Straddling the Line

Abstract

This research project focuses on the tension between fiction and creative non-fiction as they are defined and understood as separate styles of writing. The introductory section examines the scholarly discussion of “truth” and imagination and the blending of fact and fiction in this re-imagined genre of writing. The research considers the creative non-fiction memoir writing of Maya Angelou, Augusten Burroughs, and Dave Eggers. The concept of reader’s “belief” as they relate to a given creative non-fiction piece and the reality of perspective as a means to position and understand this type of writing is also explored. The reminder of the project includes original creative non-fiction and fiction pieces.