"Faction" = "Fiction" + "Fact"
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"Faction" = "Fiction" + "Fact"


The normal definition of “faction” is a dissenting group among a larger group.


But according to The Book Genre Dictionary, faction now also means fiction based on fact.


So 1 word to replace 4.


I’m all for efficiency! And the mix of words actually makes sense.


When I read such books, though, I chuck the “true” part and read the story as straight fiction. I don’t like trying to guess what’s true and what’s not.


Here are a few such books listed in the BGD:


IN COLD BLOOD by Truman Capote


BLONDE, the fictionalized story of Marilyn Monroe by Joyce Carol Oates


ROOTS by Alex Haley


What are your favorite “factions”?


On a more serious note, “faction” is a term used in FACT, FICTION AND FACTION, a 2010 anthology of articles that discuss the blurring lines between fiction and truth in our society.


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For updates about Martha’s forthcoming books, news and giveaways, subscribe to her website: MarthaEngber.com.


BLISS ROAD, a memoir, June 2023


THE FALCON, THE WOLF AND THE HUMMINGBIRD, a historical novel, Sept. 19, 2023


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