Writers work in all industries and develop original written content for a variety of media, including books, newspapers, music and websites. While fiction writers might draw inspiration -- characters and plotline, for example -- from the world around them, their work is made up from their imagination. Nonfiction writers, on the other hand, base their work on facts, writing about ideas or events that actually took place.
Fiction is not factual. It is created from a writer's imagination and relies on the story of imaginary things, imaginary people, imaginary events and imaginary places. Regardless of the genre in which the writer writes, fiction is meant to entertain and draw on a reader's emotions to create a sense of excitement. The finished product might be a work of poetry, a novel, drama or screenplay, and the fiction writer relies on the elements of fiction -- character, plot, setting, theme and style -- to elaborate and convey the story.
Writers of fiction write novels, novellas and short stories for publication in print and online. Some fiction writers also create musicals, songs, movie scripts and plays. There are a variety of fiction genres -- including romance, science fiction and historical fiction -- and over the course of a career, writers may produce works of all types. In addition to time spent writing, fiction writers frequently host workshops and seminars, introducing the elements of fiction writing, providing story starters, and sharing publishing tips for individuals who are interested in producing works of fiction.
Nonfiction is factual writing that is based on real things, real facts, real people and real places. Though it may evoke emotions and excitement like nonfiction, it is meant, instead, to inform and educate the reader. Writers who specialize in nonfiction concentrate on providing simple, direct prose that clearly demonstrates an idea without additional imaginative interpretations. This type of writing relies heavily on summarizing and paraphrasing the author's research from a variety of fact-based sources such as journals, historical biographies or personal interviews.
Nonfiction careers are developed out of every industry and profession. Writers might specialize in producing how-to demonstrations or provide self-improvement assistance, such as navigating a divorce or acing the Bar exam. Technical writers and editors might create equipment manuals or operating and maintenance instructions. Journalists write nonfiction articles for magazines and newspapers. Historians might work for a company that produces textbooks, autobiographies or film documentaries. Nonfiction writers also work in a public-relations capacity for marketing firms, corporations and government agencies.
Working Conditions and Job Outlook
Writers and authors can work anywhere they have access to a computer, whether that is at an office, at home, or beachside on vacation. Most writers work full-time, though schedules may vary depending on deadlines, workload and research needs. Developments in technology have already created a prevalence of digital content and a gradual decrease in printed materials. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects that the growing number of online publications and services will create demand for writers with Web and multimedia experience.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Writer
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Writers and Authors
- Southeast Missouri State University: The Elements of Fiction
- Writer's Digest: The 21 Key Traits of Best Selling Fiction
- Writer's Digest University: Writing Nonfiction 101: Fundamentals
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Technical Writers
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