Have you ever read a book and wondered whether it's all made up or a true story?
Well, it happens. And trust me, you are not alone. It really sometimes gets hard to differentiate between fiction and nonfiction. As the stories are really practical, with just the right pitch and events that make it hard to believe that it's all made up.
But once you understand that fine line between fiction and nonfiction, stories become easier to realise.
I know it's hard, but in this blog, you will learn all about what makes them different. And you will know which story is fiction and which one is nonfiction. So, let us get started.
What is Fiction?
So, let us start with the most dramatic one, fiction.
Well, fiction basically means stories that are NOT REAL.
They are the results of your imagination and are made-up stories by the writer. The people, places, and events all seem real, but they are actually not, and are a result of the imagination of the writers.
So, it is all about creativity, imagination and storytelling to the audience.
I am sure you all must have read or at least heard about the legendary Harry Potter. Well, it sounds too good, but it's all just fiction.
What is Nonfiction?
Now, let us understand what nonfiction is all about.
Well, you can say that it's just the opposite. They mean real stories or facts. And these books are not made-up stories, but they are based on true events or people that actually exist.
Everything from people to places is true in nonfiction.
So, the aim of these books is to inform, teach or share the real experiences with the audience.
Fiction Vs Nonfiction Examples
Well, let us understand with the help of examples to know exactly what these books are all about.
Examples of Fiction
So, the fiction includes books like:
- Short stories or fairy tales
- Science fiction and fantasy books
- Novels like Harry Potter or The Hunger Games
- Romance or Mystery novel
But a writer needs a great amount of creativity and attention to detail to create these masterpieces.
These stories can include everything, like talking animals, magic or even fantasy lands. They are not real, but it feels like a true magical world.
Examples of Nonfiction
Now, the nonfiction books include:
- Autobiographies & Biographies
- History books
- News articles
- Guides or how-to books
- Documentaries and
- Real travel stories
So, if you are reading something that's actually based on facts, then it's definitely non-fiction.
Fiction Vs. Nonfiction- A Quick Overview
So, to make things easier for you to understand, let us get a quick overview of fiction and nonfiction through this table to help you understand it better. Here we go:
| Feature | Fiction | Nonfiction |
|---|---|---|
| Based On | Imagination | Real events and facts |
| Purpose | Entertainment | Informing or educating |
| Example | Fantasy novels, stories, | Biographies, articles, or textbooks |
| Characters | are mostly imaginary | Real people or real situations |
| Structure | Drive by the plot with a start, middle and end | Based on facts and structured logically |
Why People Love Fiction?
Now that we know what these two really mean. Let us shed light on why these two are loved by people.
So, fiction actually gives people a chance to escape their boring lives and delve into the world of imagination where everything is simply possible. Reading fiction allows you to be a superhero, go on adventures, explore different worlds and meet characters that you can never actually meet. So, here is what actually fascinates people about fiction:
- Sparks imagination
- Helps us feel emotions
- Let us explore situations
- Give you a break from the real world
I would say that fiction books are like mini vacations for our brain that help us get lost in our world of imagination without any stress or worries of the real world.
Why People Love Nonfiction
Well, we've got all the good reasons to love fiction. But people love non-fiction too, as it helps them understand the real world better.
It helps them answer questions, provide knowledge and even inspire them with true-life events. Here is why people actually love reading nonfiction books:
- Teaches them new things and stuff
- Enlighten their minds with new knowledge
- Learn from real-life experiences
- Keeps them updated about the world
- Shows how other people live
Can a Book Be Both Fiction and Nonfiction?
Now that's what I call a great question. And the answer is yes, sometimes.
Some books mix real facts with storytelling to give us a taste of both fiction and nonfiction, like:
- Historical Fiction - A Story about World War II with made-up characters
- Creative Nonfiction - A True story told in a fun and more dramatic way
These books are a blend of both and take storytelling to a whole new level. They use real settings or true events with a pinch of creativity to make them more interesting and engaging.
There are many popular eBook Writing Company working on both.
How to Know If a Book Is Fiction or Nonfiction?
Sometimes it really gets hard to just tell whether a book is fiction or nonfiction. But don't worry, I know how to tell the difference. Here is how you can find out which book it is.
- The first thing that you need to do is check the genre of the book. If it says novel, story or tale, then it's probably fiction.
- Take a look at the introduction; it usually tells you if the story is based on true events.
- Finally, search for the author's note that will explain whether it's real or made up.
Final Words
So, whether you are a fan of tall tales or true stories, now you know what sets them apart from each other.
You can now explore books with more confidence when you know whether it's fiction or nonfiction.
Remember, fiction is all about feeding your imagination, whereas nonfiction is all about facts. So, no doubt, both of them are valuable pieces of writing and are fun. And the best part is you know which one is what.
So, next time, when you are choosing a book for yourself. Make sure that you know whether you want to dive into imagination or learn something practical. Best of Luck!
