Books Quote by David Quammen
“As I started to read nonfiction in the mid '70s, I discovered, holy cow, there was a lot of imaginative nonfiction. Not the kind where people use composite characters and invented quotes. I hate that kind of nonfiction. But imaginative in the sense that good writing and unexpected structure and vivid reporting could be combined with presenting facts.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: “The Art of Narrative Nonfiction” by David Quammen, 1990s
Good nonfiction blends factual reporting with vivid, creative storytelling without fabricating facts.
In simple terms: Combine factual accuracy with imaginative storytelling.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize truth while using engaging narrative techniques.
Themes
journalism
creativity
truth
storytelling
nonfiction
Mood
inspirational
analytical
Type
educational
literary
When to use this quote
- documentary writing
- feature articles
- educational content
- media production
Key Concepts
narrative structure
ethical reporting
literary style
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you ensure factual integrity while being creative?
- What narrative tools enhance reader engagement?
A Different Perspective
Balancing creativity and fact‑checking can be challenging.
