Photo by Thom Milkovic
Tips for Writers
Always tell the truth, even when you’re lying.
Um, what?
Most of us are familiar with the Blind Men and the Elephant story. Its point is twofold:
- No one has a complete picture, even if they were “there in person,” but…
- Everyone knows what they think happened, and what it meant to them
This is true in both fiction and non-fiction.
What About Journalists?
As non-fiction writers, they’re supposed to render facts as objectively as they can. But honest, objective fact-finders know that even after interviewing eyewitnesses (“blind men”) their summary will inevitably fall short of “complete.” Hence, “rioting occurred” is more accurate than “the protest turned into a riot” (did everyone riot? Were there no objectors?). And “many wept” is more accurate than “there wasn’t a dry eye in the audience” (did no one roll their eyes, and visit the loo?). There’s no such thing as a complete picture, and so, in essence, there’s no such thing as non-fiction — there are only degrees of fiction.
Make Your Readers Think
Even the best non-fiction contains lies (unavoidable fiction), and all good fiction contains truth (appropriated facts). This isn’t a weakness, it’s an invitation to present your readers with life in all its messy, intriguing glory, to make them think rather than do all the thinking for them. Don’t writersplain. Nuances, uncertainties, misunderstandings, conflicts, reconciliations and unresolved issues are all part of a good story—whether faithfully reported, or artfully invented.
If you report, tell us what each of the blind men “saw.” If you invent, show us what each of your characters believes, and then let the sparks fly when their perceptions rub up against one another. Allow your readers to agonize over the fact that, like the blind men in the old tale, each of the characters is a little bit right and a little bit (or a lot) wrong.
And most important of all, always tell the truth…
Even when you’re lying.
Mitch, you hit the nail on the head. It’s very important to allow the reader to form their own ideas based on the limited information you can provide them. Show, don’t tell.
Even when we aim for accuracy, we’re still offering a shaped, partial view — and that’s not a flaw but an opportunity. Good writing doesn’t flatten reality; it invites readers into the tension, the nuance, the competing angles. Truth isn’t just in the facts we present, but in the integrity with which we acknowledge what we can’t fully capture.
It’s a refreshing reminder that faithful storytelling isn’t about omniscience — it’s about humility, clarity, and the courage to let readers think for themselves.
Exactly, Michael.
Your words are true – or maybe not. The media has deviated so much in order to spike ratings and readership. Whatever happened to the Thomas Paines of yore?
Good question, Kathy.
I’ve felt guilty before after taking a real life event and capturing the essence of it in a brand new story. It’s a relief to know that you and Hemingway believe this is preferable to simply sharing the bare (likely boring) facts. A story teller need not be a journalist. Thank you, Mitch.
My pleasure, David, and right you are.
“Writersplain”! An amusing word but so apt a pitfall. A great post, Mitch!
Thanks, Carol!
This is the ultimate read for me today, Mitch.
Happy to hear that, Kajal.
Words are only, mirrors…
Excellent points in your post, Mitch!
Thanks, Terry!
I’m a fiction writer and a blogger, so this is great advice. Thank you!
My pleasure, Susie.
Amen, Mitch. For as long as we’re in these mortal bodies with our imperfect minds, we will never get it 100% right, even when writing “non-fiction.” (Although we can be “seeking divine perspective.” 😉) When writing “Sparrows” I enjoyed hearing from people who had been in New York City on 9-11 and telling variations of the story of from the eyes of at least 8 of my characters.
7-13
We all totally agree! (Oops…….I am here alone except for a chicken……. and……and…. the chicken is in the oven.
;>)
You make great points here, Mitch. We do all these little lies and exaggerations on a regular basis.
Good point. Sometimes difficult when presenting history, much of which gets embellished, if not simply re-invented over time… and especially when the subject is the source. But then the alternative is simply to declare the source, and as you say here, let the reader decide. (ツ)b
Good journalism is not pretending to know everything. I think, it is being transparent about what is known, what isn’t, and why.
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Thanks, Mitch. A must share!
My pleasure, Robin!
Mitch your conscience is nagging “Even the best non-fiction contains lies (unavoidable fiction), and all good fiction contains truth (appropriated facts).”
Perhaps I’m in a different world.
“It’s a refreshing reminder that faithful storytelling isn’t about omniscience — it’s about humility, clarity, and the courage to let readers think for themselves.”
For all things fiction, in my opinion.
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