Creative nonfiction

From Wacklepedia - The Free Encyclopedia

Creative nonfiction is a genre of literature, also known as literary journalism, which uses literary skills in the writing of nonfiction. A work of creative nonfiction, if well written, contains accurate and well-researched information and also holds the interest of the reader. Creative nonfiction is contrasted to research nonfiction which may contain accurate information, but may not be particularly well written.

Narrative nonfiction is a type of creative nonfiction which tells a story, for example, Black Hawk Down by Mark Bowden. Black Hawk Down began as a series of newspaper and Internet articles. Its availability as an Internet series gave the author the benefit of extensive feedback from viewers. Bob Woodward of the Washington Post is also noted for his skills at narrative nonfiction, in books like All the President's Men and Bush at War.

Noted practitioners of creative nonfiction include humorous travel journalists like Bill Bryson, and political commentators like P. J. O'Rourke.