Writing is a versatile art that allows us to create stories of imagination as well as factual narratives. Two prominent forms of writing that engage the creative and analytical sides of our minds are fiction and articles. I’d like to focus on the differences and similarities in several categories in order to understand them clearly.
Photo by Alice Yamamura on Unsplash
The Art of Storytelling
Writing fiction is undoubtedly the realm of creativity. Fiction writers conjure up worlds, characters and stories from the depths of their imagination. They may be based on real events or they may be completely made up, it doesn’t matter. Fictional works are a tool for storytelling, often using elements such as plot, character development (their appearance, philosophy and identity) and setting to take the reader on an entertaining journey.
Articles, on the other hand, are primarily set in the real world. They aim to inform, educate or perhaps persuade the reader by presenting facts, analysis (which may be supported by graphics) or opinion on a particular topic. Although articles may include narrative techniques, their focus is on providing information and insight.
However, both forms of writing require strong storytelling skills. Even in non-fiction articles, writers often use storytelling techniques to engage readers and make complex information more digestible. Otherwise, it can be monotonous for everyday readers. A humorous approach can be useful to keep readers’ attention.
The Use of Language
In fiction, writers often have more creative freedom with language. They can use metaphors, similes and figurative language to evoke emotions and create mental images in the reader’s mind. I think this is necessary because the work is completely fictional, which means it has no resemblance to our world.
Articles tend to be more straightforward in their language. Clarity and precision are key to ensuring that the message or information is easily understood by a wide readership. Writers may also need to be concise and to the point at times.
Although you can be freer in fiction, both require a mastery of the language. Writers in both fields must have a strong command of grammar, syntax and vocabulary, if not a perfect narrative.
Narrative Structure
Speaking of which, fiction often follows a traditional narrative structure, with elements such as exposition of events, rising action, climax and resolution. Plot twists, foreshadowing, red herrings and unexpected conflicts are often used in the story, as well as some other literary devices.
Articles also have a structure, but it tends to be more formulaic. Many articles follow a straightforward format with an introduction, body and conclusion, as you all learnt in your literature classes at school. The aim is to present information in a logical and coherent way. The reader needs to be drawn into the story slowly but surely. What is it, what are the details and branches related to the main theme, what is the short and final explanation of it; is a simple way to understand its order.
In both forms of writing, structure is indeed vital. No matter how chaotic the plot, order is needed in any piece of writing. It can be clever, strange or standard. However, a clear and organised structure helps the reader to follow the narrative or argument more effectively. Especially in articles.
Purpose and Audience
The primary purpose of fictional works is to entertain, provoke emotion and capture the imagination of the reader. Ultimately, the audience may be looking for escapism, adventure or the pleasure of a well-crafted story. This is understandable from any point of view.
But articles serve different purposes, including informing, educating, persuading or even entertaining. The audience for an article depends on the subject matter and the publication’s target readership. While fiction often requires your spare time, articles need to be part of your everyday life or academic career.
In both cases, understanding the audience’s expectations and interests is crucial to effective communication. This can also be helpful when researching potential readers for authors’ next works.
Whether you write the former or the latter, or even both, they all need your attention. Make it clear, understandable and to the point if it is an article; imaginative, unique, funny and enticing if it is fiction. Put yourself in the reader’s shoes and find out what is missing or too much. To be a decent writer, we must first be a better reader.
Articles that might interest you:
Yorumlar