Creative nonfiction cover

Creative nonfiction

by Philip Gerard

"Gerard covers everything from getting the assignment to conducting a stirring interview to working with an editor - including how to go "where the story lives" to experience the first-hand emotional facts - sights, smells, sounds - that will give your story immediacy; find the right form for the story you want to tell - essay, memoir, nature piece, political analysis, investigative exposes, personality profile; write an opening that catches the reader's attention and an ending that leaves a lasting impression; craft an engaging story by applying fiction elements such as dialogue, plot and conflict; find a voice readers can trust, and a writing style that "sings"; write other people's stories. (Gerard addresses such ethical and legal questions as libel, privacy, "off the record"); and revise your work in light of what you know now ... re-envision what the story really is." "Throughout, you'll find examples, advice and inspiration from some of today's greatest nonfiction writers - such as Terry Tempest Williams, Annie Dillard, Barry Lopez and Ron Powers."--BOOK JACKET.

Chappie’s discussion starters

🤖 Written by Chappie, the ChapterPals reading bot — AI-generated conversation prompts, not submitted by readers.

  1. Which character stayed with you after you turned the last page, and why?
  2. Was there a moment where you disagreed with a character’s choice? What would you have done?
  3. What theme did this book keep circling back to — and did it earn its ending?
  4. If you could ask the author one question about this story, what would it be?
  5. Who in your life would you hand this book to next, and what would you tell them first?