Fiction techniques for non-fiction

[DataDan]

I write non-fiction and am always looking for new ways to engage readers in my subject. I have at times tried to use a sort-of three-act model that delineates beginning, middle, and end to lead my audience through the set-up, the analysis, and payoff. But the recent DWT post, How to Structure A Story: The Eight-Point Arc (http://www.dailywritingtips.com/how-to-structure-a-story-the-eight-point-arc/) suggests to me additional features that might be included.

I'm not talking about creating some goofy metaphorical story about how to build an armoire (if cabinetmaking were my topic). Rather, I'm looking for ways to apply familiar structure that cues readers to the progression of my reasoning. Here's the observable problem, here's the cause as I see it, here are potential solutions along with drawbacks, here's my conclusion, here's how observable reality might improve. I want to present conflicts they will recognize. I want then to wonder how they'll be resolved. I want them to anticipate questions and answers. I want to add information in a way that progresses toward a conclusion. And I want them to try to predict the conclusion. The idea is to engage readers at every step and keep them interested enough to continue reading to find out what's next.

Has anyone else tried to use fiction techniques to write better non-fiction?

[Vivid_Dreamer]

Of course. When writing nonfiction, the best way to keep your reader's interest is to put them into the shoes of the person or persons you're writing about -- as much as possible. You may have to "guess" at your subject's thoughts/emotions as the events documented in your book unfold, but it's not that big of a leap to figure out what might have been going through their mind(s) if you've thoroughly researched the subjects you're writing about. Whether it's fiction or nonfiction, it's far more entertaining for the reader if you employ standard fiction scene-writing techniques to bring the nonfic story "alive" for them rather than simply describing 'this' happening or 'that' occurring on such-and-such date.

Best,

JKC

[yogeshmithra]

Of course. When writing nonfiction, the best way to keep your reader's interest is to put them into the shoes of the person or persons you're writing about -- as much as possible. You may have to "guess" at your subject's thoughts/emotions as the events documented in your book unfold, but it's not that big of a leap to figure out what might have been going through their mind(s) if you've thoroughly researched the subjects you're writing about. Whether it's fiction or nonfiction, it's far more entertaining for the reader if you employ standard fiction scene-writing techniques to bring the nonfic story "alive" for them rather than simply describing 'this' happening or 'that' occurring on such-and-such date.

Best,

JKC
Many non-fiction writers do it. Just take time, have patience and observe carefully on reading the top hit non-fiction books. If you intend to make your interesting it would become so All the best. YM