Narrative Nonfiction Techniques 10 Steps for Better Writing

Writing nonfiction that’s interesting can feel tricky—I get it. Sometimes nonfiction can seem dry or bland, like you’re stuck reading a textbook. But guess what? Nonfiction doesn’t have to be boring at all.

If you keep reading, you’ll discover practical, easy-to-follow techniques that’ll help you tell true stories people actually want to hear. You’ll see how a dash of fiction-style storytelling can make your nonfiction pop.

We’ll cover descriptive imagery, compelling characters, smart structure choices, and other handy strategies. Ready? Let’s jump right in.

Step 1: Use Clear Descriptions and Imagery

Let’s be honest—nonfiction can get a little dry sometimes, and one of the easiest ways to keep your reader from zoning out is to paint a vivid picture with your words. Think of it like illustrating a scene for someone who wasn’t there; the details and imagery bring the facts to life.

To practice this, choose concrete, sensory details. Don’t just say, “the room was crowded.” Instead, tell the reader how the noise was overwhelming, how shoulders brushed together, and the air felt stuffy and thick. Readers love specifics—they anchor us to the story.

Want an easy trick? Pretend you’re describing the scene to a friend who wasn’t there. What would they need to feel like they’re standing right next to you?

For a bit of inspiration, check out these winter writing prompts to sharpen your descriptive skills in storytelling.

Step 2: Build a Strong Narrative Structure

If there’s one thing we’ve learned from good storytelling, it’s that structure matters—a lot. Even though you’re writing nonfiction, think of your piece as a story with a clear beginning, middle, and end.

Start by outlining key events in chronological order or in a way that makes your message clearer. Your readers appreciate knowing there’s a roadmap guiding them through the narrative so they don’t feel lost.

A typical effective structure is setting the scene, building to the main events, presenting the climax or key insights, and then wrapping things up with a memorable ending.

For example, bestselling narrative nonfiction like “Into the Wild” or “Educated” follow straightforward story formats, drawing in millions of readers and topping major bestseller lists (no surprise there, since nonfiction accounted for 55% of adult book sales in the U.S. in 2020 according to NPD BookScan).

If structuring your story feels tricky, consider using a narrative arc planner—there are many helpful guides and tools online.

Step 3: Choose the Right Point of View for Your Story

Figuring out the ideal point of view matters. Perspective shapes how readers experience your story—and how connected they feel to it.

First-person narratives (“I did this, I saw that”) can create deeper emotional connection—great for memoirs or personal experiences. Readers feel closer to you and experience events through your eyes.

Third-person perspective (“She, he, they…”) gives you more freedom, as you’re able to share thoughts and experiences from multiple people. This is especially useful in historical nonfiction, biographies, and larger-scale stories.

If you’re still unsure which to choose, think about the story you’re trying to share and try drafting a page or two in each voice. Which feels more natural, more honest to your message?

Check out our breakdown of fourth-person point of view if you want to explore less common storytelling perspectives to set your narrative apart.

Step 4: Develop Engaging Characters

If you’ve ever found yourself glued to a nonfiction book because of great characters, you already know how essential character depth is—even when writing nonfiction.

To make your nonfiction engaging, describe people as if they’re characters in a novel, bringing out distinct personalities, motivations, and habits.

If you’re profiling someone, don’t stop at their job title—mention quirky details like their coffee obsession or nervous habits; these humanizing details stick with readers.

You can show character development through obstacles they overcame or transformations they experienced, giving your readers someone relatable to cheer for.

For instance, think about Cheryl Strayed in the memoir “Wild”—the reader roots for her because she feels real and honest, mistakes included.

If you’re unsure how to flesh out your characters (yes, even real people count), practicing with some realistic fiction writing prompts can help you sharpen your skills.

Step 5: State a Clear and Meaningful Theme

Sure, you’re writing true stories, but that doesn’t mean they can’t have deeper meanings.

Stories resonate with readers when they express truths we might understand but can’t always articulate ourselves.

To accomplish that, your narrative should clearly present a theme—something universal people can relate to, such as perseverance, family relationships, or navigating grief.

For example, the narrative nonfiction bestseller “When Breath Becomes Air” explores themes like mortality, meaning in life, and courage in adversity.

An easy way to pinpoint your nonfiction theme is to finish this sentence: “This story is really about…” and see what resonates with you most.

Step 6: Apply Fiction Techniques to Nonfiction

Who says nonfiction has to be 100% facts and 0% flair?

Borrow handy fiction techniques like tension, dramatic scenes, and pacing.

You can create suspense even when readers know exactly what happened.

For example, “Into Thin Air,” Jon Krakauer’s narrative nonfiction classic, is gripping precisely due to its dramatic pacing and tension—even though readers already know the fate of the climbers.

Also, try varying your chapter lengths for pacing and including dialogue to bring interactions to life (yes, nonfiction can have dialogue, too).

Not sure how dialogue works outside novels? Here’s a helpful guide on how to format dialogue effectively.

Step 7: Write with a Narrative Arc

Great nonfiction has the same key elements as a good film or novel—a clear narrative arc.

Think of it as your storytelling roadmap: clearly defined introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.

This structure helps your readers anticipate developments and keeps your narrative flowing naturally.

For example, Michael Lewis masterfully uses the narrative arc structure in “Moneyball,” guiding readers effortlessly through a baseball team’s unconventional journey.

To structure your own work, quickly map out your major events—start with your opening hook, plot out main turning points, highlight your climax, and lock down a resolution that satisfies readers.

Step 8: Do Thorough and Accurate Research

Nothing ruins credibility faster than a reader spotting a careless error, especially with nonfiction.

Accurate facts and in-depth research help you build trust and inform your audience appropriately.

When you’re digging into research, stick to reputable sources—academic journals, reliable news outlets, interviews with experts—and fact-check diligently.

If you’re quoting statistics or data, like knowing the nonfiction genre accounts for about 55% of adult book sales in the U.S. (according to NPD BookScan), confirm all numbers before publishing.

Another tip: Keep an organized system for notes and citations—apps like Evernote or tools like Google Docs help maintain a clear paper trail of sources.

Step 9: Provide Examples to Show, Rather than Tell

You may have heard it a million times, but it’s true: good writing shows instead of tells.

Rather than informing readers of someone’s bravery, share an example or anecdote where their actions demonstrate courage vividly.

For instance, instead of just mentioning someone felt grief-stricken, describe the scene of them wandering their empty house, lingering over old photographs.

This practice engages readers’ imaginations, creating emotional resonance between your words and their experience.

If you’re looking for more practical ways to sharpen your showing versus telling skills, practicing with creative exercises like these winter writing prompts can get you there.

Step 10: Write a Strong Beginning, Middle, and End

You want your nonfiction work to be remembered, right?

The simplest method to achieve this is crafting a compelling beginning, a substantial middle, and a satisfying ending.

Start your piece with a hook—an intriguing fact, surprising quotation, or an attention-grabbing anecdote.

In the middle, keep readers engaged through consistent pacing and strong, detailed storytelling, leaving room for thoughtful reflection or tense moments.

As for your ending, offer readers resolution, tie up key narratives, and emphasize your theme one last time to create a lasting impression.

One smart practice is to read great narrative nonfiction and see firsthand how successful authors like Laura Hillenbrand (“Unbroken”) carefully structure beginnings, middles, and endings—ensuring readers remember the experience long after the last page.

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