Writing Non-Fiction

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   nataliemarie71posted 13 years ago

   I have been interested in writing books of non-fiction.  Unfortunately the people I've chosen have all passed on, and I was wondering how I could write about them.  I have done research, but I do not want to write what others have already said.  Can anyone give me advice on writing about these people?

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      Rafiniposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      what kind of people?  The only thing I would say is to write from your own perspective.

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         nataliemarie71posted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Actually i wanted to write short stories on the women who worked in the airplane factories during WWII.  They were known as "Rosie The Riviter."  I was so excited about the idea, but all I can find were a few stories on the internet.  They gave wonderful information, but I do not know what I can mention or not.

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            Rafiniposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            hhmm, is it possible to try interviewing people who knew a Rosie The Riviter like nlowman suggested? 
            
            I would say you could mention something that is factual as long as you either quote and give your source OR put it into your own words.  Are you wanting to create a fictional story based on Rosie The Riviter or  some kind of biography?

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               nataliemarie71posted 13 years agoin reply to this

               I really wanted to tell their true stories.  I have tried to contact all types of groups that may have known a "Rosie", or may had been one, but I had no success.  Maybe writing a fictional story based on "Rosie" is the way to go.  See I have studied so much from WWII that I have so many ideas for stories in my head, but they are all non-fiction.  Unfortunately many of these people are gone or may still be alive in Germany, and you need a lot of money to go that root.

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                  Rafiniposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                  to write a story based on truth you'd need to do a lot of research.  I'm not one to go that route, other than my own story (lol) so I'm not so sure how to go about getting the info you need.

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                     nataliemarie71posted 13 years agoin reply to this

                     But I could possibly write a fictional story like you had mentioned.  That just might work.  Maybe if I write it some of you guys can read it and tell me what you think?  Thanks for your help and suggestions.  I hope to speak with you more.

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                        Rafiniposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                        You can post a link in the hub makeover forum when it's done but be sure to specifically mention you're looking for a review. (I think that's okay...cuz I did it once)

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                           nataliemarie71posted 13 years agoin reply to this

                           I will do that! Thanks again! Wish me luck lol.

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      nlowmanposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      You can also try to interview people who are still alive who may have had contact with your subjects. I think it would be helpful to know what kind of people/who, like Rafini asked.

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      classicalgeekposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      There are thousands upon thousands of "Rosies" still alive. Try talking to 75-year-old women. You are bound to turn up lots of them.

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   wychicposted 13 years ago

   Have you tried posting on boards such as Ancestry or Heritage Quest? World War II was just long ago that there might not be many people left alive with first-hand accounts, but there might be a lot who could share their stories about parents and grandparents. This sounds like it would be a great subject, and since it's not well-covered and the information will only get harder and harder to come by, definitely worth doing some digging, especially since you're excited about it.

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      nataliemarie71posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you so much!  I think I will try Heritage Quest.  My hope is talk to some one out there.

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         allisonaaposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         along with that, you should keep looking for more information--it's out there. try library catalogues for books and films pertaining to WWII and to industry in that period--if you are in school, check the databases you might have access to, just for starts. sadly, there are fewer and fewer remaining direct sources available--passage of time and all. regardless, try to find a perspective that is a bit different--perhaps, what was it like for those women after the war? how did their experience change them? what kind of impact did their presence in the workforce have?  it's an interesting topic, good luck with it.

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            nataliemarie71posted 13 years agoin reply to this

            I appreciate your advice.  My one question is if I find information on the internet or even in books can I use them to write short stories about these women?  I'm afraid to use anything without their consent.

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               allisonaaposted 13 years agoin reply to this

               that would likely depend on what you use and how you use it. usage and sourcing rules and requirements--provenance-- for non-fiction are quite different than what would be acceptable for  fiction. it gets pretty technical but there are a ton of style manuals available for help. MLA, APA, Chicago, AP, etc. all writers should own a stack of style manuals at least as high as they are tall---lol.

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                  nataliemarie71posted 13 years agoin reply to this

                  Lol! I will look into getting them! Thank You!

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                     allisonaaposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                     the MLA (Modern Language Association) manual--try for the latest version available--is a really good starting point. Properly documenting material can be a really daunting task until you get the hang of it. i find mla to be the easiest but it is also the one i've used the most so...good luck

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   theirishobserver.posted 13 years ago

   I have just published an e-book -
   
   irishrepublicanarmy-ira.blogspot.com
   
   This e-book I had already published on Hub pages in 12 chapters - while I have used and referenced other writers I have also added my own knowledge, experience and thoughts - I think you need to use other writers, reference them, but also add your own personal element, that is good I think

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      nataliemarie71posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you. I have been thinking the same thing! I have read so many books on my topic, so I thought I could put my own personal spin to the story! I think I am going to go the fiction route though.

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   KCC Big Countryposted 13 years ago

   There are lots of people who enjoy historical fiction.  WWII historical fiction would most likely be high on the list.  I agree that interviewing someone who has personal knowledge of a "Rosie" would be great.  They probably have photos to share too.  I think it's a great idea.

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