Nonfiction Writing – Patricia J. Parsons

Thinking of Writing a Memoir? Think Twice Before You Do

Posted on 7 Apr 2025 by Patricia J. Parsons

Let’s just get this out of the way: the world is overflowing with memoirs. Every bookstore, every online retailer, every garage sale is drowning in them. You can’t turn around without bumping into another “heartfelt” story about someone overcoming adversity or, heaven forbid, discovering themselves. Enough is enough. However…perhaps you do have a compelling story that you need to share with the world—not because you need to fix everyone else with a similar problem, and certainly not because you just need to vent—but because your story is entertaining, compelling and adds value to the vast sea of literature out there. Then, you should consider writing a memoir.

I had a fascinating slice of life in my past that seemed endlessly entertaining to everyone who knew about it. I was often peppered with questions. So, I decided to write a memoir about that interesting aspect of my life. In the process, I learned more than a thing or two. In this episode of WRITE. FIX. REPEAT. I’m sharing five tips that might help you with yours.

#writingadvice #memoirwriting

Nonfiction Writing

Writing Prescriptive Nonfiction

Posted on 4 Feb 2025 by Patricia J. Parsons

I started my writing career as a health and medical writer for magazines back in the old days when they were in print and the process for querying took months via snail mail. I then morphed into writing and co-writing books on the same subjects. Many (if not most) of my nonfiction books have been prescriptive nonfiction. I had a brief foray into creative nonfiction when I wrote a memoir, but until I started writing fiction, I spent most of my time honing my writing shops in the world of prescriptive nonfiction books.

A couple of weeks ago, I posted a video on WRITE. FIX. REPEAT. where I tackled five tips for writing creative nonfiction. (You can watch it here.) This week, I’m tackling prescriptive nonfiction, whose techniques are also valuable for content creators, PR writers, and anyone who wants to teach someone something.

The problem I’ve seen over the years is that many writers don’t know the difference between narrative and prescriptive nonfiction and often muddle them together, resulting in a mishmash of writing that benefits no one—not even the writer.

So, this week, I have five tips for prescriptive nonfiction based on writing almost a dozen trade and textbooks in this genre.

Nonfiction Writing, Uncategorized

Keys to Writing Creative Nonfiction

Posted on 24 Jan 2025 by Patricia J. Parsons

I began my writing career as a nonfiction writer. Most of what I did in my early years was in the specific genre of “prescriptive nonfiction.” Eventually, my appetite for more creativity kicked in, and I transitioned my research skills into some creative nonfiction before I moved into writing fiction. But I’ve always realized that my forays into creative nonfiction were just the bridge I needed to get me into writing novels.

Creative nonfiction, also called narrative nonfiction, occupies the fascinating intersection of fact and storytelling. This genre combines the authenticity of factual writing with the artfulness of literary techniques, resulting in works that are as compelling as fiction but rooted in actual events, people, and experiences. Whether you’re recounting personal experiences, exploring historical events, or delving into cultural commentary, creative nonfiction offers an expansive playground for writers.

My latest episode of WRITE. FIX. REPEAT. has some tips for writing nonfiction.

Whether you’re an aspiring memoirist, a budding essayist, or a seasoned journalist, creative nonfiction offers myriad opportunities to tell important stories. If you approach your writing with honesty, curiosity, and creativity, you’ll create stories that resonate with readers. The truth isn’t just stranger than fiction—it’s often more enthralling.