The Three R’s of Narrative Nonfiction

In “The Three R’s of Narrative Nonfiction,” Lee Gutkind states that the three R’s include, “First comes research, then real world exploration and finally and perhaps most important, a fact-checking review of all that has been written.” For this discussion, you will be asked to research your topic. By this, I mean simply to look at the subject matter you are focused on and delve into the research that will add depth. For example, if you are discussing an experience during the mid-90s, instead of stating the exact year, you could state something like, “the radio was blaring Britney Spears' ‘Oops! I Did It Again’ every third song on the radio.” The reader would be able to relate the song to the period, which would allow them to get essential information while also feeling connected to the narrative.

1. Determine your subject matter for the creative nonfiction draft.
2. Make a list of some key images or events that you plan to focus on.
3. Based on the suggestions from Gutkind’s article, go online and research the major events of the period, interview people involved, or perhaps bystanders, to develop some greater insight into crafting a full picture for the reader.
4. Find at least three pieces of research and then write a paragraph that utilizes all these images into a complete scene.