This is so helpful, and Neal, you’ve given me a ton of gems I’m going to think about and try to emulate. I feel like there’s a lot of advice out there for fiction writers (which has been surprisingly inspiring/useful) but it’s great to get some tailored to us narrative nonfiction writers! Thank you both so much!!
Julie, that's very kind of you to say, and yes, us non-fiction narrative writers have to stick together. You should check out my piece on writing history for more nuggets. https://www.workcraftlife.com/p/nbascomb
Arthur Conan Doyle often picked up the plots of Sherlock stories from news items. This is helpful and emphasizes how you have to realize at that moment what could make a great story. Also the Lincoln movie originally had a long script but only a small part was used as the center because it had suspense. If you can get the reader interested in how this turns out early enough, you have a chance. Thanks Kate and Neil
Thanks Kate so much for a wonderful interview. It was a lot of fun to share my 'wisdom' about writing and also reconnecting with you. I'll keep an eye out on this thread if anyone wants to ask questions directly about whatever (within reason!). Love your insight into publishing. It's fantastic. My best, Neal
Neal or Kate. People often say x is a "good writer." Just wondering if you have views about what that means. For my own part I usually say that when I find x's writing refreshing and enjoyable. Of course that's subjective as it can be!
that's a great question, and the answer is probably multi-layered. At its simplest level, we are just talking grammatically correct. Step above that would be clear and concise writing. Above that I would say a strong grasp of narrative, moving the reader through the story. Then, ability to draw original characters. Above that, I would say having an authentic voice, one that feels unique and true to the story. Then there's just beautiful line-by-line writing. I was recently rereading Song of Solomon and just amazed at Toni Morrison's imagery and use of metaphor and intelligence. There's probably a hundred answers to your question. This is mine!
What a fantastic interview! I'm saving this one so I can go back and read it again.
This is so helpful, and Neal, you’ve given me a ton of gems I’m going to think about and try to emulate. I feel like there’s a lot of advice out there for fiction writers (which has been surprisingly inspiring/useful) but it’s great to get some tailored to us narrative nonfiction writers! Thank you both so much!!
Julie, that's very kind of you to say, and yes, us non-fiction narrative writers have to stick together. You should check out my piece on writing history for more nuggets. https://www.workcraftlife.com/p/nbascomb
Such a great and encouraging interview, especially for a narrative non-fiction writer like myself. Thanks Kate and Neal!
Leslee, glad you found it helpful!
Arthur Conan Doyle often picked up the plots of Sherlock stories from news items. This is helpful and emphasizes how you have to realize at that moment what could make a great story. Also the Lincoln movie originally had a long script but only a small part was used as the center because it had suspense. If you can get the reader interested in how this turns out early enough, you have a chance. Thanks Kate and Neil
Thanks Kate so much for a wonderful interview. It was a lot of fun to share my 'wisdom' about writing and also reconnecting with you. I'll keep an eye out on this thread if anyone wants to ask questions directly about whatever (within reason!). Love your insight into publishing. It's fantastic. My best, Neal
Wonderful advice, Neal! Thanks for sharing and best of luck with your newsletter. P.S. The Winter Fortress is on my shelf at home, in the queue.
Thanks Amran. Hope you enjoy Winter Fortress. Love to know what you think. You can reach me here.
Neal or Kate. People often say x is a "good writer." Just wondering if you have views about what that means. For my own part I usually say that when I find x's writing refreshing and enjoyable. Of course that's subjective as it can be!
that's a great question, and the answer is probably multi-layered. At its simplest level, we are just talking grammatically correct. Step above that would be clear and concise writing. Above that I would say a strong grasp of narrative, moving the reader through the story. Then, ability to draw original characters. Above that, I would say having an authentic voice, one that feels unique and true to the story. Then there's just beautiful line-by-line writing. I was recently rereading Song of Solomon and just amazed at Toni Morrison's imagery and use of metaphor and intelligence. There's probably a hundred answers to your question. This is mine!
Thanks for that. Very helpful.