Applying nonfiction writing skills to fiction

This is a repost of a response I gave to the following question a few weeks ago on my personal blog. As someone with a background in academia and journalism, I felt it was an interesting tidbit to share.

Hi! I was just wondering if you have any tips for writing a narrative. I am used to writing scientific papers and information/analysis essays. Both with their own unique style, but nevertheless different than a narrative story or any sort of fiction. I find writing narrative the most challengi...