I love exploring different types of genres and subgenres related to nonfiction writing.  Today’s focus is on narrative nonfiction which uses an entertaining narrative style to communicate facts, figures, and information.

But what are some examples of narrative nonfiction, and what place does it hold amongst the broader literary traditions?

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Narrative nonfiction: The facts

Also known as literary nonfiction, literary journalism, and verfabula, narrative nonfiction is a genre of writing that adopts literary techniques to factually accurate, limited narratives.

Narrative vs. ‘normal’ nonfiction

There are many ways that narrative nonfiction differs from what is considered traditional nonfiction – such as journalism, academic, and technical writing.   Many genre critics consider it a crossover with essay writing rather than anything new or original.

While very little is written about narrative nonfiction in terms of literary criticism, the few bouts of criticism it has faced tend to be centered around the genre’s actual merits and whether ‘entertainment’ and opinion-based literary styles have any place within factual nonfiction writing.

Examples and related styles

Despite this ridicule, criticism, and predictions about the genre’s demise, narrative nonfiction is frequently featured in The New Yorker, Harper’s Magazine, Vanity Fair, and Esquire.

Key writers within the field include Anna Malaika Tubbs, Tom Wolfe, Rebecca Skloot, Robert Caro, Gay Talese, Joseph Mitchell, John McPhee, Joan Didion, John Perkins, Ryszard Kapuscinski, Helen Garner, and Norman Mailer.

A similar yet unique take on narrative nonfiction, and in a sense one of its true forebears, was the genre of Gonzo journalism created and popularized in the writing and lifestyle of infamous American writer Hunter S. Thompson.

This took narrative nonfiction to extremes. Thompson placed himself as the central protagonist in his journalistic pursuits, describing the facts as he saw them without supporting evidence.

The seminary 1972 novel Fear & Loathing In Las Vegas is one example of Thompson’s work. The novel describes an ill-fated trip to Las Vegas by Thompson and his attorney ‘Dr. Gonzo.’

Narrative nonfiction: Characteristics

There are specific characteristics that a text must have for it to be considered narrative nonfiction.

Accuracy

While creatively written, it is still nonfiction, which means it must have a grounding in reality and be factually written.

The goal of narrative nonfiction is still to convey information to a reader regarding a specific topic. The only difference is that it is presented in a creative, journalistic style that is usually more informal and accessible.

You may consider using narrative nonfiction when writing your first business book or nonfiction book.

Structure

In terms of the structure of narrative nonfiction, there are different ways to do it, but all depend on previously established narrative styles.

Some writers might structure their nonfiction in the style of traditional fictional narratives, sticking to the long-established three-act structure to convey the points they are trying to make.

Other writers use elements of story momentum, poetry, and rhythm to create a literary quality within their writing, albeit with a more subtle approach that remains informative.

Styles

Some key examples of different styles within the genre include memoirs, travel writing, diaries, food writing, literary journalism, chronicles, and personal essays. All these deliver facts and evidence to the reader (in varying degrees of accuracy and objectivity) but communicate them more creatively.

Industry defined characteristics

Literary critic Barbara Lounsberry identified four main characteristics that define the genre. These include:

• Documentable subject matter – factual foundations to the writing that can be found in the real world (not made up).
• Exhaustive research – extensive research so that the writer comes from a position of authority on the subject.
• Establishing the scene – creating a descriptive, vivid image of the subject matter being discussed, separating it from traditional nonfiction writing.
• Fine writing – she clarifies this as creating a distinct literary style.

While not all narrative nonfiction conforms to these ‘rules,’ this is considered by critics to be the more acceptable form of narrative nonfiction.

Narrative nonfiction: Experimentation

Of course, the very nature of the genre lends itself to experimentation. Although, at the same time, this is nothing new (as in the case of Hunter S. Thompson). It has been encouraged by the emergence of the Internet – a tool that facilitates creativity and boundary-pushing.

This has led to a partial abandonment of previous conventions and has helped to develop the genre and what it can be.

Narrative nonfiction: Ethics

One source of criticism regarding narrative nonfiction is the ethical considerations surrounding facts and how they are delivered.

Ethical criticism

Many serious nonfiction writers, particularly those within academic and theoretical writing circles, often raise questions about the legitimacy of narrative nonfiction and whether the facts surrounding important issues can be effectively and appropriately communicated to an audience when dressed in the guise of a creative written style.

Factual inaccuracy

The creative written style and the tendency to lean towards emotions, feelings, and personal experiences, have been seen to cloud narrative nonfiction in the past, presenting personal interpretations and opinions as solid facts.

Particularly with memoir writing, there have been many instances throughout the past century where writers have exaggerated or fabricated various pieces of information for literary effect.   Something that concerns critics, who see this as an unfortunate side effect of the creative techniques being employed.

If you’re writing a business book, you can be creative while still

Final thoughts

And there, we have everything you need to know about narrative nonfiction and its place within the broader literary community.

Despite its awkward relationship with the established norm, representations of the genre within our society are surprisingly common, particularly in modern times – seeping into standard journalistic practices and areas of academia and informative nonfiction.

Need more information? Check out this educational video from Amal Mansour on narrative nonfiction.