Fiction vs. Nonfiction

Fiction and nonfiction. Both types of writing are different. Both can be very enjoyable for the writer. With fiction, a writer can let their imagination run free. They can write almost anything. If they want to write about other worlds and other peoples, they can. All they have to do is create a science fiction setting. If they want to write the ultimate love story, they can. It is all up to the writer. The moment they sit down at their computer or with pen and paper, they are allowed to write whatever they want.

Nonfiction is different. It is based on facts, dates, places. Nonfiction is the who, what, and where of writing, while fiction usually deals with the whys behind the actions. Within nonfiction, there are many different types of writing from the essay, the interview, and everything in between.

Both fiction and nonfiction have their place in a writer's life. I have often heard that a writer will not be able to make a living as a writer on writing fiction alone. At first, I thought they were kidding, but since I became a professional writer almost a year ago, I realized they were right. All the money I have made as a writer has been for my nonfiction writing. I still write fiction, but I have learned that you need to write both in order to make an income with your writing.

So what does this mean? It means that you need to be versatile in your writing. If you love writing fiction, then by no means stop writing it, but you also need to write something else. Find a type of nonfiction you enjoy writing. Whether it be writing articles for your local newspaper or writing travel articles online. Find something that you write and write well, so you can make a living doing what you love.

This week's market and contest of the week are:

Market of the Week
Editor: Anika Viola
Website: Teen Mama
Email: anika@mamaspif.com
Address:Mama Specific Productions Submissions P.O.Box 111356 Cleveland, OH 44111
What do they publish:Articles, short stories, poems on teen parenting, pregnancy, and issues surrounding it.
Payment: $25 for non exclusive rights to work
Contact: Send work by mail or email clearly stating it is for Teenmama.com. work should be 1,000 words maximum.

Contest of the Week
"The Hook"
Website: Contest Guidelines
Mail entry to: Enter online
Entry fee: None
Prizes: $10
Deadline: May 15th, 2001

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