What is Regular vs Creative vs Speculative Nonfiction

Many have asked this fair question: What is the difference between regular and creative nonfiction? I’ll also include a third category that often comes up: speculative nonfiction. Even though all writing is a creative act, some nonfiction naturally feels more “creative” than others.

The distinction lies in how the work is shaped and what kind of experience the writer intends for the reader. Nonfiction exists on a spectrum. Some writing prioritizes clarity and information. Some draw on lived experience to explore meaning. Other work examines the possibility while remaining grounded in reality. The chart below clarifies these distinctions while emphasizing their shared commitment to truth.

Note: When speculation appears, it should be clearly signposted and grounded in credible evidence rather than imaginative invention. When in doubt, prioritize clarity about what is known, what is experienced, and what is being inferred.