Discuss the role of narrative and storytelling in nonfiction. How can storytelling enhance the effectiveness of nonfiction writing?
I would argue that nonfiction without a storytelling angle is just a textbook. If you want to write about real events—memoir, science, biography, etc—it’s crucial to write it like a story if you want readers to stay engaged. Naturally, that’s going to be easier for certain genres, like memoirs. But there are incredibly creative ways to share factual information. Take Devil in the White City, for instance: Erik Larson brings an entire world back to life by meticulously pulling together information through research and interviews to create a true story that reads like a work of fiction. He found letters, documents, and other evidence to share something totally factual with the reader, but the detail in which he describes the setting and the subplot of the H.H. Holmes murders is so vivid, you feel like you’re watching a movie.
While Larson’s writing used more of a third-person narrative, the first-person storytelling in memoirs (and even some science books, like mental health-focused books) is probably one of the most universal favorites for readers. When you read in the first person, you’re naturally going to find aspects of the story that resonate with you and feel relatable. Obviously, that can happen in any story, but as you read through the narrator writing “I” and “Me” you start to take on your own role in the story, in a way. I’ve found that even when I’m reading a memoir about a life I couldn’t relate to less, there’s something about it that makes you empathize with the writer because you’re seeing everything through their lens.
In my opinion, adding a storytelling/narrative angle to a nonfiction piece is non-negotiable, especially if you’re looking to get it published. If you can’t connect with your reader, they’re not going to want to read the information you spent time researching to write.