Maximizing Creative Freedom: Unlocking Nonfiction Power
Written by  Daisie Team
Published on 5 min read

Contents

1. Tap into Your Own Life

2. Explore Different Perspectives

3. Harness the Power of Research

4. Leverage Creative Writing Tools

5. Embrace the Editing Process

When writing nonfiction, an author has more freedom than one might initially think. This genre, often associated with rigid structure and facts, actually presents a unique opportunity. Through personal experiences, diverse perspectives, research, creative tools, and editing processes, nonfiction writers can unlock unparalleled creative freedom. This blog will guide you along this exciting journey of maximizing your creative freedom while writing nonfiction.

1. Tap into Your Own Life

One of the key ways to enrich your nonfiction writing is by tapping into your own life. Your experiences, thoughts, and reflections can bring authenticity to your work that's hard to replicate.

Use Personal Experiences

Personal experiences serve as a goldmine when writing nonfiction. Not only do they make your writing more relatable, but they also provide a unique perspective. For instance, if you're writing about overcoming challenges, you can recount a time you faced a difficult situation and how you overcame it. This personal touch can resonate with readers, making your work stand out.

Revisit Old Journals

Old journals can be a treasure trove of ideas. They provide a snapshot of your past—your thoughts, feelings, and experiences at different points in life. These can be woven into your nonfiction narrative to add depth and authenticity. Whether it's a travel diary from your trip to Austin, Texas, or reflections on a life-changing event, these journal entries can breathe life into your writing.

Reflect on Life Changes

Life is a constant flux of changes, big and small, and reflecting on these changes can offer valuable insights. Did moving from a small town in Maine to bustling New York City change your perspective on community? Did a career shift from marketing to teaching alter your understanding of success? These reflections can add a rich layer of complexity to your nonfiction work.

2. Explore Different Perspectives

When writing nonfiction, an author has more freedom to delve into different perspectives. Doing so not only broadens your understanding but also enriches your writing with varied viewpoints. Here's how you can begin exploring.

Interview Others

Conversations with others can be a wellspring of inspiration and insight. Whether it's a chat with a local farmer about sustainable practices, or a heart-to-heart with a World War II veteran, these discussions can offer unique viewpoints that breathe life into your non-fiction writing. The key is to listen with an open mind and ask thoughtful questions.

Read Diverse Literature

From African folktales to modern Japanese literature, diverse books can open a window to different cultures, societies, and ways of thinking. So, next time you visit the library, wander off the beaten path. You might discover a perspective that adds a whole new dimension to your nonfiction work.

Study Historical Events

History is a vast tapestry of events, people, and ideas. By studying these, you gain insights into different times and places. For instance, understanding the social dynamics of the 1960s can enrich a nonfiction book about civil rights. Or knowing about the Great Depression might lend depth to a biography of someone who lived through it. Use history as a powerful tool to broaden your perspective.

3. Harness the Power of Research

When writing nonfiction, an author has more freedom to explore a topic in-depth, thanks to the power of research. It equips you with relevant facts, figures, and intricate details, adding credibility to your writing. Let's see how to make the most of this power.

Use Academic Sources

Academic sources, such as scholarly articles, research papers, and textbooks, are packed with reliable information. They delve deep into their subjects, providing you with substantial data to strengthen your nonfiction. While these sources might seem daunting at first, you'll soon appreciate the valuable insights they offer.

Explore Digital Archives

Turn to the wealth of digital archives for a treasure trove of information. Websites like the National Archives or the Library of Congress provide access to thousands of historical documents, photographs, and audio-visual materials. These can enrich your nonfiction writing with an authentic touch.

Utilize Public Libraries

Never underestimate the power of a good old-fashioned public library. Libraries are a hub of resources, from books and magazines to DVDs and newspapers. And don't forget the knowledgeable librarians, who can guide you to the most relevant resources. So, grab your library card and start exploring!

4. Leverage Creative Writing Tools

Remember, when writing nonfiction, an author has more freedom to experiment with how they construct their piece. Thankfully, there are a plethora of creative writing tools available to support your journey. Let's go through some of the most effective ones.

Use Scrivener

Scrivener is a top-notch writing tool designed to facilitate the creation of long documents. It allows you to organize your thoughts, manage your research, and structure your work, all in one place. With Scrivener, you can easily rearrange sections, view research alongside your writing, and even set targets. It's like having a personal assistant for your writing project!

Try Evernote

Evernote is a fantastic tool for capturing ideas on the go. You can jot down notes, snap pictures, create to-do lists, and even record voice reminders. Plus, it syncs across all your devices, ensuring you always have access to your notes. It's like having a digital notebook in your pocket.

Explore Google Docs

Google Docs is more than just a word processor. It allows for real-time collaboration, making it perfect for gathering feedback or co-writing. Plus, it saves your work automatically, so you never have to fear losing your progress. With its user-friendly interface, Google Docs is a stress-free solution to many writing challenges.

5. Embrace the Editing Process

When writing nonfiction, an author has more freedom to shape their narrative, but this doesn't mean you can overlook the editing process. Embracing editing is a powerful way to refine and polish your work. Let's see how you can make the most out of this process.

Trust in Beta Readers

Beta readers can provide valuable feedback that you might miss. They bring fresh eyes to your work and can point out confusing sections, plot holes, or inconsistencies. They're like your first audience, providing you with a glimpse of how your work might be received.

Use Grammarly

Grammarly is an online writing assistant that helps you eliminate writing errors and find the perfect words to express yourself. It underlines your mistakes and offers suggestions to improve your grammar, punctuation, style, and more. It's like having a personal English teacher at your fingertips.

Hire a Professional Editor

A professional editor is an investment worth making. They not only fix grammar and spelling errors but also check for clarity, consistency, and overall flow. They have an expert eye for detail and can help elevate your writing to a professional standard. In fact, hiring a professional editor could be the final step in turning your good work into an exceptional piece of nonfiction.

If you're eager to unlock the power of nonfiction and maximize your creative freedom, we highly recommend checking out Charlie Brogan's workshop, 'Writing From Memory - Part 1'. This insightful workshop will help you explore your personal experiences and memories to create compelling nonfiction stories that resonate with your audience.