writing – Page 4 – 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.

Uncategorized, Writing

Writing a Picture Book for Kids: Is it For You?

Posted on 15 Oct 202415 Oct 2024 by Patricia J. Parsons

It seems that anyone who writes has likely considered writing a short book for kids at one point or another. Most of them never move in that direction because writing a children’s picture book isn’t at all like writing a book for adults.

Last year, I had the privilege of editing and publishing Moonlight Press’s first children’s book, “Muddy Makes Music” by Newfoundland storyteller Carl Hutton.

That process used many of the skills I already had in the area of writing and editing adult nonfiction and fiction, but it also taught me more than a few things throughout the process. I wanted to share a few of those things with anyone who’s been considering writing a book for kids—even their own children or grandchildren.

It’s a myth that children’s picture books are easy to write. Just because they’re short doesn’t make it easy to get them right. However, if you have a story to tell, I might have a few ideas that could smooth your way. In this week’s episode of WRITE. FIX. REPEAT., I’m sharing five tips on writing and publishing a children’s picture book.

New Writers and Copyright

Posted on 1 Oct 2024 by Patricia J. Parsons

If someone were to ask me what I thought was the least understood issue for new writers, it would probably be the concept of copyright. I’ve been dealing with copyright for forty years since the first time I saw my byline on a new feature article in the Weekend Edition of my local paper. Recently, I’ve seen numerous copyright questions posed on forums for new writers, and each question suggests a level of ignorance of the concept that is as surprising as it is alarming. What’s even more troubling is that the answers provided on the forums often suggest that those answering know little more about the subject than the initial posters.

In this episode of WRITE. FIX. REPEAT., my five tips are designed to help new writers understand the concept of copyright and how it applies to what they do. They might also help writers not to be so frightened of the issue.

Disclaimer: This video does not contain legal advice. Rather, it provides explanations that help writers to understand a legal concept and to know when to seek legal advice from a competent copyright lawyer.