Although most mainstream nonfiction writers do not stray from the territory of personal experience, many have made leaps into a more speculative realm - weaving historical, social, and scientific research into the text. Albert Goldbarth, Luc Sante, and David Ulin come immediately to mind.
This is different from personal research - when writers read old diary entries or ask their mothers about childhood memories. Here, meaning is not located solely within the personal, but in the nexus between scientific and personal truth, memory and forensic examination. I aspire to this in my own work, often reading medical textbooks, corresponding with scientists, or looking at crime scene photographs. It is surprising how everything connects, how much richer experience becomes when examined in this speculative mode.
For the next series of posts, I want to focus on this process. Expect a post tomorrow about expert witnesses in criminal trials, creative writing, and the poetic imagination.
Comments (2)
Expert witnesses, creative writing, and poetic imagination sound like a nice list of ingredients. I'm guessing the right combination of the three results in a truth that comes in just about any flavor you desire.
Posted by Keith | April 12, 2004 3:52 PM
Posted on April 12, 2004 15:52
Hee hee. Experts often do come up with competing truths. But the jury keeps them within reason. :)
ps I meant to post part one yesterday, but my Internet connection was strangely sloooow (considering I have DSL). Earthlink must have been having trouble. Things look better today.
Posted by karrie | April 13, 2004 6:12 AM
Posted on April 13, 2004 06:12