Part V: Me Write Non-Fiction? Never!
When asked the difference between fiction and non-fiction,
people often give an answer like this:
"Non-fiction is just the facts, and fiction tells a story."
But that's not a good definition.
While non-fiction is factual, good non-fiction also tells a story.
A recent article in Smithsonian Magazine
about Stonehenge began with the account of seven druids making their way through
an archeological site. The druids were
there to "bless" the site for the workers. The image was dramatic.
The narrative was gripping. It was all true.
Non-fiction. Readers need a story, even if you are trying to tell them
about how an espresso-maker works or
what forces hold an atom together.
We have written over a dozen non-fiction books for children and a few for grown-ups, too.
You can bet that a young reader needs to be entertained while reading.
And while they may have more patience,
adults do, too. Non-fiction can be broken down into a simple,
three-step formula as follows:
1. Tell 'em what you're going to tell 'em.
2. Tell 'em.
3. Tell 'em what you told 'em.
In other words, introduce your topic, get into the meat, and then remind
the reader of the main concepts.
This simple roadmap will serve you well, even as your non-fiction book or article
becomes longer and more sophisticated.
When writing our various devotionals or stories, we often refer to this
formula to keep ourselves organized.
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