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Fiction vs. Non-Fiction for Environmental Viewpoint

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bionov
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Fiction vs. Non-Fiction for Environmental Viewpoint

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Because Michael Crichton was known for his thriller novels, he used this platform to present his views (backed with scientific data) on global warming. Therefore, “State of Fear”, would be classified as an environmental thriller. I have followed his lead in writing my own environmental thriller, entitled "Green Power". I start my novel questioning the safety of nuclear power plants. Then I offer methane digesters as an alternate energy source. The plot evolves when an epidemic breaks out pointing to the methane project as the cause, bringing into question the safety of this approach. Like Crichton, I’ve used scientific facts to present my views in a fictional novel.
For this discussion, do you fell that an author can get away with more by using fiction to present their views than nonfiction?
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Re: Fiction vs. Non-Fiction for Environmental Viewpoint

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I think any fiction can be built from non-fiction. In the same way that a piece of evidence can be used to support two opposite viewpoints, you can support a story by cherry picking. Most stories have real settings. Some have real plot points.

A fiction story with a message can sometimes be more effective than non-fiction. Not many people will read a non-fiction book about draconian minimum sentencing laws for drug use. But a lot will watch The Rock in "Snitch", which is a story centered on that issue.

The two types reach different (yet overlapping) audiences.
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Re: Fiction vs. Non-Fiction for Environmental Viewpoint

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reminds me of Gore Vidal's approach as in "Narratives of Empire" and such.
Published between 1967 and 2000, they chronicle the history of Vidal's "American Empire", from dawn to decay, by interweaving the private stories of two fictional American families with the public stories of historical personages.
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