Rethinking Genre, Truth & Words We Use to Describe Our Writing: More to the Story with Janna Maron

Today on More to the Story Podcast: Why I’m rethinking how I use the word “nonfiction” to describe the kind of books I work on.

I’ve been rethinking how I describe the work I do with writers, and one thing has become clear: the word nonfiction doesn’t really serve us. It defines writing by what it isn’t, rather than what it is. In this episode, I talk about why that matters, how it affects the way writers think about their projects, and why I prefer to use the term personal story.

This shift isn’t just semantics—it’s about honoring what writers are actually doing when they tell the truth about their lives and experiences. Whether you’re writing memoir, essay, or narrative nonfiction, centering story (instead of “not fiction”) gives you a clearer, more empowering frame for the work ahead.

In today’s episode:

why the term nonfiction feels limiting and misleading
how genres like memoir, essay, and narrative don’t quite fit under the same umbrella
why story—especially personal story—is a more accurate way to name the work
how the words we use shape both the writing process and how others receive our work
what happens when you describe your project in terms of what it is instead of what it isn’t
an invitation to writers: to honor your story as its own genre

Links mentioned in this episode:
my free Book Outline Formula Worksheet → moretothestory.co/book-outline
my masterclass designed to help you finally write (& finish) your book → http://moretothestory.co/finishyourbook
More about Under the Gum Tree → underthegumtree.com
More about my coaching & editing services → moretothestory.co
Want help figuring out the next steps for your book project? Schedule a 15-min Book Diagnosis call with me.

Follow & Connect

subscribe & find show notes and transcripts for this episode at moretothestorypodcast.substack.com
follow me on Instagram @jannamarlies:   / jannamarlies  
follow Under the Gum Tree on Instagram @undergumtree:   / undergumtree  

Question for You

When you describe your writing project, what words do you use? Do they feel true to the work you’re creating? Share in the comments—I’d love to hear how you’re naming your story.

Thanks so much for listening and for being here! xo