04+Creative+Nonfiction+Assignment


 * Your next project will be an Creative Nonfiction piece.

 **Creative nonfiction** (also known as literary or narrative nonfiction) is a genre of writing which uses literary styles and techniques to create factually accurate narratives. Creative nonfiction contrasts with other nonfiction, such as technical writing or journalism, which is also rooted in accurate fact but is not primarily written in service to its craft.

 For a text to be considered creative nonfiction, it must be factually accurate, and written with attention to literary style and technique. “Ultimately, the primary goal of the creative nonfiction writer is to communicate information, just like a reporter, but to shape it in a way that reads like fiction.” Forms within this genre include personal essays, memoir, travel writing, food writing, biography, literary journalism, and other hybridized essays. Critic Chris Anderson claims that the genre can be understood best by splitting it into two subcategories--the personal essay and the journalistic essay--but the genre is currently defined by its lack of established conventions (Wikipedia).

 **Your task is to produce a personal essay that follows the format of NPR's "This I Believe." It can be about anything. The focus on the assignment will be on __voice__. I want you to use your craft to create a written work that allows the reader to hear YOU in the words.**



 Before you begin this assignment, read the two pages that were produced by Phil Druker on the University of Idaho website. It will give you a clearer sense of the definition of Creative Nonfiction [], as well as the goals of Creative Nonfiction (at least, as Druker lays it out for his class...which works for us, too!) [].

 After you have the background information on the variety of writing that comprises the genre, go to the NPR website []. Read about the project, browse through the essays, and read four or five very carefully. Choose a few essays that are very different. Study how the writers use language to express themselves...to put themselves on the page.

 The length will be limited to about 500 words…only about two or three pages, 12 pt font, double-spaced. Keep this in mind as you plan your essay. Remember, you can submit YOUR essay for consideration by NPR, but you'll need your parent's permission if you are under 18.

 Let's talk individually about your premise...before you really begin writing.

 Have fun!

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