Writing Through the Soul: A Writer’s Struggle

The Struggle Between Writing Fiction and Non-Fiction: A Writer’s Dilemma

As a writer, I often find myself caught in a tug-of-war between two distinct worlds: fiction and non-fiction. Each calls to me in different ways, each with its own unique challenges and rewards. But it’s not as simple as just picking one over the other — the struggle is real, and it’s a constant dance between creativity and reality. Add poetry into the mix, and it’s enough to drive one crazy. This dilemma is something I have been struggling with for years. That is why Writing Through the Soul, it covers everything.

Writing fiction allows me to explore limitless possibilities. It’s a realm where I can create entire worlds, invent characters, and let my imagination run wild. The beauty of fiction is that I can take risks, bend the rules, and allow my characters to evolve in ways that surprise even me. Fiction offers an escape, a chance to bring ideas to life in ways that feel freeing and often cathartic.

But then there’s non-fiction, which feels like a grounding force. When I write non-fiction, I’m tethered to the real world. Facts, accuracy, and truth are paramount. While fiction can be a playground, non-fiction is a responsibility. It demands precision, clarity, and an understanding of the subject at hand. I can’t invent my way through a problem or fabricate a solution. Non-fiction challenges me to explore topics that matter, to dig deep and connect with readers on a practical, often intellectual, level.

The struggle comes when these two worlds collide. Some days, I’m drawn to the chaos of my imagination, itching to craft a new story where anything is possible. Other days, I feel the weight of responsibility to write something that informs, educates, and influences. These contrasting desires pull me in opposite directions, leaving me feeling torn.

I can spend days immersed in a non-fiction piece, feeling accomplished as I refine my arguments and present facts in a compelling way. But then, without warning, the characters in my head start to whisper, demanding their story to be told. The fictional world begins to beckon, pulling me away from my research, my facts, and my deadlines. And just when I think I’ve got it under control, the need to tell stories in the real world — to document experiences, to offer insight — comes rushing back.

Writing both fiction and non-fiction isn’t just about balancing two genres; it’s about balancing the very different parts of myself that they represent. Fiction lets me be an explorer, free to create and shape realities, while non-fiction forces me to be a thinker, grounded in facts and the responsibility of communicating truth.

Sometimes I wonder if I should just pick one — give myself permission to focus solely on one realm. But every time I try, I feel a part of me wither. The truth is, I need both. I need the escape, the thrill of fiction, and the discipline of non-fiction to feel complete as a writer.

Do any of you face this problem? How do you deal with it?

Thank-you for reading.

Much Love and light,

Brenda Marie