books – Page 3 – Patricia J. Parsons

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.

Books, Fiction Writing, Nonfiction Writing, Self-Publishing

Write and Publish a Book in a Year: It Can Be Done

Posted on 10 Aug 2024 by Patricia J. Parsons

Three years ago, I started a little YouTube channel for writers—or, more precisely, aspiring writers. More than thirty years ago, I began teaching writing to university students. And before that, I started writing—and publishing. These three elements of my writing and publishing career have finally come together in my newest book.

Over the past decade, I’ve become increasingly concerned about the seemingly uncountable number of people who are writing books—and publishing them, for better or for worse. Many of these would-be writers have no one other than Facebook writing groups to answer their questions. Many of those people in Facebook (and LinkedIn) groups either have little more knowledge and expertise than they do or, worse, are only there to try to sell their services to unsuspecting writers.

There is little doubt in my mind that every new writer could benefit from a writing tutor, teacher, guide or even sherpa for this journey because it is, indeed, a journey. And that’s just how I’ve framed my new book.

One Year to Author: Your Roadmap Guide to Writing and Publishing Your Book in Twelve Months is a compilation of the lessons I’ve learned in almost forty years of writing and publishing. It’s written in a workbook format so that you can use it as your roadmap as you begin to understand what you need to know to write and publish in the next twelve months—and actually accomplish your goal.

Here’s a glimpse of what it’s all about.

One Year to Author on Amazon…

Backstory, Books, Fiction Writing

Novel Backstory: The Seeds of Inspiration

Posted on 18 Feb 2024 by Patricia J. Parsons

Every time I read a novel, I’m intrigued about the source of the inspiration and how the story developed in the writer’s mind during the writing. My own process has evolved over the years to the point where I consider myself to be in the role of transcriptionist as my characters take over and force me to tell their story. I used to plan everything and try to tell my stories. That didn’t work for me.

My most recent book had an interesting genesis, and how the underlying premise evolved might be interesting for other writers – or even my readers. I know it’s interesting to me! I wrote about it on my style blog, and if you’re interested, surf away…

Is Sewing a Domestic Art?