Karen Lange's 5 Reasons to Write Nonfiction - with Comments!

Please welcome Karen Lange today!
My utmost apologies for having the comment area turned off when this post originally went live.

Five Reasons to Write Nonfiction

By Karen Lange

Merriam Webster defines nonfiction as “writing that is about facts or real events: all writing that is not fiction”.

I think it is important for writers to write nonfiction because we’ve been given a gift, an opportunity to share and affect change through our words.

Here are my top five reasons why nonfiction writing is important.

1. To Share Stories: The Interview  

An interview helps readers get to know a person on a deeper level. William Zinsser said, “Nothing so animates writing as someone telling what he thinks or what he does-in his own words.” I agree. A firsthand account is an excellent primary source that adds great value to our work. The writer gets to share an authentic story and the reader comes away informed, entertained, and enriched.

2. To Share Events: The News Story

Where would we be without good journalists? Someone has to keep the public up to date on what’s happening. Journalistic writing offers a medium for news presented in a thoughtful, organized, and engaging way.

3. To Instruct: The How-to Article

How many times have you searched Google to find out how to do something? What would we do without articles like “How to Clean a Tile Shower” or “How to Train Your New Puppy”? This type of article informs and equips, providing a valuable service for readers.

4. To Educate: The Essay

Essays come in many forms, such as comparison, persuasive, and narrative. Using a topic or question, they make a point by research, analysis, and personal interpretation. They educate readers on topics from scientific and political to entertainment and humanitarian issues. The essay provides an opportunity to express info and opinions in a unique and creative way.

5. To Encourage: The Inspirational Piece

Through inspiring words we can encourage, soothe, and urge readers to pursue dreams. You never know what simple bits of wisdom and truth might stick with a reader, urging them to be better and kinder versions of themselves. Whether quotes on a blog post or a topical article saying, “I’ve been there, too,” uplifting words are timely and welcome.  

Nonfiction writing is a great tool that enables us to make a difference. What will you do with it today?

Happy writing,

Karen :)

Karen Lange is a freelance writer, editor, blogger, online writing instructor at the coffeehouseforwriters.com, and the author of two books for homeschool parents. Her articles have been featured in print and online publications. She's a big fan of dark chocolate, historical fiction, and ice hockey. Visit Karen at her blog, karenelange.blogspot.com

Find Karen

Blog - karenelange.blogspot.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/authorkarenlange/

Twitter – @KLELange

Tyrean: My favorite of these is the interview, but I also like the Why kind of how-to articles! :)

Thank you, Karen!

5 Reasons to Write While Waiting by Guest Karen Lange

Please welcome guest writer, Karen Lange!

5 REASONS TO WRITE WHILE WAITING

BY KAREN LANGE

Think about all the times you’re waiting – on hold on the phone, in the car when picking up the kids, in the bleachers during ice hockey practice, at the doctor’s office - the list goes on. Why not take a few of these spare minutes and get some writing done?

Here are my top five reasons to write while waiting:

1. It’s a productive use of time.  

I try to use “pockets” of time, those otherwise unused minutes. While I don’t get obsessive and go 24/7, it’s a way to use time more efficiently and make a dent in the to-do list.  Depending on the schedule, it may be the only writing time available that week.

2. It’s a way to pass the time.

Waiting can be tedious; writing creates a distraction and breaks up the monotony.

3. It’s a good time to be observant.

Make note of the people, scenery, and activities around you. These notes can offer character, plot, article, and other ideas for later use. Observation teams up well with brainstorming; both are an important part of the writing process.

4. It’s a way to get a head start on a project.

Need to get an outline together for that upcoming article? Want to scribble plot ideas down before you forget? Sometimes all you need are a few minutes to transfer ideas from head to paper.

5. It’s a good time to review a piece before submission.

While final proofreading is best done in your quiet writing space, it never hurts to print up your draft and take it along to review on the go. My rough drafts often ride along when I know there will be a few moments to read and edit.  

What do you write while waiting?

Karen Lange is a freelance writer, editor, and blogger, an online writing instructor at the coffeehouseforwriters.com, and the author of Write for Life and Homeschool Co-ops 101. Her articles have been featured in numerous print and online publications. She's a fan of dark chocolate, historical fiction, and hockey. Visit Karen at her blog,karenelange.blogspot.com

Guest Post by Karen Lange!!!

Please welcome Karen Lange, guest blogger from Write Now and great blogging friend, encourager, and writer.

The Great Blogging Adventure

By Karen Lange

To me, blogging is an adventure; there are ups, downs, and everything in between. Each portion of the endeavor offers valuable, hands on experience and helps stretch our skills.  It adds wonderful dimension to a writer’s life. We gain new friends, connections, resources, info, and writing opportunities.

I’m thankful for all I’ve learned on my blogging journey. While I don’t claim to be an expert, I have discovered a few things that boost blog success.  

1)      Be authentic. The more I write, the more Oscar Wilde’s words ring true. He said, “Be yourself, everyone else is taken.” Many writers stress over developing their writing voice. While voice is an important element, I think that it’s been over emphasized and writers get stressed about it. It’s important to relax, be yourself, and write. In doing so, our genuine voice emerges. 

2)      Pay it forward. When I started my blog three years ago, one goal was to help other writers. I didn’t profess to know everything; I just wanted to share what I’d learned. I’ve been blessed with help from wonderful, supportive friends, and wanted to pass that encouragement along. I began by offering tips and links in hopes that someone could use them on their writing journey.

3)      Don’t take unpleasant comments or loss of followers personally.  Your blog won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s okay. In a recent interview, author Ann Gabhart said, “Rejection is not fatal.” She was referring to submissions, but this applies to blogging too. Step back, take a deep breath, and objectively select any constructive elements. Pruning, when appropriate, hurts, but is necessary for growth.

4)      Confront challenges head on. Some think that the writer’s life is all roses and sunshine, but the reality is that it takes time and effort. Hours of thinking, reading, learning, research, writing, revising, and editing are the norm. It’s easy to get discouraged and quit. If we feel called to write, though, then we must press through the hard places. When I am stuck for ideas or a project isn’t flowing right, I pray. I also consult friends who help brainstorm, read drafts, or offer encouragement.  

5)      Interact with other writers. No man is a blog island. Writing friends, local and/or online, provide Inspiration, info, and encouragement. The writing life is solitary, so friends provide valuable feedback and help us keep a balanced perspective. Join a writer’s group or forum, visit and comment on other blogs, or take a writing class. Sometimes it is difficult for an introverted writer to reach out, but the people in the writing community are amazing, and a great source of support. It’s worth the effort!

 What have you learned on your blogging adventure?

Karen Lange is a writer, blogger, and online writing instructor at the Coffeehouse for Writers.  Her articles have appeared in parenting, educational, and writing publications. Visit her blog at karenelange.blogspot.com.

Photo credit: Stock Exchange

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