Let’s start with a quote from the great Sol Stein:
I think Roger was slightly retarded, a nice man with a personality a lot more pleasant than most of the people around him who had all their marbles.
This characterization makes me laugh even after 100 readings.
Use Creative Characterization in Your Nonfiction
Nonfiction isn’t only about bringing a message across. At least, it doesn’t have to be. You can use images, sounds, smells, or whatever else resonates with your reader.
As you see in the quotation by the great Sol Stein, it pays to spend time thinking about characterization—also when writing nonfiction.
Other Things to Consider When Writing Nonfiction
- Tension: Read this blog about how to create tension
- Suspense: Keep the readers asking what’s coming next
- Visibility: Show, don’t tell. Just be careful not to overdo it
- Word choice: Choose the most precise word you can find
- Sentence flow: Read your work aloud and listen. Can you improve the flow?
- Resonance: Use familiar elements that create an instant emotion in your reader
. . .
In short: Use everything that makes your nonfiction a great experience!
