The true colour of your soul
Jennifer shares what appeals to us in creative non-fiction
People don’t think I’m shy, but I am. If I had to pick a description, I’d say that I’m an introverted people-person, and am far more comfortable in an intimate one-on-one conversation than I am in a group. If I’m at a party or an event, you’ll find me in the kitchen or in a quiet corner discussing deep and meaningful matters with a likeminded individual. This can often be misconstrued as aloofness, but it’s actually the opposite; I crave connection to ground me in this crazy world. Perhaps this is why creative non-fiction, the literary equivalent of a intimate chat, so appeals to me, because it speaks directly to my heart.
In thinking about how to frame this post, I recalled the viral TED Talk by author, academic, and shame researcher Brené Brown, in which she spoke about how sharing our vulnerability stories can build real connection, and help relieve us of our shame. This is truth to power in its most personal, fundamental, and courageous form, and to my mind, it’s exactly what creative non-fiction is about (or I should say, is often about, because I wouldn’t want to limit any writer’s expression in any way). What was once painful, awful, embarrassing, joyful, is transformed by art into an honest expression of your humanity, touching your heart to ours. To reveal oneself in this way is authentic and liberating, and we as editors applaud you for your courage and wisdom.
In terms of language, all the tools of the fiction writer are at the disposal of the non-fiction writer, who are in many cases one and the same person. Good writing, keen observation, a certain elegance and flair in the telling, are essential in the creative non-fiction pieces we select for publication in Frazzled Lit, but they must always ring with truth, because what we most look for is authenticity. The work should be thought provoking, perhaps sobering, and linger long in our minds and hearts. We want not so much an admission as an embracing of your experience, one which welcomes us to see a part of you in a transformative and cathartic way.
This doesn’t mean that you must bare all and render yourself naked before the world - the writer should always be mindful of their boundaries and ours - but we do want a window into your life. Bring us your dejection and defeat, bring us your joy, acceptance, triumph, and self-actualisation, and capture it all within a crystal-clear span. Give us your unique lived experience from a perspective that only you can know. By sharing it with us, you validate our humanity and yours, and give us permission to own our pleasures and our pain.
When you share your creative non-fiction with us, we promise to treat it as tenderly as if you had whispered your story to us by candlelight in a quiet backstreet cafe. We will remember you, and your experience will become a part of our shared history. And, should we chance to actually meet you some day, we will already know you, for you will have shown us the true colour of your soul.
We’ve published some great creative non-fiction in Frazzled Lit. Below, I offer you three of what I consider to be fine examples of the craft.
