Vandana Sehgal
Author, Founder – A New You
Key to any successful writing is to maintain a cohesive narrative that keeps readers engaged and connected. Fiction, nonfiction, or a mix of two works perfectly as long as readers relate to the characters and get engrossed in the story.
Mixing fiction with nonfiction can create a compelling and unique storytelling experience. As a book writing coach, I share with you some of the techniques and tips to effectively blend the two genres.
Use Real Settings and Events: Ground your fiction by incorporating real settings, historical events, or current affairs. This creates a sense of authenticity and can make the fictional elements more relatable. Provide reference of real locations you may have visited.
As the afternoon sun cast its warm glow, I found myself gazing at the intricate architectural marvel before me. Amidst the crowd, a figure in the corner caught my attention, sending a shiver down my spine.
Develop Believable Characters: Even if your characters are entirely fictional, make them believable by giving them depth, motivations, and realistic behaviour. Readers should be able to connect with them emotionally, even in a nonfictional context.
There she stood, a lady with an air of familiarity. Her golden hair falling down her shoulders, and her eyes held a glimmer of mystery, just like my childhood friend, Dixie, from years gone by. Could it really be her?
Research Thoroughly: If you’re incorporating real-world facts, ensure you research them thoroughly to maintain accuracy. Misinformation can undermine the credibility of your nonfictional elements.
As I stood in the corner of the east end of La Sagrada Familia, the majestic cathedral’s intricate beauty served as a breath-taking backdrop. Sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows, casting a kaleidoscope of colors on the surrounding walls.
Blend Narratives Seamlessly: Avoid abrupt shifts between fiction and nonfiction. Transition smoothly between the two, so the reader remains engaged and the story flows naturally.
“Dixie?” I murmured, almost afraid of the answer.
Her gaze met mine, and for a fleeting moment, I saw a spark of recognition.
In that moment, I realized that La Sagrada Familia was not just an architectural wonder; it also represented our fractured relationship – a masterpiece in progress, unfinished and waiting for its final touch.
“Do you remember the times we spent together as kids?” I asked, hoping to break the barriers that separated us.
Stay True to the Genre: While blending fiction with nonfiction offers creative freedom, ensure you maintain the essence and conventions of each genre to deliver a well-crafted and satisfying story.
The pain of our unresolved past stung. I gathered the strength to speak again. “It’s been a long time. How have you been?”
Her response measured, and her tone guarded. She acknowledged the passage of time but didn’t share her personal details. As we exchanged a few polite words, I sensed the unspoken words lingering beneath the surface. The weight of unsaid emotions weighed heavily on our hearts.
[ Banner image by S. Widua on Unsplash ]
About A New You:
We all deserve to have everything in our life exactly the way we want it.The first step begins with believing that every moment is bringing an opportunity to be a new you. As a founder, I provide tools to elevate all dimensions of your life and I teach you the art of writing to reach to your true potential.
Vandana Sehgal | Founder – A New You
