If you ask me what the difference between fiction and nonfiction is, I’d say, “apples and oranges.” And to most writers, that’s a given. For people who don’t write professionally, however, words are words whether they’re made up or based on fact.
There’s an art about each. And both have their challenges. For me though, using my imagination, and letting go into it are difficult. There is no way of controlling what will happen to my characters. There is no specific date or fact that can completely direct my story. That’s why writing a children’s book has been a continual hurdle for me. And why I drool over real authors the way I do over runners running past my window.
Here’s what Ayn Rand says about the two in her book, The Art of Nonfiction:
“Contrary to all schools of art and esthetics, writing is something one can learn. There is no mystery about it.
In literature, as in all the fine arts, complex premises must be set early in a person’s mind, so that a beginning adult may not have enough time to set them and thus cannot learn to write. Even these premises can be learned, theoretically, but the person would have to acquire them on his own. So I am inclined to say that fiction writing-and the fine arts in general-cannot be taught. Much of the technical skill involved can be, but not the essence.
However, any person who can speak English grammatically can learn to write nonfiction. Nonfiction writing is not difficult, though it is a technical skill.”
She says the essence of fine arts can not be taught unlike nonfiction. Anyone can write nonfiction, but where does that leave a wannabe fiction writer?
I sometimes question that myself. Does a fiction writer have to be born? Can anyone, even a straight, factual nonfiction writer create?
I’m apt to say, “Of course!”
But the journey has been a long and furiously frustrating one.
While I often offer advice on my writing posts, I’m throwing this back to you dear readers. What do you think is the main difference between fiction and nonfiction? Can a nonfiction writer learn to be a fiction writer? Which one is harder for you to compose?
I’m not certain I could write fiction. I’ve been grounded in a mechanical and engineering field, for the most part, and was never into reading any fiction. Most of my reading, and limited writing have been technical in nature. I feel there is a certain artistic level to fiction writing, and that’s why there are so many differing styles and stories, and loosely arranged thumb rules to guide the writer on his /her path. Great story tellers are a little odd, or different, aren’t they? some thoughts… not sure