I once considered non-fiction to be a style of writing that focuses purely more on facts and reality, telling true stories and details about the world of the film. However, this idea is quite open ended and vague. After a class discussion, I’ve determined non-fiction to be both extremely broad and yet also succinct. Non-fiction can be, but is not limited to a vast range of educational multimedia, as well as personal content such as vlogging, or even the current process, blogging. Non-fiction is the conventions and narratives of documentaries and in most cases, mockumentaries (more so the conventions). It is maps, dictionaries, news (most of the time) personal diaries. The extent and depth of what non-fiction can be is endless.

This idea is further shown in David Shield’s Reality Hunger, a collection of quotes from various sources, compiled in a way that presents the truth found throughout humanity. These quotes show realities of many different people in many different situations, as well as words that are often lived by. Examples of this include ‘All the best stories are true’ (149) as well as an exert from 147 asking ‘What did it feel like? What was it like inside his skin?’.  I felt a strong emotional response to some of these quotes. In context with the overarching theme of truth and reality, these sections often brought on a sense of shared pride in a lot of the quotes, that the truth is upheld and honoured. It is somewhat unexplained, and extremely inspiring.

Discussing and analysing non-fiction has given me a new found appreciation for the form, as I know understand how broad the media form can be, and how much inspiration it can give audiences.

Shields, David. Reality Hunger. Hamish Hamilton, 2010. pp. 52-53