Casey Harmon

Word count: 926

Fiction vs. Nonfiction

Reading requires some effort. And a purpose. For who would sit and read through the pages of a book, or the paragraphs of an article, if the writings hadn’t a point? Reason inspires motivation; a willingness to break away and devote one’s self--minutes, maybe hours--to mere characters on a page. I think we all can agree that the effort it takes to read is almost a natural routine, if you will; however, as natural and enjoyable as it may be, we still have to bring ourselves to a state of readiness, or eagerness to want to read. Writers can always rely on curiosity to lure their readers in. However, in the big picture of things, there are only two types of readers, so there must also be two types of writers. Let’s examine them.

Fiction readers (aka “those readers who would prefer a Stephen King novel over a book on society any day”) seek entertainment out of what the imagination can provide. The fiction reader, as well as fiction writer, understands and respects the art of a good plot, good characters, and a good, amusing handle on the pen. They look at outer space or a place in the future and imagine themselves there, far away without any troubles. In fact, it might even be said that a good fiction story helps the reader to “escape his misery and gloom” and “find refuge in what the real world can’t touch.” Fiction might also amuse the reader by challenging the brain. A good, hard scientific equation, as might be found in a time travel novel, serves as a puzzle for the “loves a good challenge” type. Also, with fiction, we can present a new idea, and not have to worry about too much controversy. It is, after all, “only fiction.”

With nonfiction we see quite the opposite. Nonfiction readers and writers thrive off reality. They are interested in what is real, and what they can see and touch--and experience--for themselves. Writing nonfiction requires extensive research. Very rarely is “guessing” tolerated. The nonfiction writer must be able to tell a story--or describe something that’s in existence--accurately, and still be able to hold the reader’s attention using vivid descriptions, historical references and humor. Like fiction, there are many “genres” associated with nonfiction, meaning a vast audience. A nonfiction biography, for example, might only interest a small hand full of people. You can’t expect a biography of Charles Schultz, the creator of Charley Brown, to interest everybody; some people may not like Snoopy or Woodstock. On the other hand, an article on water pollution in Boston would interest almost everybody, for this is an important matter that people should be concerned with.

In the world nowadays, there are many ways of broadcasting a message. Some ways are simpler than others. For instance, conveying a message through television requires only a camera operator and someone to stand before the camera and talk. Radio requires even less, for with radio transmissions you don’t have to worry about video. I would consider writing the least simplest. In society, people expect writings to be a certain way. The words have to be spelled properly and used in their right forms. It must be written so that it keeps the reader’s attention. Not only does the writer have to convey his message, but the printing press must work hard to produce duplicate copies of the forms and finally the reader must take the time to read what was produced! A long process. Sitting down and listening to the radio or watching television seems so much faster and simpler.

Fiction can be found in all these places--radio, television, literature--however, unlike nonfiction, fiction is often enjoyed when consumed slowly. People who are interested in fiction are usually in no hurry to “get the facts.” Fiction is consumed primarily for the purpose of entertainment, even those certain genres that deal more with facts than with fiction.

The nonfiction writer has, in many cases, a heads up on the story or article he is planning to write. The plot, characters, location and reason are already made up for him. He need only compile it.

With fiction, it’s all out of the imagination. The fiction writer will sometimes base his stories around a setting and characters that actually do exist. But the plot and reason must all be original. Starting out, the fiction writer hasn’t a clue what all he’ll talk about in his story or novel. He may have ideas, but even ideas aren’t required when starting some fiction. You need only begin at a certain place, maybe with a great event… And the story will unfold from there. Fiction writers are required to have vivid imaginations and great story ideas. Writing good fiction is an art that few can do.

I have heard people say that it’s pointless to waste time writing some genres of nonfiction. The general person lives a busy lifestyle. Is the general man going to take time out of his day to read what is going on in the world when he need only look around and see for himself? If the adventure we read about in fiction were in fact happening all around us, would we still want to read the stories?

Think about the world today. Think about the media, and how entertainment-hungry people are. If a poll were taken to determine what interests people the most, which do you think would win: fiction or nonfiction?

Copyright 2008 by Casey Harmon. All Rights Reserved.