Question of the month: What is creative nonfiction?

Perhaps the best way to define creative nonfiction is to first define nonfiction. Generally, nonfiction is anything that isn’t fiction, or made up. In other words, nonfiction writing is the truth as reported by a reporter or a journalist.

Creative nonfiction goes one step further. Based in fact, rather than a story being told in the journalistic manner of who, why, when, what, where, the “reporter” or narrator of the story shapes the facts to read like fiction. In addition to “only the facts, Ma’am,” a reader will encounter the elements of fiction–plot, setting, character, conflict, symbols, and point of view. In creative nonfiction, the facts come alive, and a reader will encounter the narrator’s voice and style as themes of the story are shown rather than told. At its heart, creative nonfiction has an interest in universal human values, not just facts.

Personal essays, memoir, food writing, biography, literary journalism, autobiographies, travel writing, history, cultural studies, nature writing–all fit under the broad heading of creative nonfiction.

Authors noted for creative nonfiction include Gay Talese, Tom Wolfe, Joan Didion, Norman Mailer, Maya Angelou, Russell Baker, Wendell Berry, Truman Capote, Rachel Carson, Pat Conroy, Annie Dillard, Gretel Ehrlich, Maxine Hong Kingston, N. Scott Momaday, David Sedaris, Alice Walker, David Foster Wallace, and Virginia Woolf, to name only a few.

If you’ve never read creative nonfiction, give it a try. It’s an entertaining way to learn something new.

-Bonnie Dodge

Question of the Month

I have a recurring nightmare. In this dream I am all dressed up in my Sunday best and am in the barnyard. There are no people around, only farm animals and me. I am slopping the hogs and scattering grain to the chickens while spouting my beautiful words. I am ridiculous in the dream and always wake feeling useless, unappreciated and depressed. It is a horrible feeling.

I don’t know what the dream means. Maybe I am afraid that I am out of touch with or a misfit in my surroundings. Maybe I feel out of touch with my readers. Maybe I am afraid that if I do not get my words into the hands of a reading public that I will never have an audience. I do not know but I do not want the dream to come true.

So I have vowed to do something every day related to writing or marketing my words. Some days I might only mail a letter or post card, other days I sit at the computer and pound the keys all day long. Or I might pick through words and delete or replace more than I started with. But I do try to do something everyday related to writing or marketing my stories. And I am determined to get my words to a reading human audience.

We, The Other Bunch, are in the middle of preparing a collection of stories, poems and essays for publication. The collection is called Voices From The Snake River Plain. Watch for it this fall, it is almost ready to go to the printer.

Dixie Thomas Reale

When life gets in the way

I admit it freely. I’m really late with this month’s column. Life got in the way.

A vacation and wedding got in the way, and preparing for vacation and a wedding. Excuses, you say. Justification, you think.

You’re absolutely right, it is in an excuse. It is also a reality for every one of us writers who have a day job, who have life outside the computer and beyond the pad and pen. I’m talking to those with children to raise and parents to watch over. It is a time to take care of the business of living, of loving, of being a part of this sometimes crazy, often wonderful world.

That is not to say I totally cut myself off from writing during my vacation. I took one of my manuscripts to edit, which I did at the airport or when my mom retired for the night. During my trip, my writer’s brain often kicked in, that is the observer in me who steps outside my life and takes mental notes of the way people dress, talk or behave. I think, “Boy that would make a good character in a story.”

Life away from the computer also is a time to reflect about life. Why I am here. Why people act the way they do. Which way will the world spin. There are times when I can’t write because I’m too tired or too busy because of life that got in the way. I become frustrated because without my writing life, I’m not whole, just as I would be incomplete without my life away from words and sentences.

So the conclusion of all this is — letting life get in the way is an absolute necessity. Unless we let life get in the way, what do we have to write about?

PATRICIA SANTOS MARCANTONIO

June’s Question of the Month: Are you your own best editor?

I learned early in my years of reporting not to rely on an editor. Many times editors save us from an embarrassing error, and that means they are doing their jobs well. But there are also editors adept at making shredded beef out of copy and then blaming the writer for being “unclear” when the hatchet job results in an error. Same goes for headline writers.

Being your own best editor means answering the questions you know the editor will ask before you turn in your work. Don’t just hope the editor won’t ask. You know the editor will ask. And if the editor can’t reach you on deadline, then you know the worst-case scenario: The editor will be forced to work around you, and that can be a very bad thing.

Imagine picking up your article, or perhaps column or short story, once it’s in print and choking on your scrambled eggs when you read it. It happened enough times to me early in my reporting years, although I was probably just having toast.

One of my worst experiences occurred when I had written about a tiny town’s post office that was about to be closed. The post office was one of just a couple meeting spots in town—a place where people connected.

I had just returned from a relaxing vacation and picked up the newspaper. The story’s headline dubbed the small post office a “Gossip Stop.” Perhaps had I been more direct that yes, there indeed probably was gossip shared there, the town may have been spared the headline. But there is gossip shared at every diner, watercooler, and barber shop in America, so it goes without saying. There certainly were lots of arguments supporting closing the post office in the name of efficiency, but this was an “end of an era” kind of story. Perhaps if I had just spelled that out more clearly in the article, the headline would have been more kind. Maybe nothing I could have done would have prevented that unfortunate headline.

I left my editor a strongly worded voicemail. I don’t remember who wrote the headline or why. The point I’m trying to make is that it’s best to headlong address the questions the editor will raise, so that the editor will feel confident rather than cranky about your work.

And if you take time to read and re-read and re-read your pieces before submitting them, it will make an editor’s job that much easier. An editor will appreciate you for it, and you will be more likely to enjoy your breakfast.

-Jennifer Sandmann

Question of the Month: Do you have any suggestions for frustrated writers?

In today’s troubled economy, it’s easy to become discouraged. Especially with long-standing newspapers folding, free-lance opportunities evaporating, and more and more publishers shaking their heads, “No.” What then, is a frustrated writer to do? This may not be the time to write the book of your heart and expect to see it published, but there are some things you can do until this sluggish economy turns.
1) Stay positive. Pull out some of your old work and pat yourself on the back for that well-written sentence or thought-provoking chapter. Be generous with your praise. As writers, our job is to write no matter what, and by praising yourself you build the confidence you need to keep writing.
2) Be disciplined. Writing, like playing a musical instrument, requires practice. Practice on a daily basis requires disciple. It’s hard to write when you are tired, but successful writers know the more they write, the better their work becomes. Instead of waiting for their muse to appear, successful writers treat writing as a job. They know that discipline gives them the endurance to meet deadlines, and meeting deadlines keeps editors and readers happy.
3) Patience may not only be a virtue, it might just be the thing that saves your sanity, especially in a flat market. What do you do while waiting for the economy to turn? Successful writers know that waiting is part of the business. The best way to “weather the storm” is to be patient and put your waiting time to good use. Instead of pacing and whining, plot your next story or work on something completely out of your genre. Experiment. Develop a blog or a writer’s platform. Or put on your shoes and go for a walk. You might be surprised at the fresh ideas that pop into your head and urge you back to the keyboard.
4) Love what you do. Approach each new day with a positive attitude even if worldly events are upsetting. Many writers acknowledge that they hate getting up early every morning to write, but they will also tell you that they love their job.
5) Let go of fear. Fear keeps us blocked and unproductive. Fear of rejection can keep us from submitting what could very well be the next bestseller. Instead of using fear to quit writing, let fear motivate you. Keep writing and submitting while you wait for the market to turn.
6) Stay focused. Don’t let this sluggish economy distract you or keep you from attaining your goals. Remember why you started writing in the first place, then get back to the keyboard. You still have stories to tell.

-Bonnie Dodge

Question of the Month: What are the benefits of a critique group?

A young lady recently asked, “Why do you belong to a writers’ group? What value do you get from it?” I did not have to think long for an answer. The two primary values that immediately jumped to mind were: I find the obligation (I owe a certain number of words to the group by a certain date) keeps me writing when I might otherwise goof off or find excuses to not write. Without that obligation, if I am feeling intimidated by the blank page, other distractions get in the way. The refrigerator that has needed cleaning for a week suddenly becomes a health hazard, the lawn needs mowing, the floors need mopping, the rug needs vacuuming, the walls need scrubbing, and the list goes on and on.
The second value of a writing group is the constructive criticism, the feedback I get from other members of the group. “This phrase doesn’t work.” “Why did you use that word?” “When your character says ‘this phrase’ I don’t like him/her. You need to change ‘this phrase’ if you want me to like your main character.” or “That’s a cliché.” It is amazing how we, as writers, read right over our own mistakes and do not see them. But our critique buddies do.
There are myriad benefits I’ve gotten from The Other Bunch, in addition to keeping me producing and providing constructive criticism. I have gotten encouragement, pep talks and an occasional kick in the pants when I’m feeling blue, untalented or ready to give up and flush my manuscripts down the nearest commode.
I have gotten ideas from the other writers in the group, inspiration, story nuggets, and mental roadmaps to help solve this or that writing problem. Just by reading another’s writing and seeing how she solved a particular difficulty often helps me see what I’m doing wrong, how I can wade through a problem, get around it, fix it.
We have brainstormed, given one another inspiration and project ideas. Bonnie suggested to Pat years ago, when we first formed The Other Bunch, that she should write a collection of Hispanic fairy tales and Pat got busy and eventually published Red Riding in the Hood with Farrar Straus and Giroux.
Because of its name, people often mistake my collection of short stories Squirrel Pie and Other Morsels for a cookbook. At Thousand Springs Festival in September 2008 a woman commented on the recipe for squirrel pie that she assumed was in the book. When Bonnie saw my frustration over the woman’s misunderstanding she said, “If people want a cookbook give them a cookbook. Then next time somebody thinks it’s a cookbook you can say, that one is not but here is a cookbook.” I have been toying with that idea ever since. I have a huge collection of other people’s cookbooks. If I buy cookbooks maybe if I write a cookbook someone will buy mine.
Jennifer recently suggested that one of my child characters was very strong and she would like to see a whole series of kids stories using her as the main character. Her suggestion reminded me — I have countless fragments of vivid but brief childhood memories that I’ve been wondering what to do with. These memories are really just images and impressions much too limited to support full adult short stories but would make dandy children’s stories. Jennifer’s suggestion flipped on a switch in my head. I’ve recruited my siblings to help me recollect elusive events and now I’m gathering those memory fragments into an idea file for potential children’s stories.
That is just a sampling of what The Other Bunch has done for me. A critique group can help and inspire you, too. So join one ASAP (as soon as possible)! If you can’t find one to join, form your own. You will be glad you did. You might check with the Idaho Writers League (a link to their web site is included on this page) for directions to a group.

Dixie Thomas Reale

The Master McKee and perseverance

Several years ago, I had the pleasure of attending a weekend workshop by Robert McKee on writing comedy and thrillers. It was a great time and I can truly say that I consider him one of the best writing teachers I‘ve ever encountered. He’s full of life, full of ideas and challenges. He is a force and no matter if you agree or disagree, he will get your writer’s blood moving through your body.
After I received the interview posted below through one of the many writing e-newsletters that come my way, I passed it on to the other members of The Other Bunch. Our fellow writer and Web master Bonnie Dodge decided to share it with the readers of our site. What struck me most was his discussion about perseverance.
It is such a rich and daunting word for writers. How many times have we got rejections or have been consumed with self-doubt and thought, Why the hell am I doing this? Why continue? Why persevere?
As writers — the kind of writer who loves the written word and telling stories — we are left with no choice but to persevere. We are compelled to continue for our sanity, for our emotions, for our life. When we don’t persevere, then we are left feeling emptier than a blank page.
McKee talks about persevering toward perfection.
Perfection is another big word and I think about that wonderful speech in “Moonstruck” when Nicolas Cage’s character says that only snowflakes are perfect. So correct.
When I think perfection, “The Great Gatsby,” “Catch-22” and some of my other favorite books come to mind. For me, they are perfect when the language, character, story and emotion come together and bring the book to life.

How do we accomplish our own bit of perfection? Write, read, study the craft and keep writing.

Now, that is something to which we can all aim, to which we all can persevere.

-Patricia Santos Marcantonio

QUESTION OF THE MONTH: HOW CAN I KEEP MY WRITING RESOLUTIONS?

Statistics suggest that six weeks into the New Year, most resolutions have been broken or forgotten. Resolve is strong, but following through is tougher. We are sick, we get interrupted, we are just plain lazy. Like Bloody Mary says in South Pacific, we may have a dream, but we have no idea how we’re going to make that dream come true.

It isn’t easy, but here are some ways to help keep your writing resolutions.

1-Write it down. Putting your goal in writing makes it real, something you can strive for. Something you can see. Tape your goals to your monitor so every time you sit down to write, you know what you want to accomplish.

2- It isn’t enough to write it down, you need to be specific. Instead of saying I’m going to write a novel this year, say I am going to finish the first draft of my novel by June 1. That gives you something concrete to aim for. Whatever you are working on, be it a short story or a novel, set a deadline, and resolve to stick to it.

3- Create Manageable Chunks. Like money, to be successful, you must budget your time. If you want to finish a draft of your 400-page novel by June 1 and it is now the middle of February, you have approximately 112 days to write 400 pages. You will have to write 3.5 new pages every day in order to finish your draft on time. If you take weekends off, you will have to make up those 7 extra pages sometime during the week. Breaking your task into manageable numbers lets you see what you need to accomplish on a daily basis.

4- Keep a daily calendar. Write down each day what you need to accomplish and refer to your calendar often. Keeping a calendar helps you stay on track.

5- Hold yourself accountable. Unless you have an agent or a publisher, no one stands over you with a whip; you have to be your own taskmaster. Give yourself consequences. You can’t read until you finish your daily pages. You can’t take in a movie or go out to dinner until you have finished so many chapters. Make your writing a priority. If you don’t take yourself seriously, no one else will either.

6- Read as Much as You Write. Great writers are also avid readers. Make it a goal to read as much as you write. If you don’t already have one, make a reading list and start knocking those books off one at a time. Read inside your genre and outside your genre to keep yourself knowledgeable and your writing fresh.

7- Publicize Your Goals. Telling others makes you accountable to someone besides yourself. If you have a blog, post your goals for everyone to see. Or call a friend and tell them what you want to accomplish. Then, if you feel lazy or like slacking, not only will you be letting yourself down, you will be letting down the people who are rooting for you.

8- Ask for help. Writing is a lonely and frustrating business. Few of us can keep our writing resolutions without some form of encouragement. If you hit a roadblock, ask for help. Find a writing partner, and call them if you feel stumped. Talking to another person always helps. If you are working on something technical, don’t be afraid to ask an expert for help. They are always willing to help you get the details right.

9- Collaborate with other writers. If you’re a writer, chances are you have other friends who also write. If you’re feeling creative, start your own website like I did with my writer friends. Since we started The Other Bunch, we have been more productive. In addition to posting a monthly question for writers, we are working on an anthology of short stores. Being with a group of like-minded people brings energy to the project and keeps it from becoming routine and boring. It also helps keep you focused.

10-Don’t let fear or rejection keep you from reaching your goals. Voltaire is credited with saying, “Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good.” If you break your resolution today, try again tomorrow. Don’t give up. Rather, exercise the power of positive thinking. You are what you think you are. So think of yourself as a powerful, professional writer and others will too.

Good luck keeping your writing resolutions!
-Bonnie Dodge

Question of the month: What’s your writing resolution?

I find the Christmas post-partum, a letdown after all the rich food, get-togethers and gifts, a motivator to box up the holiday decorations and welcome the New Year.

 

What’s usually on my mind this time of year? Time: Time to get back to a daily routine; time to stop with the holiday fudge; time to dust-off my shelved ambitions. What better mood for polishing my writing goals and considering what I’d like to accomplish, not just in 2009, but long-term?

 

This year I think I’ll use an insight gained from one of my Christmas gifts, a book based on the principles of Maria Montessori, an innovator in early child education. She explained that “less is more” when it comes to toys and teaching. A few toys, a few instructions at a time, she says.

 

I remember a Christmastime story shared with me by a relative whose granddaughter enjoyed putting coins in a piggybank. The preschooler’s enthusiastic uncle likes to make people happy. In his eagerness to please his niece, he gave her a new piggybank and big bag of coins that he had taken care to wash. The child became overwhelmed. “It’s so much!” she sobbed and flopped down on the pile of change.

 

I understand her despair when I consider the daunting resolution of “writing a novel” or “getting my master’s degree.” Instead, I’ll outline plans for a realistic writing routine. I’m feeling particularly motivated, because not much has been accomplished at my desktop over the past two years with a new baby in the house. I put aside my work to focus on the important job of loving a baby who was traumatized by illness and harrowing hospital experiences. I’m feeling the desire to regroup now that our daughter is babbling, walking, sleeping better, and gaining independence.

 

The challenge I must overcome is not writer’s block. I’m sure the words will come if I can “just find the time.” My writing resolution, as my daughter grabs for my computer’s mouse, is finding an hour a few days each week to write uninterrupted. It won’t be at 10 p.m. when the rest of the family is in bed or relaxing on the couch. It will be daytime, when I am fully awake, and can focus on my writing.

 

I won’t succeed every time. The children will get sick. Responsibilities will overwhelm some days. I have a good chance, though. It’s realistic. I’m feeling motivated. It’s time.

 

-Jennifer Sandmann

Question Of The Month: Everyone Has a Story to Tell. What’s Yours?

That is the theme or motto of the Other Bunch. Each person’s story is different because we have different life experiences, viewpoints and understandings of events. No two people are alike, even identical twins (who are as close to being the same person as possible without sharing the same body) have a slightly different view of the world because they each stand in a different spot on the earth.

What makes your story unique is your individual view of the world, how an event or life situation affects you and makes you feel.  When you examine your world and relate it to others on paper in an unapologetic and straight forward manner the reader is allowed to live in your skin and understand your thoughts momentarily. Through our written words we are able to see and show the connectedness of mankind — that is heady power. 

Women, people of color, the young, the old, the handicapped and all who feel or has ever felt that they were somehow “other” need to realize the time has come to speak up, to write your story. We had a woman run for president of the United States this year and she nearly made it. We had a black man run and he did make it. We now have a president who is of African heritage. Those two events would have been impossible just a few years ago.

I am reminded of the television commercial which shows thousands of women walking forward from the horizon and female voices saying, “I am powerful.”  The time has never been better. We each need to write our story and by doing so seize our power and share our view with the world.  

 

Dixie Thomas Reale