Getting Started Non Fiction

Narrative Nonfiction: Making Facts Dance, Patricia Byrne

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 11:07:58 +0100

I then tried the historical fiction approach, taking the bones of my story and weaving a fictional structure about the events. This was a useful exercise in that it released my imagination to immerse myself in the fierce emotions and passions evoked in Ireland and beyond by the savage happenings in north Achill. In particular, it allowed me to get inside the heads of the main protagonists, Agnes MacDonnell and James Lynchehaun, and freed me from the discipline of sticking rigidly to the factual e...

Setting Goals & Making Time with Sheila Kiely

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 08:31:36 +0100

To make sense of your writing however you have to rein in freedom and set some boundaries. There is not for many the luxury of pure, free and indulgent writing and it would appear that to experience success one has to impose certain restrictions. And there it is. If success means being published then disciplined writing has to prevail. Structure is called for which means defining purpose and scheme and then ring-fencing this structure with boundaries of time determined by ...

Tips for Writing Non-fiction from Carol Tallon

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 18:02:49 +0100

2. Be clear about your goals.

Why are you doing this? If your aim is to achieve wealth or fame, reality TV is probably a more direct (and arguably, less torturous) route. If on the other hand, you have a passion for your subject and your aim is to educate the wider community, start writing now. Your work may not be published through traditional channels, but your passion will find a voice. This might be through blogging, local print media , various on-line channels ...

Defamation: Staying out of Trouble When Writing Non-fiction with Rachel Fehily

Tue, 24 May 2011 14:50:21 +0100

And be careful, you can defame a company as well as an individual under the 2009 Act.

What are the defences to Defamation?

Truth: The author must prove that the statement is true in all material respects. If some of the words aren’t true but they don’t injure the plaintiff’s reputation then the defence will not fail.

Absolute and qualified Privilege: This isn’t really relevant to writers but we need to give you the full picture. It covers situations where politicians in the Dail or Sea...

The Seven Rules of Writing

Wed, 11 May 2011 11:48:48 +0100

Domesticity kills writing. To write successfully you must go somewhere very far away and assiduously learn to ignore household tasks.

You must be logical about your priorities – be selfish and remember, you will get a lot more kudos at dinner parties for your recently published book than a clean, organized house.

Find a local library, an empty office or a room in a friend’s house, close the door, and forget about the mess at home.

I don’t know how J K Rowling wrote in a café, I suspec...

Writing What You Know

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 10:07:41 +0100

Who are you?

Many new writers feel that making their mark in the non-fiction world is an impossible challenge. Who are you? Are you important or interesting enough? Do you feel confident? Have a look at the non-fiction lists. They’re filled with books written by very high profile people. It’s daunting.

They say that everyone has a novel in them but only the very famous can write a cook book or a memoir.

If you’re a pop star, a rock star, a TV chef with an impenetrable French accent (sorr...

Self Help for Success

Sun, 06 Mar 2011 10:54:17 +0100

1. Know your subject

John Gray knows his subject. He used his Phd in communications and practise as a family therapist and relationship counsellor as the starting point to develop the ideas for his books which have become the foundation for his hugely successful multi-million dollar business.

“Men are From Mars, Women are From Venus,” one of the most phenomenally successful and famous non-fiction books of all time, is a self help book that helps heterosexual couples improve their relationsh...