Is there a story within you trying to come out? Is there a moment in time that you keep replaying in your mind even though it's passed? Have you thought of writing but aren't sure how to start?
Creative nonfiction could be your answer.
Creative nonfiction, like personal narratives and memoir writing, is where writers focus on specific memories, events, or themes from their own life. These stories can be told in many different forms, including personal essays, books, and poetry.
Because personal narratives do not tell one’s entire life story, deciding on a central idea or thematic focus will be key to how the story unfolds. For example, a writer might choose to write about their battle with an illness or overcoming loss and grief. Whether the writer is writing for themselves or writing with plans to publish their stories, knowing some techniques specific to creative nonfiction will help them craft the most compelling and insightful story possible.
Personal narratives are usually written from the first-person perspective. This means the writer (you) is the main character. As such the writer might have to revisit past traumas and memories they want to forget, and confront the realities of writing about the people in their lives and their shared experiences and events. The writer would benefit from knowing the technical elements of storytelling such as setting, scenes, dialogue, description, and conflict, as well as the emotional elements of working with difficult material. It takes practice and skill to develop a narrative voice that will take a story and shape it into a narrative that is compelling, yet honest and insightful.
Writing such stories can help find meaning in our lives, bring personal closure, or give us the space and time to share family legacies. They can also bring peace to others who might feel alone in their struggle. Narrative writing is truly your story told your way. Best of all, sharing our narratives allows us to honour our unique voices and lived experiences while creating meaningful connections and universal truths with others.
Are you ready to share your story?
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Inspired by Ann's writing? Consider joining her workshop on memoir writing by signing up for the July Creative Writers' Retreat: Tell Your Story, Your Way (only a few spots left; registration closes July 15th).