his idea to integrate narrative journalistic reportage and creative writing techniques. However, unlike journalism, his idea of non-fiction would rely on creative writing to tell factual events, and rather than embedding himself into the story, he would imply his credibility through his use of empathy and truth of the events.

What's Okay for Fiction, but Not for Nonfiction, Making Things Up

In fiction, there is no demand for fact checking. While it can be helpful, it is not necessary because a fictitious novel can make up anything and everything. In a non- fiction novel, however, fact checking is imperative. The trick with writing a nonfiction novel is to balance the truth with creativity. Because of this, it is up to the writer to make sure the events captured cannot be countered or disprove. If it can be disprove, especially if the information is about a person still living, the writer can be sued for libel, which is the public defamation of a person.

In fiction, it's okay to be indirect, to let the readers work their own ways through symbolism and abstractions. However, readers of non-fiction expect the writer to be more direct about time, truth, and other information.

In fiction, the writer does not need to worry about truth and therefore paints whatever opinion of the story he or she chooses. However, in non-fiction, it is vital that the writer understand the information that he or she is providing, and therefore, how best to present the information. It is up to the writer to show the information and tell the readers what to think about the information.

Happy Learning
Priyanka R Dey