Creative Nonfiction in Qualitative Inquiry

Abstract

In this chapter, Gullion and Williams address many of the nuances of writing qualitative inquiry. They urge researchers to incorporate elements from creative nonfiction and storytelling into their work to appeal to readers outside of their particular disciplines and sub-fields. They argue that while writing “academically” has its own merit, if researchers truly want their research to reach a broad audience, they must break out of their academic training and become storytellers. By advocating for the use of elements from creative nonfiction, such as narrative, plot lines/story arcs, descriptive language, bringing characters to life, and metaphors, Gullion and Williams show researchers how to bring their research to life in such a way as to draw in a multitude of readers.