* Strong verbs and specific imagery: These sentences bring the subject to life, making it vivid and relatable for the reader.
* *Example:* "The wind whipped the dust into a frenzy, swirling it around the abandoned farmhouse like a ghostly shroud."
* Concise and impactful language: Literary nonfiction aims for clarity and impact. It avoids unnecessary jargon or overly complex sentence structures.
* *Example:* "He knew, in that moment, that his life was forever altered."
* Sentence structure that creates rhythm and flow: Varying sentence length and structure can create a more engaging and dynamic reading experience.
* *Example:* "The years passed. Seasons came and went. He watched the world change, but within him, a profound stillness remained."
* Sentences that reveal deeper meaning: Literary nonfiction often explores complex themes and ideas. Sentences should be crafted to reveal layers of meaning and provoke thought.
* *Example:* "The scars on his hands told a story of resilience, but also of the enduring burden he carried."
Here are some examples of sentences from well-known literary nonfiction works:
* From "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot: "Henrietta's cells, however, were like no others ever seen before." (This sentence uses strong verbs and introduces the central concept of the book.)
* From "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer: "He had been a bright young man, full of hope and dreams, but the world had broken him." (This sentence uses concise language to convey a powerful emotional message.)
* From "The Year of Magical Thinking" by Joan Didion: "Life changes fast. Life changes in the instant." (This sentence uses short, impactful phrases to express a profound realization.)
Ultimately, the best sentence in literary nonfiction is one that serves the larger narrative and resonates with the reader on both an intellectual and emotional level.