In a memoir, the writing style is often more introspective. The author may use a lot of 'I' statements as they are sharing their own experiences. In realistic fiction, the author may use different points of view more often. For example, a memoir about a journey might be written as 'I saw this, I felt that', while a realistic fiction about a similar journey could switch between different characters' perspectives.
In terms of writing style, prose can be very diverse. It might use a lot of flowery language for description or be very straightforward in stating facts. A short story often has a more engaging writing style. It uses elements like dialogue and action to move the story along. For example, in prose, you could have a passage that just rambles on about a person's feelings. In a short story, those feelings would be shown through the character's actions and words in the context of the story.
In best prose poetry, the writing style is often more lyrical and free - flowing. There are often no strict rules for grammar or punctuation in the pursuit of a certain mood or effect. Flash fiction, however, has a more straightforward writing style that is focused on getting the story across quickly. So, if it reads like a mini - story with a clear purpose, it's likely flash fiction; if it's more about the language's musicality, it could be prose poetry.
You can tell the difference by considering the plausibility of the events. In fiction, the sky's the limit for the plot. But in realistic fiction, the events should be something that could potentially occur in real life. For example, a story about a detective solving a crime using only his wits and normal investigation methods is more likely to be realistic fiction, while a detective solving a crime with the help of a mind - reading crystal would be fiction.
Novels often have a more elaborate writing style due to their length. There can be detailed descriptions of settings, characters' backstories, and multiple plot threads. Novellas are more streamlined in their writing. They get to the point a bit quicker while still maintaining some complexity. Short stories have a very concise writing style. Every word counts as they have limited space to tell the story.
Examine the characters. In traditional fiction, characters might have superhuman powers or be from different mythical races. In realistic fiction, they are normal humans with normal human problems. Also, the plot in traditional fiction may have a more predictable pattern based on common archetypes like the hero's journey. Realistic fiction's plot is more about the randomness and complexity of real life. The themes in traditional fiction are often timeless, like good vs evil. Realistic fiction themes are more related to current social and cultural issues.
One way is by looking at the setting. If it's a familiar, contemporary setting like a modern city or a small town, it might be realistic fiction. If it's a made - up world like Middle - earth in 'The Lord of the Rings', it's general fiction. Another factor is the characters' abilities. If they have normal human abilities, it could be realistic fiction. If they can fly without any devices or have superpowers, it's likely general fiction.
Biographical novels usually have a narrative style that is more focused on the individual's experiences. The story is told in a way that highlights the person's character development. For instance, if it's a biographical novel about a writer, it might focus on how their writing evolved over time. Historical fiction, on the other hand, may have a narrative style that jumps between different events and characters to create a more panoramic view of the historical period. It might use different voices and perspectives to show the complexity of the era.
Look at the plot. If there are elements like magic, talking animals, or gods intervening, it's likely a folktale. If the plot revolves around everyday life situations like going to work, having family arguments, or dealing with school, it's probably realistic fiction.
Look at the cover and blurb. If the cover shows modern - day settings like skyscrapers or people in contemporary clothes, and the blurb mentions current - day issues, it's likely realistic fiction. If there are historical elements like old - fashioned costumes or historical buildings on the cover, and the blurb refers to a past time period, it's probably historical fiction.
Look at the time setting. If it's in the past, it's likely historical fiction; if it's the present, it's probably realistic fiction.