Telling True Stories

December 1, 2006
This anthology edited by Kramer (director & writer-in-residence, Nieman Program on Narrative Journalism, Harvard Univ.) and Call (writer-in-residence, Richard Hugo House, Seattle) provides advice from 51 nonfiction writers, including notables Tom Wolfe, Gay Talese, and Nora Ephron. Nearly all of the entries originated from presentations given at Harvard's Nieman Conference on Narrative Journalism. Writers coming to this book should not expect one clear-cut path for producing strong nonfiction; instead, the book provides pointed but wide-ranging advice on writinga good illustration of the creativity behind nonfiction and the individuality of the writing process. There is enough variety for almost any nonfiction writer to find inspiration and guidance. Topics include interviewing techniques, storytelling, using tape recorders and notebooks, developing characters and scenes, and editing. The section titled "Building a Career in Magazines and Books" will especially help new writers. Recommended for larger public libraries; highly recommended for academic libraries that support writing programs.Stacy Russo, California State Univ. Lib., Fullerton

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