FIRST SEMESTER MIDTERM EXAMINATIONS – CREATIVE NONFICTION (HUMSS)

I. LITERARY GENRES literal word means exactly as it says. o Form

- LITERATURE
o is what accomplishes the act
of fiction. Fiction is about
fashioning, devising,
inventing, shaping, and
forming words. The reality of
literature is formed from one’s
imagination. Literature can
make us imagine the
possibilities of seemingly
impossible things, people,
places, or events.
- One of the words created to guide
us into the world of words is genre. A
French word, genre means
classification of the variety and
diversity of text or writing we
encounter every day.
- If we browse in bookstores, we find
many categories of reading
materials for sale like, an Art and
Photography, Biographies and
Memoirs, Business and Investing,
Children’s Books, Fiction and
Literature, Sports and lot more.
- Genre is like a map that helps us
navigate a world of words by helping
us to find what we want to read and
letting us know what to expect from
what we are reading.
- There are also two genres or kinds of
words, the literal and figurative. A
It is factual and does not involve o Appeal
fashioning or fabricating. Definition - POETIC DEVICES
of word in the dictionary are o REPETITION
generally literal. The dictionary § Is the repeating of any
defines the apple as a round, yellow words, phrases,
or green edible fruit. In figurative sentences, or lines
words, apple can lose its fruity within a poem.
character. o RHYME
- Figurative is like a word painted to § Is the matching vowel
make us see something that literal sounds at the end of
language would not make us see. In words or lines. (me, see
this context, you can see the [long e sounds])
interplay between the literal and the o ALLITERATION
metaphorical. § The repetition of the
- The British-American poet W.H. consonant sounds at
Auden once said that one cannot be the beginning of words.
a poet if one’s reason for writing (Five feathered
poetry is “I have important things I pheasants)
want to say”. But if one’s reason is “I o ASSONANCE
like hanging around words and § Repetition of vowel
listening to what they say”, and he sounds within words.
believed that person could indeed - ELEMENTS OF POETRY
be a poet. Poetry is notable for using o MOOD
a few words to convey a lot. § Is the feeling the poet is
- Haiku is a form of short poetry that trying to convey.
originated in Japan in 9th century. It o THEME
follows the 5-7-5 pattern. § Is a truth, lesson, or
message about life.
- FOUR CHARACTERISTICS OF o RHYTHM
POETRY § Beat, sound, and feel of
o Structure a poem.
o Rhythm
FIRST SEMESTER MIDTERM EXAMINATIONS – CREATIVE NONFICTION (HUMSS)

o METER o Antagonist: It is the character traces found in the works of

§ Is the number and style that opposes the main ancient Sumerians and
of accented syllables in character. Egyptians. These civilizations
a line. II. WHAT IS POETRY? used poetry to express their
o RHYME - POETRY beliefs, religious practices,
§ Words that have the o Poetry is an enchanting and historical events. The oral
same ending sounds. realm of artistic tradition played a significant
o STANZA expression that penetrates role in the preservation and
§ Is a group of lines in a the depths of human dissemination of poetic works,
poem emotions and unveils as they were recited and
o LINE profound thoughts. It serves transmitted from one
§ Is a single row of words as a channel through which generation to another.
in a poem. individuals can navigate the o In Ancient Greece and Rome,
intricate landscapes of the poetry held a prominent
- Creating Reality through Fiction human experience. place in society. Renowned
o In fiction, you bring the o Defining poetry is akin to poets like Homer, with his epic
readers to a new place, meet capturing the intangible poems such as the Iliad and
new people, or witness events essence of beauty. It is a genre the Odyssey, shaped the
simply by reading. of literature that defies foundations of Western
o Plot: It is the logical sequence conventional boundaries, poetry. The ancient Greeks
of events that develops a encompassing a myriad of also introduced the concept
story. styles, forms, and thematic of meter and rhythm,
o Setting: It refers to the time explorations. Poetry emphasizing the musicality of
and place in which a story transcends the limitations of poetic language.
takes place. Points of view is straightforward prose,
the position of the narrator in weaving together words,
relationship to the plot of a rhythm, and imagery to create - CHARACTERISTICS OF POETRY
piece of literature. a tapestry of emotions, o Poetry is a composition of
o Theme: It is central idea or experiences, and perspectives which expresses ideas or
concept of a story - HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF feelings in lines.
o Protagonist: main character POETRY o Poetry tends to have regular
of story o Poetry has existed since the rhythmic pattern.
earliest civilizations, with
FIRST SEMESTER MIDTERM EXAMINATIONS – CREATIVE NONFICTION (HUMSS)
o Poetry usually makes uses of
carefully chosen words and
figures of speech.
o Poetry is usually beautiful.
o It is often divided into stanzas.
- QUALITIES IN POETRY
o Rhythm and Meter:
Poetry often utilizes
distinctive rhythms and
patterns, whether through
structured meter or free verse.
These rhythmic elements
create a musicality and
cadence that accompany and
enhance the words, evoking a
sensory experience for the
reader.
o Imagery and Symbolism:
Poets employ vivid imagery
and symbolic language to
evoke sensory perceptions
and engage the reader's
imagination. Metaphors,
similes, and other figurative
devices help paint vivid
mental pictures, elevating the
artistic quality of the poem.
o Sound Devices:
Poets harness the power of
sound through techniques
such as alliteration,
assonance, and
onomatopoeia. These devices
create melodic effects and
enhance the auditory
experience of the poem.
o Concision and Precision:
Poetry often thrives on brevity
and concise expression,
carefully selecting words to
convey precise meaning. This
economy of language ensures
that each word holds
significance, making every
line potent and impactful.
- TYPES OF POETRY
o Lyric Poetry:
Lyric poetry is a deeply
personal and emotional form
of expression. It provides a
means for poets to convey
their innermost thoughts,
feelings, and experiences.
Through lyrical verses, poets
create vivid imagery and
evoke powerful emotions in
the readers. This type of poetry
often explores themes of love,
loss, nature, and self-
reflection. It embraces the
beauty of language and the
musicality of words, allowing
for a captivating and
immersive reading
experience.
o Epic Poetry:
Epic poetry is a grand and
immersive form that narrates
heroic tales, legends, and
historical events. These epics
capture the imagination with
their sweeping narratives,
larger-than-life characters,
and extraordinary feats.
Through epic poetry, poets
transport us to ancient times
and distant lands, recounting
legendary battles, heroic
quests, and the triumphs and
tragedies of civilizations past.
With their meticulous
attention to detail and
rhythmic storytelling, these
poetic epics offer a window
into the rich tapestry of
human history and the
timeless themes that shape
our collective consciousness.
o Haiku:
Haiku is a type of traditional
Japanese poetry that is often
cited as one of the most
popular and influential poetic
forms in history. It is
composed of 17 syllables
divided into three lines, with a
5-7-5 syllable pattern, and it
usually focuses on nature or
FIRST SEMESTER MIDTERM EXAMINATIONS – CREATIVE NONFICTION (HUMSS)
the seasons. The form has its
origins in the Chinese tanka
form, but it has become
uniquely Japanese in its
structure and style. Haiku is
known for its simple but
evocative language, which
often contains a hint of humor
or irony.
o Sonnet:
A sonnet is a type of poetry
that traditionally consists of
fourteen lines structured in a
specific way. Its rhyme
scheme usually follows the
form of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG,
although variations are not
uncommon. Sonnets typically
focus on one or more themes
and have an elevated, formal
tone. They are often used to
express emotion, love, or
philosophy.
o Limerick:
A limerick is a type of
lighthearted poem consisting
of five lines and traditionally
written with AABBA rhyme
scheme. The first, second, and
fifth lines are typically made
up of three metrical feet and
have the same rhyme. Both
the third and fourth lines have
two metrical feet and also
have the same rhyme as each
other. These poems usually
have silly, lighthearted rhymes
and often deal with topics
such as love, relationships, and
everyday life.
o FreeVerse:
Free verse is a type of poetry
that lacks traditional patterns
of meter and rhyme. It has no
set line lengths, metrical
structure or regular rhymes,
which makes it different from
other types of poetry such as
sonnets or haikus It can be
seen as more natural and
organic than other forms of
poetry, as it allows modern
poets to express themselves in
a way that feels more
authentic and free.
III. FICTION
- WHAT IS FICTION?
o Fiction refers to any type of
literature that's created from
the imagination and typically
has a narrative. It describes
imaginary events and people.
Usually, this comes in the form
of books and stories. Narrative
writing is one of the three
types of writing, and it's
important to remember that
not all narratives are fiction.
o The word 'fiction' comes from
the Latin word 'fictus', which
means 'to form' - fiction is
stories that are 'formed' and
created by a writer.
o There are many types of
genres within fiction including:
§ mysteries,
§ science fiction,
§ romance,
§ fantasy,
§ and crime thrillers.
o Fiction is the opposite of non-
fiction. It can be based on facts
or real events, but the majority
of the content has been
curated by the writer using
their own imagination.
o Fiction is typically read for
pleasure, but it can also be
analyzed to discover themes
and meanings.
- WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT
FORMS OF FICTION WRITING?
o Novels: Novels are books that
have one long story written in
them. They're works of prose
fiction. They're longer than
short stories and novellas.
FIRST SEMESTER MIDTERM EXAMINATIONS – CREATIVE NONFICTION (HUMSS)
o Novellas: A novella is a
standalone piece of fiction
that's shorter than a full-
length novel but longer than
a short story or novelette.
o Short stories: Short stories
are much shorter than a novel
and usually deals with only a
few characters.
o Flash fiction: Flash fiction is a
type of fiction writing that's
defined by how short it is.
Flash fiction is usually kept
beneath a strict word count to
tell a story in the least words
possible. Some flash fiction
tells a story in just a few
words.
o Play scripts: A play or drama
script is the story that has
been written for actors to
perform, with the term 'play'
relating to a theatrical
performance.
o Poems: Poems use
specifically chosen language,
rhythm, rhyme, imagery and
more to create an image or
tell a narrative. Poems can be
short or as long as a full novel.
o As you can see, fiction is
everywhere! And it doesn't
just have to be a book either.
Your favourite film is a work of
fiction. Narrative poems are a
work of fiction. Fiction is a key
part of our society and
culture. It can also be divided
into two types of fiction -
commercial fiction and
literary fiction. But what are
commercial and literary
fiction?
o Commercial fiction includes
fiction novels and writing that
can be read and enjoyed by a
wide audience. Examples of
fiction genres include:
§ Mystery
§ Romance
§ Legal thriller
§ Science fiction
- POPULAR TYPES OF FICTION
o Adventure
stories: Adventure stories are
tales that often include
something exciting and
extraordinary, often a quest or
a mission. A good adventure
story has the ability to draw
your children into a world or
time they would have
otherwise never been able to
explore. Because adventure
stories are so immersive,
children will have no idea that
they are learning as they go!
o Crime / Detective
Fiction: Detective and crime
fiction tends to follow the
classic 'whodunnit' formula,
where readers can help solve
a crime or mystery with
vibrant characters. Detective
stories are a popular genre in
which a crime is introduced
and investigated and the
culprit is revealed.
o Thriller: Thriller fiction is great
for your adventurous and
imaginative readers. Thrillers
often include dark storylines,
high stakes, and suspenseful
plot-driven stories.
FIRST SEMESTER MIDTERM EXAMINATIONS – CREATIVE NONFICTION (HUMSS)
o Fantasy Fiction: Fantasy is a future. It can include
type of fiction that typically, spaceships, astronauts,
taking inspiration from myth machines, robots and aliens.
and legend, is set in a fictional Science fiction stories are
universe and features often about exploring new
supernatural characters and worlds, inventing new
mythical creatures. Fantasy imaginary scientific
fiction stories are a wonderful technology or having an
escape from the norm and adventure in space. Science
reality. This is what makes fiction stories are great for
them so popular with your inquisitive and thrill-
children and adults alike seeking students.
o Romance Fiction: Romance
o Science Fiction: Science is one of the best-selling
fiction, often shortened to 'sci- genres of fiction in the adult
fi', is a genre of fiction that's market. It focuses on a
usually set in space or in the relationship between two
future. It can include characters, usually with lots of
spaceships, astronauts, twists and turns happening to
machines, robots and aliens. try and prevent them getting
Science fiction stories are together before they get their
often about exploring new happy ending! While
worlds, inventing new romance isn’t a genre aimed
imaginary scientific at children, many children’s
technology or having an stories contain an element of
adventure in space. Science romance - think of all the
fiction stories are great for princes and princesses in fairy
your inquisitive and thrill- tales. Romance is also a
seeking students. popular element of young
o Young adult Fiction: Science adult fiction, with characters
fiction, often shortened to 'sci- exploring their feelings for
fi', is a genre of fiction that's others as they come of age.
usually set in space or in the
o Historical Fiction: Historical
fiction refers to any fictional
story that’s set in the past.
Sometimes the stories
contain real figures from
history, such as kings, queens
or even celebrities from
previous ages, but the central
character will almost always
be a product of the author’s
imagination. The plot might
also contain fictionalised
versions of events that really
happened, or it might be
completely made up.
Historical fiction books are
usually meticulously
researched, to make sure all
the details of the time period
are correct.
- THREE TYPES OF FICTION
o Literary Fiction: Literary
fiction tends to follow non-
conventional plot structures.
This type of fiction usually
uses heavy symbolism and
deeper meanings. Examples
of literary fiction are often
viewed as more 'advanced' or
more 'serious' than here and
mainstream fiction. Instead of
focussing on the plot of a
story, in literary fiction, the
FIRST SEMESTER MIDTERM EXAMINATIONS – CREATIVE NONFICTION (HUMSS)
character and their
development is the
prominent feature. Reading
literary fiction focuses on the
experiences, development
and beliefs of the main
character that we follow
through the story. A story arc
and traditional plot may or
may not even be present,
which also means that a
satisfying ending is no
guarantee. Types of literary
fiction also include
contemporary literary fiction,
realistic literary fiction,
experimental literary fiction
and philosophical literary
fiction.
o Genre Fictions: Genre fiction
is one of the more popular
types of fiction that your
students will come across.
Genre fiction traditionally
includes genres such as
romance, mystery, thriller,
horror, fantasy, and children’s
books.
o Mainstream Fiction: When a
fiction novel or a genre novel
becomes massively popular
beyond its intended and core
audience, attracting new
readers and bestseller status,
it is considered an example of
mainstream fiction. Every
type of fiction has the
potential to become
mainstream fiction.
- CHARACTERISTICS OF FICTION
o The main characteristics of
fiction can vary depending on
your personal opinion of
which characteristics are
most important to the story. It
is widely agreed that the
three important
characteristics of fiction
include, but the usual
elements different people will
list are character, plot and
point of view.
§ Character: A character
is a person in a story;
either a human, a IV.
fantasy character,
mythical character or - WHAT IS CREATIVE NONFICTION?
even an animal. It can
be anything from a
human to an inanimate
object. Whether it's
Little Red Riding Hood
or the Big Bad Wolf that
you're describing, these
characters play an
important part within
their story.
§ Point of View: Point of
view is the voice in
which a story is told.It is
the narrative voice
through which readers
follow the story's plot,
meet its characters,
discover its setting, and
enter into its
relationships, emotions,
and conflicts.
§ Plot: The plot is the
main event(s) of a play,
novel, film, or similar
work, devised and
presented by the writer
as an interrelated
sequence.
INTRODUCTION TO
CREATIVE NONFICTION
o It involves writing about
personal experiences, real
people, or events. It is writing
about fact, rather than fiction.
The writer can write about
anything, such as personal
experience, current events, or
issues in the public eye. The
writer can also inject personal
FIRST SEMESTER MIDTERM EXAMINATIONS – CREATIVE NONFICTION (HUMSS)

thoughts, feelings, or opinions Gutkind called “the 5 Rs of the topic. The writer also
into the writing. Often, the Creative nonfiction.” The needs to complete
writer uses the first person “I.” following is a brief explanation research to discover what
Popular types of creative of each: has been written about
nonfiction include personal 1. Creative nonfiction has a the topic. Even if a writer
essays, memoirs, “real life” aspect. The is crafting a personal
autobiographies, literary writer constructs a essay, he will need to
journalistic essays, travel personal essay, memoir, complete secondary
writing, and food writing. and so forth, that is based research, such as
Creative nonfiction is also on personal reviewing a personal
known as “Literary experience. He also journal, or primary
Journalism.” writes about real people research, such as
o This article identifies the and true events. interviewing a friend or
techniques of creative 2. Creative nonfiction is family member, to ensure
nonfiction, defines the various based on the writer that the information is
types of creative nonfiction, engaging in personal truthful and factual.
provides some guidelines, and “reflection” about what 4. The fourth aspect of
lists several popular books and he/she is writing creative nonfiction is
several resources to help about. After gathering reading. Reading while
aspiring writing learn the art information, the writer conducting research is
and craft of writing creative needs to analyze and not sufficient. The writer
nonfiction. assess what he/she has must read the work of the
- HOW TO WRITE CREATIVE collected. He then must masters of his profession.
NONFICTION? evaluate it and expression 5. The final element of
o The creative nonfiction writer his thoughts, views, creative nonfiction is
produces a personal essay, opinions. Personal writing. Writing creative
memoir, travel piece, and so opinion is permissible and nonfiction is both an art
forth, with a variety encouraged. and craft. The art of
of techniques, writing tools, 3. Creative nonfiction creative nonfiction
and methods. He/she is requires that the writer requires that the writer
required to use the elements complete research. The uses his talents, instincts,
of nonfiction, literary devices writer needs to conduct creative abilities, and
of fiction, and what Lee research to learn about imagination to write
FIRST SEMESTER MIDTERM EXAMINATIONS – CREATIVE NONFICTION (HUMSS)

memorable creative 3. Reportage/reporting. The § Storytelling/narration. The

nonfiction. The craft of writer must be able to writer needs to be able to tell
creative nonfiction document events his/her story. A good story
requires that the writer or personal experiences. includes an inciting incident, a
learn and deploy the style 4. Personal experience and goal, challenges and obstacles,
and techniques of personal opinion. Often, a turning point, and resolution
creative nonfiction in the writer includes of the story.
his/her work. personal experience, § Character. The nonfiction piece
- ELEMENTS OF CREATIVE feelings, thoughts, and often requires a main
NONFICTION opinions. For instance, character. Example: If a writer is
o The creative nonfiction writer when writing a personal creating his/her memoir, then
often incorporates essay or memoir. the writer is the central
several elements of 5. Explanation/Exposition. character.
nonfiction when writing a The writer is required to § Plot and plot structure. These
memoir, personal essay, travel explain the personal are the main events that make
writing, and so on. The experience or topic to the up the story. In a personal
following is a brief explanation reader. essay, there might be only one
of the most common 6. Essay format. Creative event. In a memoir, there are
elements of nonfiction: nonfiction is often written often several significant events.
1. Fact. The writing must be in essay format. Example: § Figurative language. The writer
based on fact, rather than Personal Essay, Literary often uses simile and
fiction. It cannot be made Journalistic essay, brief metaphor to create an
up. essay. interesting piece of creative
2. Extensive research. The - LITERARY ELEMENTS nonfiction.
piece of writing is based o Creative nonfiction is the § Imagery. The writer constructs
on primary research, such literature of fact. Yet, the “word pictures” using sensory
as an interview or creative nonfiction writer language. Imagery can be
personal experience, and utilizes many of the literary figurative or literal.
often secondary research, devices of fiction writing. The § Point of view. Often the writer
such as gathering following is a list of the most uses the first person “I.”
information from books, common literary devices that § Dialogue. These are the
magazines, and writers incorporate into their conversations spoken between
newspapers. nonfiction writing: people. It is an important
FIRST SEMESTER MIDTERM EXAMINATIONS – CREATIVE NONFICTION (HUMSS)
component of creative
nonfiction.
§ Theme. There is a central idea
that is weaved through the
essay or work. Often, the
theme reveals a universal
truth.
- TYPES OF CREATIVE NONFICTION
o Creative nonfiction is about
fact and truth. The truth can
be about a personal
experience, event, or issue in
the public eye. There are many
categories or genres to
choose from, such as the
personal essay, memoir, and
autobiography. The following
is a list of the most popular
types of creative nonfiction:
§ Personal Essay. The writer
crafts and essay that is
based on personal
experience or a single
event, which results in
significant personal
meaning or a lesson
learned. The writer uses the
first person “I.”
§ Memoir. The writer
constructs a true story
about a time or period in
his/life, one that had
significant personal
meaning and a universal
truth. The writer composes
the story using the first
person “I.”
§ Literary journalism
essay. The writer crafts an
essay about an issue or
topic using literary devices,
such as the elements of
fiction and figurative
language.
§ Autobiography. The writer
composes his/her life story,
from birth to the present,
using the first person “I.”
§ Travel Writing. The writer
crafts articles or essays
about travel using literary
devices.
§ Food writing. The writer
crafts stories about food
and cuisine using literary
devices.
§ Profiles. The writer
constructs biographies or
essays on real people using
literary devices.
- GUIDELINES IN WRITING
CREATIVE NONFICTION
o Not only must the aspiring
writer of creative
nonfiction learn the
techniques, but he/she also
requires a
good understanding of
the guidelines. The following
are 12 guidelines for writing
any type of creative nonfiction:
1. Research the topic. Both
primary (interview,
personal experience, or
participant observation)
and secondary research
(books, magazines,
newspaper, Web)
2. Never invent or change
facts. An invented story is
fiction.
3. Provide accurate
information. Write
honestly and truthfully.
Information should be
verifiable.
4. Provide concrete
evidence. Use facts,
examples, and quotations.
5. Use humour to make an
important point.
6. Show the reader what
happened, don’t tell them
what happened. To do
this, dramatize the story.
7. Narrate the story. A story
has an inciting incident,
goal, conflict, challenges,
FIRST SEMESTER MIDTERM EXAMINATIONS – CREATIVE NONFICTION (HUMSS)

obstacles, climax, and important § Metaphor—more direct

resolution. point. Otherwise the than simile
8. Write about the reader will think, “So • Example: When he
interesting and what!” “What was the gets furious, Mr. Cruz
extraordinary. Write about point? It was an is one hungry tiger.
personal experiences, interesting story, but how § Personification —using
interesting does it apply to me or my human attributes in
people, extraordinary life?” describing nonhuman
events, or provide a V. FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE – or inanimate objects
unique perspective on THE PRINCIPLES, • Example: The
everyday life. ELEMENTS, TECHNIQUES, country wants us to
9. Organize the AND DEVICES OF perform our civic
information. Two CREATIVE NONFICTION duties.
common techniques are - FIGURES OF SPEECH § Parallelism — use of the
chronological or logical o Figures of speech constitute a same grammatical
order. rhetorical or literary device structure
10. Use literary devices to tell that departs from the literal • Example: Peace can
the story. Choose meaning of an idea. They only be achieved
language that stimulates maybe employed to make the through dedication,
and entertains the reader, articulation of an idea. They peace can only be
such as simile, metaphor, may be employed to make achieved through
imagery. the articulation of an diligence, peace can
11. Introduce the essay or otherwise familiar idea more only be achieved
other work with a hook. Its vivid and more colorful. through fidelity to
purpose is to grab the Among the figures of speech the rule of law.
readers’ attention and are: § Apostrophe—
compel them to reader § Simile: indirect addressing a person
further. Popular hooks comparison of ideas who is either dead or
include a quotation, using like or as absent when the
question, or thought- • Example: Mr. Cruz is utterance is made
provoking fact. like a hungry tiger • Example: Mabini,
12. End the creative nonfiction when he gets furious. Bonifacio, Rizal, let
piece with a final,
FIRST SEMESTER MIDTERM EXAMINATIONS – CREATIVE NONFICTION (HUMSS)

your guiding spirits • Example: I was so o The reader should feel as

influence our leaders hungry I could eat a though every scene has
in this time of great hundred cups of rice. purpose, deepens character,
crisis. § Synedoche — the “part” drives the story forward, and
§ Allusion — comparison to represent the “whole” ends in such a way that he just
that involves • Example: Ka has to know what happens
making references to a Herming was the next.
famous fictional or brains and the heart - WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO START
historical figure, event of the movement AND END A SCENE?
or idea during those dark o Scenes don’t so much begin
• Example: Only five- days of the as launch—often in the midst
year-old, this prodigy, dictatorship. of an event or activity. That is
this Mozart has to say, you need not start
composed at least a VI. SCENE AND DIALOGUE scenes with an explanation or
dozen short piano - SCENE exposition but simply with an
pieces and performed o When writing fiction (or even entrance into the action.
in the Philippine narrative nonfiction), scenes Then, by following a
musical Center. are microcosms (on a small character’s goals and desires,
§ Rhetorical Question — A scale) of your larger plot. Each you walk your reader through
question that is not scene takes us into a crucial a setting—preferably in a way
meant to be answered moment of your characters’ that shows the protagonist
because the answer is story and should engage both interacting with it, not just
obvious our emotions and our minds observing it—employing the
• Example: Has by creating real-time character’s sensory
information momentum or action. perceptions, introducing his
technology advanced o If you’ve never thought much conflict and relationship with
slowly or by leaps and about the shape of a scene, inner and outer antagonists
bounds? consider it a self-contained and allies, and building the
§ Hyperbole — use of mini-story with a rising energy character to a high or low
exaggeration to that builds to an epiphany, a point. Never leave the reader
emphasize an idea discovery, an admission, an too satisfied at the end of a
understanding, or an scene; she must want to keep
experience.
FIRST SEMESTER MIDTERM EXAMINATIONS – CREATIVE NONFICTION (HUMSS)

reading to find out what puts readers to sleep after too o Scenes are not long histories
happens next. long. of people and places (that’s
- WHAT SHOULD A SCENE o Your scenes can end on a dull backstory).
ACCOMPLISH? high note (a small victory for - EXAMPLE OF A SCENE
o Each scene creates your character) or a low note o Following are some examples
consequences that must be (a moment of cliff-hanging of scenes—or “scenelets,” for
dealt with or built upon in the suspense or uncertainty). It our purposes, as these are not
next scene. And thus, scene doesn’t matter which way it full scenes but have all the key
by scene, you tell a goes so long as each scene ingredients that tell a reader a
compelling story that has the concludes by setting up scene is unfolding: action,
dramatic power and future conflicts for the dialogue, and sensory
emotional impact of a great character(s) and creating in imagery that create
piece of music. readers a yearning to know immediacy, momentum, and
o A scene is defined by the what happens next. the sense that events are
presence of more real-time - WHAT QUALIFIES AS A SCENE? unfolding in the “now.”
momentum than interior o If you’re wondering whether a § They were moving
monologue (contemplation) passage or section you’ve quickly now, Wolgast at
or expository explanation. written qualifies as a scene, the wheel, Doyle beside
o Real-time momentum is a consider what scenes are not. him, thumbing away
combination of action, o Scenes are not an opportunity furiously on his
dialogue, and character to take your character on a handheld. Calling in to
interaction with his long, leisurely detour into let Sykes know who was
surroundings and other situations with characters in charge.
characters. Scenes crackle that have nothing to do with § “No goddamn signal.”
with energy and rhythms that the protagonist’s dramatic Doyle tossed his
make readers feel as though action goals (that’s a handheld onto the
they are right beside (or character profile or vignette). dash. They were fifteen
inside) the character as he o Scenes are not a place to miles outside of Homer,
experiences any number of explain something or to headed due west; the
situations and scenarios. In lecture to your reader (that’s a open fields slid
contrast, narrative pace killer). endlessly away under a
summary—lecturing, sky thick with stars. —
explaining, or describing— from The Passage, an
FIRST SEMESTER MIDTERM EXAMINATIONS – CREATIVE NONFICTION (HUMSS)
apocalyptic vampire
novel by Justin Cronin
- HOW TO CREATE CREATIVE
NONFICTION? DIALOGUE AND
ACTION
o REVEALING CHARACTER
THROUGH DIALOGUE AND
ACTION
§ Readers are interested
the comments,
conversations, and
behaviour of real
people. For instance,
the public was
fascinated about the
sexual indiscretions of
Tiger Woods. And the
media was quick to
report on the story.
Some would call it
tabloid journalism.
§ Your goal in writing
creative nonfiction is to
recreate the events or
experience of the true
story for the reader. But
you must state the facts
and write the story
using literary
techniques. Revealing
character through
dialogue and revealing
character through
action are two family and friends,
important literary look at old photos, or
techniques that you revisit the
can use to recreate the place where the event
story. took place. Be
o DEVELOPING CHARACTER forewarned, if you
THROUGH DIALOGUE include comments,
§ What is dialogue? conversations, or
• It refers to the words dialogue that never
spoken by real people. occurred, you are
It can be a comment writing fiction, not
made by a person or a creative nonfiction.
conversation by two o PURPOSE OF DIALOGUE
or more people. Your § According to Dinty
job is to recapture the Moore, who is the
important comments author of the fantastic
and conversations. book, Truth of the
You can remember Matter: Art and Craft in
dialogue by carefully Creative Nonfiction,
observing what a including dialogue in
person says and then your narrative has two
writing it down later. If benefits:
you are interviewing a § Dialogue changes the
person, you can make flow or pace of the
notes or use a tape narrative, providing
recorder. If you are texture.
attempting to § Dialogue gives the
remember dialogue, reader the opportunity
you will have to to interpret or judge the
recreate the dialogue content of the dialogue
to the best of your and determine what
memory. Often you sort of
will need to interview
FIRST SEMESTER MIDTERM EXAMINATIONS – CREATIVE NONFICTION (HUMSS)

personality/character happened. It is part of

you are writing about. recreating the scene.
§ Your goal as a creative - Remember that great dialogue in
nonfiction writer is fiction does the following four
remember and write things:
about important - Dialogue allows us to show conflict.
comments and - Dialogue creates tension.
dialogue. It must reveal - Dialogue advances the story.
character or develop - Dialogue reveals character.
the story. For instance, a (indirect characterisation)
conversation between
two people can be an
important event in the
story. It can even be a
turning point. Suppose
you are writing your
memoir, a story in
which your wife tells
you she is going to
leave you. She wants a
divorce. This
conversation might be
a turning point in your
life, a significant event
that you might wish to
share with your readers.
§ Writing dialogue is an
important way to show,
not tell your readers
what happened. It
helps to dramatize the
story. It helps to
recreate what