Tips and Truths with A.A.C. - CNF

By Melissa Cobb

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="327"] Find out more about the phrase "couch potato" in this week's random truth![/caption]

1. You do not have to have an exciting life to write good creative non-fiction. Just because you have never been out of the country, never been chased by a lion, or climbed Mount Everest does not mean you have nothing good to write about. In fact, creative non-fiction is at its best when you use it to talk about everyday experiences that have given you insight.


2. To get started, pick a topic, then think of three or four experiences you have had that relate to that topic. For ideas, think of a current news event, and use your experiences to talk about that event. Choose something that makes you angry or excited or intrigued--as long as it makes you feel something!


3. One good way to structure your piece is to switch between your experiences and your commentary on it. For example, start off telling the story of your experience, then in the next paragraph talk about how it has given you insight into your topic.


4. Read lots of creative nonfiction! There are so many different ways to write it, and the best way to learn is from the experts. Some good authors who write creative non-fiction are David Sedaris, Joyce Carol Oates, and E.B. White. You can find many of their books at your local bookstore or library.


5. As always, have fun!

Happy Writing!

Random Truth of the Week: Robert Armstrong trademarked the phrase “couch potato” in 1976.