Fiction vs Non Fiction Writing

Non-Fiction Writing Style Comparison – How to Write by Jon Franklin v.s. Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott In her book Bird by Bird: Some Instructions for Writing and Life, Anne Lamott gives down-to-earth, wise and often funny advice on writing. She encourages writers to be easy on themselves while practicing discipline. The 27-chapter book is a practical advice on all aspects of the writer's life. Lamott explains why writing will not solve all of a budding writer’s problems: financial constraints, low self-esteem. At the same time, she argues that “writing does turn out to be its own reward.” Beginning with her writing career, Lamott introduces some practical points: shaping credible dialogue; thinking of a first draft as a Polaroid photograph that slowly develops. She says that there is no secret to writing well other than sitting down to do it every day. She also encourages by noting that even the best writers’ produce average first drafts. She offers writing tips such as carrying around index cards to jot down unexpected phrases and observations and focus on plot as an outgrowth of character. To some readers, Lamott’s writing style may come as slightly new age. It is an entertaining and inspiring take on the difficult parts of the writing life. Covering everything from plot to professional jealousy, Lamott's down-to-earth approach encourages writers to take a more non-judgmental attitude toward their own writing. Though Lamott has a more casual approach to writing, her advice and attitude toward writing dovetails with Jon Franklin in a striking way, who has a an extremely formulaic approach to writing. Both writers advise to tell the truth, practice discipline in writing and write about characters that readers can identify with, and who have strong life stories that can appeal on an emotional level. In Writing for Story, Franklin shows that a writer can master the craft of writing through insight, technique, and experience. He asks writers to adopt the writing...