A Brief Rundown of Non-Fiction Options for Writers

Non-fiction is where thousands of writers make their careers. In modern times it is easier to publish a non-fiction piece than one that is fiction-at least if one wants to be paid for it. Non-fiction is the telling of facts. Where, in fiction, we can explore a character, in non-fiction we can only write down our thoughts and facts. We can journal about a real life experience. This is still non-fiction. This article will break down a few non-fiction genres.

Essay - This is what some people loath and others hate. The basic essay assignment is handed out to millions of children when they are in second or third grade, and it seems to continue on forever after that. The basic essay allows for little exploration, but an essay for a magazine can dig deeper into the facts. Essay writing is rarely a career, but it can teach basic writing skills to anyone. The writer learns the thesis, but not the hook. The writer learns to make three points and to outline them, but rarely to entertain. When they are intended to entertain, they are often found in magazines and journals.

Journalism - This is where many aspiring writers collect paychecks. Journalism overruns the essay because in journalism opinion can be presented far easier. An opinion column is one example; here a writer can bring up common themes like Iraq or just talk about a musical experience. A good essay writer can be a good journalist. Journalism is about finding the points, and presenting them in an entertaining way.

Books - The writer has the option of moving away from basic essays and journalism with the book. All career non-fiction writers should attempt at least one book in their lifetime. It is a different animal, but the same basic writing rules apply. However, the book does not have to be in line with journalism grammar, nor does it have to offer an opinion. A writer can write a book completely based on facts; or one completely based on opinion. A book of essays is possible for the aspiring writer. Many journalist lose the rights to there articles because of newspaper rules, but sometimes this is not the case. Many talented essay writers and journalists have made successful careers in books-one name to note is Mitch Album, a bigger one is Ernest Hemingway.

This brief article was not intended to make a writer choose; but to allow them to consider. A good journalist or essay writer will not always be a good non-fiction book writer, but, more often than not, they are. Non-fiction careers are far easier than a fiction career. Consider that the next time you want a new career.