Something Solid

Abstract

This thesis project examines the genre of creative non-fiction. It argues for consideration of a new classification for this form of essay writing, beyond any “black and white” category which limits and cannot fully capture the idiosyncratic nature of true creative non-fiction. The author states, “there needs to be . . . a third category, one beyond nonfiction and fiction; to account for the blending of the two” (Niedermeier 8). The opening section explores the writing of Kurt Vonnegut, Jr., Tracy Kidder, and Frank McCourt with regard to its creative non-fiction aspects and also discusses Guskind’s concept of “three dimensional truth.” The concluding sections are original, creative non-fiction pieces.