Use footnotes in creative writing to ensure that your readers do not get lost in the flow of the text. Footnotes are appropriate in all types of creative writing, including journalism, but they are especially beneficial in fiction and non-fiction where they can be used to link to external sources of information.
Why Use Footnotes?
Aside from aiding in the process of referencing, footnotes allow writers to experiment with different styles and narrative techniques. They can be used to link to other sources of information, allowing the reader to access more detailed information about a single topic. This, in turn, can enhance the reader’s experience of the text. While citations are important, they should not come at the expense of breaking the flow of the narrative. When used strategically, however, footnotes can help to establish a character as intelligent and well-read, as well as provide crucial context for the story.
How Do I Use Footnotes In My Creative Writing?
Use footnotes in your creative writing to segue into new material smoothly and organically. You can either start a new paragraph with a note or you can add a footnote to the end of a paragraph. In either case, the footnote should link to a new section of your text or it should act as a bridge to lead the reader directly to a new point you are making.
In the example below, you can see how the addition of a few footnotes has led to a more interesting, immersive reading experience. While the story is essentially the same, the use of footnotes has made it more digestible and less chaotic. The story starts off quite simply with a description of a London street. Notice how the first paragraph is mostly made up of sentences with no substantial content. This is an ideal place to insert a footnote.
Here, the narrator tells the reader that he is writing an article about the street and that he has chosen this location because it is “one of the most photographed streets in London”. In the second paragraph, the reader begins to learn more about the location, as the narrator lists the street’s various nicknames. This is a perfect opportunity to insert another note, as you can see below.
Notice how seamlessly the reader is led between paragraphs, as the use of footnotes has made the transition quite easy. The writer has interjected some humor into his narrative, as he mentions that the names of the street have changed over the years but that “it still retains its original essence”. The first and last names are also fictional, as are the other places and people mentioned in the story. This provides a playful element to the narrative while not undermining its authenticity in the least bit.
Where Can I Use Footnotes In My Creative Writing?
Use footnotes in your creative writing to give your narrative flow – both in and out of the text. You can use them to segue into new material seamlessly and organically. They are excellent at drawing the reader into the story and making them care about the characters and/or imagine themselves in the narrative. They are also perfect for establishing the authenticity of the text as well as giving it context. Take a look at how closely the reader is following along as Mary Jane Watson leads us through her exciting adventures as a Private Detective
In the above excerpt, the narrator uses three footnotes to establish the authenticity of his story. The first two are linked to separate locations within the story – the first one takes the reader to the “boudoir” where Watson discovers the letter from her partner while the second one leads to the “Athena Cottage”, the home of Gideon Crew, a criminal mastermind. The third note begins a new chapter in the story as it points the reader back to the start. The use of these footnotes makes the narrative feel more cohesive as each section of the text refers back to the previous one. This is in contrast to the first two chapters, which appear to be completely independent stories from the point of view of the narrator. At one point, Watson even wonders whether or not she will truly be able to solve the case, as she doubts the existence of “Gideon Crew”. Had the writer not referenced previous events, the reader may have gotten completely lost in the story, as there is no clear indication of where it is heading next after Chapter Two.
How Many Footnotes Should I Use In My Creative Writing?
Use as many footnotes as you need in your creative writing to ensure that your readers do not get lost in the flow of the text. If you are writing non-fiction, the number of footnotes will depend on how much you want the reader to focus on external sources of information. If you are writing fiction, fewer footnotes will do, as you do not want the reader to get bogged down in too much detail. A good rule of thumb is three to five footnotes for every 500 words of prose. More footnotes than this and the reader may begin to lose interest as they struggle to keep up. Fewer footnotes and the flow of the narrative may become chaotic, making it difficult for the reader to understand what is going on. Too many footnotes and the reader will most likely grow confused, as they will not know where to look for further information. The above principles apply to all types of creative writing, including journalism.