Blog#2: Lott and Gutkind

September 14, 2013

Definition of Creative Nonfiction

I found both essays to be very informative and enjoyable reads. There were some overlapping ideas from our class discussions mentioned in them, as well as some deeper guidelines that we have not yet broached. Both writers are passionate about writing Creative Nonfiction, and care deeply that those who approach the genre with their own personal stories do so with a manner of ethics and responsibility, both to themselves and their readers. With that said, I have come to a definition that I feel encompasses what we have shared in class, and what I feel these two writers hold dear.

Creative Nonfiction is a genre of writing that draws from personal life experiences, is truthful and not embellished, and should be written with integrity as not to falsify information. A CNF writer must think beyond him/herself, as this type of writing is not "self-serving." It should be written to reach others and be meaningful. A connection with the readers should be the main focus of the writer's intent. It is beyond a simple anecdote. In addition, one must try to view his writing from different views, trying to see the event from every angle. This allows the writer to gain a deeper understanding and perspective of the topic about which he is writing. Finally, it must be creative, utilizing all of the fictional writing techniques and elements, just as a fictional writer would when telling a story.

I'm not sure if what I put is a definition or more guidelines which CNF writers should follow. As Gutkind mentions, it is difficult to create a definition for this genre. Either way, I think it will give me a place to start, and definitely will give me a lot to think about when trying to come up with topics.

What Do Lott and Gutkind Leave Out?

I do feel that I learned so much from both pieces, and that they were clear and thorough. However, there was one point that I wish they addressed. When beginning the process of creating a piece for publication, does a writer of CNF need to consult anyone who will be mentioned in their piece? Does this writer need permission to use their names or include them at all? There is much talk in both pieces about being truthful and ethical that I feel ties in with that discussion. Lott states that writers should allow people written about to view the material after it is written, but shouldn't they be made aware beforehand? I would like more clarification on this.

How Are Definitions of Creative Nonfiction Changing in Light of Digital Publishing?

In today's society we see more and more people using digital publishing. When thinking about this question, I think mostly about what I am doing right now; blogging. It feels as if everyone has a blog! This fact does change the way we think about CNF writing a bit, in the sense that anyone can have a blog. One would hope the majority of published nonfiction writers are legitimate. They do their work ethically and provide truth to their pieces (we know there are always exceptions). They must, or face consequences. However, with blogging who's to say the person is reputable and ethical? Are there consequences for a blogger who is venting about someone without having facts straight? Do they follow the guidelines provided by Lott and Gutkind? I'm not sure.

There is also an element of fun to digital publishing, like Roger Ebert's Blog, in the sense that bloggers are able to interact with their readers in an instantaneous way. There is a connection that must feel very intimate which perhaps other writers are never able to achieve.



All in all, I feel more informed about Creative Nonfiction writing. I am a big fan of memoirs and am often touched and amazed by people's personal stories. It is difficult to think about my own life's tales as more than just anecdotes and that they may have deeper meaning. But I am willing to follow the guidelines that I am buying into and give it a try.