I m often asked why I choose to write Non-Fiction. The answer is easy. Write what you know. Is rule number one of any creative writing class. When you write non-fiction, you don’t have to worry about dreaming up every scenario for every character, because you already know the connections. You can focus on the authenticity of the story, and you can better describe the characters, their circumstances, and their emotions. There is no leaving anything to conjecture or speculation. The outcome is or was, the real-life outcome.
There is also another dimension to writing regardless of whether you are writing fiction or non-fiction, and that is doing research. In my case, it is usually researching the statistics, the laws, the circumstances, and old news articles to get a flavor of what the true facts of a story are. There is an old adage that says “Don’t confuse me with facts, my mind is made up”. When you do research, you find that sometimes your assumptions are wrong and you change your perspective on things.
When I wrote the book on Gun Control, I thought I knew what I would find, but the research led me to change my mind about several aspects of buying, owning, and controlling guns. I also learned that many of the remedies can be easily implemented by our State and Local officials and those remedies do not violate anyone’s second amendment rights. My conversations with both Police officers and Prosecutors was invaluable.
When I wrote the book about the Wilhelm Legacy, a true story of World War II, I found that there was a much bigger story that my writing had ever intended to cover. That book won an International award, and the war records of Eastern Europe gave me a much greater insight into the conflict between the Russians and Germans that we never learned in school.
Five Amazing Men (another award winner) was about the five men who most influenced my life including the ability to write creatively and to write well. This was a great attribute to have as an executive and later in life as a corporate President and Chief Executive Officer. Their ability to inspire others received the public recognition that they deserved. I admired each of them.
Writing is not only therapeutic, but it broadens our understanding of the world around us. Writing reduces stress, and enhances your brain health. You will find that writing provides you purpose, stimulation, and peace of mind, plus the satisfaction of being able to hold your thoughts in your hand and leave a legacy to your family and friends. Books transcend our brief time on earth.
