Hey Reader,

I might surprise you today.

When you think of nonfiction books, you probably picture books like memoirs, personal development, how-to books, or academic/popular science books thick enough to use as a weapon.

🍦 Maybe a bit dry.

🍦 Possibly sometimes too dense.

🍦 Meant only to teach use or convince us of something.

On the other hand, when you think of fiction, you think of stories. Books built on interesting (or sometimes not-so-interesting) plots, characters you love or hate, plot twists and narration that carries the story or ruins it.

A bit more right-brained, you might say.

But what if I told you the line between fiction and nonfiction is blurrier than you think?

In my own writing, and in my coaching with other authors, I've noticed something interesting.

Nonfiction shares far more DNA with fiction than anyone ever talks about.

The most interesting books—both the kind that teach us and the kind that transport us somewhere else—blend them.

3 overlaps I've found between fiction and nonfiction

1️⃣ They Set Someone Up for a Transformation

Fiction takes protagonists on life-changing journeys. But a compelling nonfiction book casts the reader up as the hero/heroine, and artfully guides them on an enlightening quest through the book to their destination: educated, motivated, inspired, excited.

2️⃣ Structure Creates the Journey

Fiction plot points build tension and momentum. But nonfiction also needs narrative flow - strategically placed concepts that resolve reader questions and advance ideas. I call these Purpose Points, and they are identifiable, reliable events and moments in good prescriptive nonfiction and memoir. In other words, you can plot nonfiction just as you can plot fiction.

3️⃣ Themes Add Meaning

Symbols, motifs and conceptual threads in fiction give a story resonance. But universal themes also give nonfiction books that coveted adjective of "stickiness"—a book's ability to stay relevant and top-of-mind in our cultural zeitgeist (love that word). Thanks to Malcolm Gladwell for the word "stickiness".

Fiction vs. nonfiction isn't as cut-and-dry "true" or "not"

So the storytelling tools we typically attribute to novels play a sadly under-represented role in writing nonfiction books that attain lasting relevance.

So perhaps we need an updated term for nonfiction? I've come up with "storyformation" but my pun game is hit-or-miss. You can probably do better.

Regardless of what we call it, the debate over what makes something fiction vs. nonfiction goes beyond whether a book is "true" or not.

And in the future I see for our "information age," there are books everywhere! (Because I'm a book nerd.) But they're even more interesting, exciting, helpful, and lasting—because they were thoughtfully designed and written.

So what do you think? Do you agree nonfiction books are more like fiction than we've thought? I'd love to hear your thoughts on blending great storytelling with impactful messages. Hit reply and let me know.

Let's change some lives,

Holly

PS — 🩵 When it feels right, here are 3 ways I can help you turn the page:

1. One-to-One Book Coaching. I have a vision of changing the world one book at a time, by teaching world-changers to create a book in a gentler, more effective way. A way that takes both you and your reader on a profound journey. I see a future where we build trust in our words, worlds, and work with our books, and where the world becomes a better place because of the books we write. My commitment is to bring to life books—fiction and nonfiction—founded on integrity. I’ll bring the map, and you'll take us on the journey. If you're ready to change the world with your book, your quest awaits. Apply for a free discovery call here. It takes 3 minutes.
2. Heroic Book Journey Group Coaching. Expected to launch the first round in Q2 of 2024. Join the waitlist here to learn more. The name might change. :)
3. Listen to the Podcast. Relaunching February 2024: The Real Heroine's Journey: a podcast for people changing the world with their worlds. Listen on Apple, Spotify, or Everywhere Else​.

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