Is Nonfiction Really the Truth?

Or is it subjective "knowing"?

With the onset of Nonfiction November, I have my self-help and my memoirs to-read, all lined up for the month. 

But, that got me thinking...are these kinds of stories really the truth?

Research would suggest that findings are true, and yet, researchers seek what they wish to seek, or write what they understand to be the truth. 

Similarly, memoir seeks to outline ones perception and memory as the truth. As a memoirist, I am familiar with the notion of perceiving my thoughts as truth, compared to the same event experienced differently by someone else. 

I am not taking away from either experience, simply outlining that two opposing perceptions can be true at the same time, about the very same event. I know, because I've struggled through, trying to portray instances subjectively. 

Turns out it is impossible, because we cannot experience another's feelings for them. Therefore, what we write, is our truth.

Okay, I realise these are heavy thoughts but I am extremely curious to hear your debates for or against the notion that nonfiction is essentially fiction veiled as perception. If you'd rather email your thoughts to me than comment below, please do, I'd love to hear from you: elora.canne@gmail.com

“If uncovering the truth is the greatest challenge of nonfiction writing, it is also the greatest reward.” — Literary consensus

 

My muse, Frida Kahlo, and me, photographed at Si Senorita, Forster.

Onto lighter subjects, that being the Nonfiction November books I have chosen:

Pat Backley is a multi-genre writer and I have read many of her books. So, choosing her memoir, 'Is Travel Still Fun in Your Seventies?' was an easy choice for me. As an avid traveller myself, I was interested in her take, as Pat has travelled far and wide!

The self-help book I have been wanting to read for ages (long story; library book delayed due to my own reasons out of my control), is, ‘Look After Your Feet: some keen observations on the unexpected advantages of getting older.’ 👀 Giving away my age here! Rosalie Ham is the author.

Righto, I've sent this blog post out a week early, before November 1st, because I need to know your choices for Nonfiction November. And, I simply must know your thoughts on nonfiction reality. Tongue in cheek, of course - maybe haha.

If nonfiction interests you, I have plenty of choices for you to make. From memoir to self-help, you can find them all on Amazon at the link below:

Linked Here - Elora Canne, Author

That's all for now, keep smiling.

😁

PS If my thoughts had you thinking I have a dislike for nonfiction, you'd be mistaken. 

Nonfiction has been my preferred genre for decades. From self-help to memoir, medical and biographies, I love them all. 

Feel free to recommend your favourites in a comment below.

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Oh! And one last thing. If you were wondering how my writing, and editing, is going? Smashingly well! Friendship & Fun (and romance undone) is taking on a shape I adore.

Okay, now it’s all for now. Until next time, keep smiling. 😁