What is prose, poetry, art?

Posted on by Nicole McConnell

Nonfiction

[non-fik-shuh n]

Origin: 1905-1910 [non (real) + fiction (made-up)]

noun

  1. Nonfiction is an expression of reality; it can be embellished, raw, visceral, and soothing all at once.

This issue is un-themed, there are no restrictions. Submit your semi-tall tale or surrealistic essay, I look forward to reading them.

—Nicole Taylor

Fiction

[fik-shuhn]

Origin: 1375–1425 [fict (us) ion (forming nouns)]

noun

I once wrote that that fiction was more than the Google definition of “literature in the form of prose…that describes imaginary events and people,” that it was an escape for both reader and author. And, for me, that’s still true.

  1. Fiction is finding sanctuary in a mausoleum amidst vampires and ghouls. Or finding refuge in a cruising star ship, listening to a techno-symphony.
  2. Fiction is finding yourself in someone else’s shoes and experiencing their journey, whether it’s simply a day working at a laundromat or suddenly gaining the magical capabilities to change the course of history.
  3. Fiction, an experience outside yourself that allows you a small reprieve.

—Amber Porter

Poetry

[poh-i-tree]

Origin: 1350–1400 [poetrie + maker]

noun

  1. Poetry is many things and nothing all at once.
  2. It is the beauty of a still, blank, moment; and the roar of a pulsing, combusting wave of light. This is what makes poetry so unique, and so very important to the literary landscape.
  3. Poetry allows for the breath between. It is the small, contemplative, instant after a long book, a short story, or an essay.
  4. It is similar to art in this regard – a fleeting moment, yet it can fill so much space.

—Addey Vaters

Art

[ahrt]

Origin: before 950 [ear + be]

noun

  1. Art to some is fleeting, a moment, a breath, a feeling—there to embrace and gone as soon as one walks away.
  2. Art for others is everlasting—there to remember, to stand against time, something to go back to and visit.
  3. Art to me, is neither of these things, to me, art is a collaboration of heart, soul, mind, nature, nurture. It is how one expresses their creative side from the world influencing their creative decisions, and the rest of the world sees the result.
  4. The true beauty of art is that everyone experiences what they see and feel differently, letting them have their own definition.
  5. Art is the world of others that shakes me from my own—that makes me peek out from my bubble, step outside the bubble, and understand.  It helps me walk in a world different than my own (especially my lovely bubble).

—Nicole McConnell

Published by Nicole McConnell

Nicole McConnell already has two college degrees, and she still isn’t stopping. She grew up in Iowa and loves her Midwestern roots and her roly poly pug. She is a blogger for Hubpages and a Freelance editor and writer on the Kenna Jackson’s Writing Tips. She has also served on the committee for her college Literary Journal. Her dreams are to become a more published author, to share her worlds with others, hopefully to inspire them to write, find creative ways into writing, and build empires and kingdoms by slaying with words.