Differences Between Fiction and Non-Fiction Writing

If you are a college student then you might have noticed how everything you write cannot be written in the same way.

See! There is a thing called writing style. And it is this style that keeps changing, depending on what you write.

So, you can’t write a persuasive essay the same as you write an opinion essay. If you ever get in touch with an essay writing service, then you will note how they write EVERYTHING differently. And, when it comes to fiction and nonfiction,their services are available.

Well, there are many key differences here that you need to be aware of.

I mean it's obvious that fiction is not real and nonfiction is real.

But apart from that, when you set out to write a fictional story versus an actual fact based paper, you will see how the… yess! you know it… the writing style differs.

So, let us have a look at these differences, shall we?

FICTION!

Fact #1: It’s elaborate

The best thing about fiction, and perhaps the worst thing about fiction, is that it is elaborate.

If you have ever read Dickens, you will know.

He puts in these long explanations about the buildings, and meadows, and whatnot. So, I could never really get into Great Expectations.

In fiction, the sky's the limit and you can write up very elaborate scenarios on whatever topic you like.

Fact #2: Interpretations Differ

Since the things written in fictional stories are not real, we can interpret them in any way that we like.

For example, I have lost count of times people have argued about the actions of morally grey characters. Why? Because many people interpret the same action differently.

The action will be right or wrong but it all depends on the audience.

Fact #3: No Need for Sources

This is fiction. None of it is real. Just chill!

You see, in fiction, particularly in stories, you invent everything up, all by yourself. So, when nothing is real, then how can we add sources? That’s right. We can’t.

There is no need for sources in a fictional story as sources are only used when we are citing facts from the real world.

Fact #4: Subjective

Subjective means that this piece of writing is subjective to the writer.

Basically, it is based on their own thoughts, feelings, and emotions. So, a black writer would write about the oppression of the black community.

Or any other topic that they might be fascinated about.

The main point here is that the approach of the author will always be biased here.

Fact #5: Purpose

Yes, fiction DOES have a purpose.

In most cases, fiction is written for entertainment. For pleasure and to satisfy our need for thrilling tales.

Fiction is also used, at times, to convey information. Usually, this is done in an ironic or satirical manner. But the point is that fiction does have a purpose.

It is just not the same purpose as nonfiction.

NONFICTION!

Fact #1: Its concise

Nonfiction is not elaborative.

That means it’s concise. Meaning no lengthy paragraphs about meadows. And thank God for that.

When it comes to writing nonfiction, you state facts. So, any good essay writer would try to keep things as concise, precise, and to-the-point as possible.

No wandering around and confusing the reader here. If a writer has to make a point then they need to do so in a very straightforward manner.

Fact #2: A Fact is a Fact

Unfortunately, nonfiction cannot be interpreted in a number of ways.

A fact is a fact.

You can’t just say that the sky is green. Because it is not. It's blue and everyone knows it. The argument ends here as we have been presented with a fact.

Thus, we can’t sit around and wonder if the sky is green. There is no other interpretation.

Fact #3: You Need References

Unfortunate for you, you will need references when you write anything that is nonfictional.

Trust me, even if you are writing a bibliography, you will need plenty of sources to ensure that you can back up your arguments with sources that prove you right.

If not, then you are in trouble. You might as well ask someone to “please, please, please, write my essay!” if you can’t add references. This is because a paper without sources is no good to anyone.

Fact #4: Objective

Yes, non-fictional papers do present a stance and defend it. But that's different from fiction.

You can’t just write anything in a nonfictional paper. You need to be very clear and present evidence. That is where the sources come in.

Other than that, you need to present logical arguments that are not based on emotion.

Fact #5: Purpose

Nonfiction also has a purpose. And what is that?

Well, nonfiction is primarily used to convey information too. But this is not done in an ironic or satirical manner. Nope.

The information conveyed via nonfiction is pretty straightforward.

Also, the type of information conveyed via nonfiction is mostly related to the events of the world and the things that have had a strong impact.

So, there are a lot of differences.

Clearly.

But, if you really, truly want to know the difference then you will have to try a paper writing website.

These websites help students out by providing them model papers online. This can then be used by students like you to learn how to write in a professional manner.