Creative Nonfiction is telling the truth using fiction techinques.
Keep it under 1000 words.
Always have a lesson.
Don't write the average stuff (your wedding day, graduation, etc.)
You need (your ingrediants):
a defining scene
decsriptions
dialogue
internalization
emotion
Ah Ha moment
Think a snapshot, not a movie
Stay in the moment
Write about:
A person
A place
An object
An event
An epiphany
A conversation
Connect to the reader's memories by using the senses.
If your writing doesn't move you, it won't move the reader.
Show don't tell:
Physical reactions
body language
facial expressions
Use dialogue to break the montony of telling.
Internalization - Letting the reader in on your soul
Express emotion without getting sappy.
Use humor.
You have the opportunity to give the reader a gift:
A chuckle, hope, or even encouragement.
Recipe for writing for Chicken Soup for the Soul:
Mix ingredients
Write your story
Edit, edit, edit
1,200 word limit, better if under 1,000 words
SUBMIT (you can't get published if you don't submit) to www.chickensoup.com
Possible topics for the May 31st deadline:
Grieving and Recover
My Cat's Life
My Dog's Life
July 31st deadline:
New Moms
August 31st deadline:
Grandmothers
December 31st deadline:
Young at Heart
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