{"id":15297,"date":"2025-04-17T14:14:41","date_gmt":"2025-04-17T14:14:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/?p=15297"},"modified":"2025-04-22T23:48:45","modified_gmt":"2025-04-22T23:48:45","slug":"nieman-storyboard-guide-to-books-on-storytelling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/2025\/04\/17\/nieman-storyboard-guide-to-books-on-storytelling\/","title":{"rendered":"The Nieman Storyboard guide to books on storytelling"},"content":{"rendered":"    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-paragraph mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n<p class=\"has-drop-cap\">In my office, I have a long table full of books that share a common theme: they\u2019re all focused on the craft of storytelling and writing.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-paragraph mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n<p>I\u2019ve turned to these craft books time and time again, and I never seem to outgrow them. I recommend them to my journalism students at the University of Texas at Austin and often refer to them myself \u2014 especially in moments when I am navigating a writing challenge, craving a dose of creative inspiration, or needing a reminder that the work we do as writers matters.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-paragraph mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n<p>Craft books proved especially helpful while I was writing my debut narrative nonfiction book, \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.simonandschuster.com\/books\/Slip\/Mallary-Tenore-Tarpley\/9781668035016\">SLIP<\/a>,\u201d which comes out in August 2025. In particular, they sharpened my vision of what\u2019s possible when structuring a book like mine, which blends memoir, reportage, and science.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-paragraph mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n<p>To put together this list of books on storytelling, we asked journalists, authors, producers, filmmakers, and you, our Nieman Storyboard readers, <a href=\"https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/2025\/03\/07\/tell-us-your-favorite-books-storytelling\/\">for recommendations<\/a> \u2014 and you more than came through. I\u2019ve also included some of my own favorites, including work from the likes of bell hooks and Matthew Salesses. Though this list is by no means exhaustive (I could write a whole book about all the craft books that exist), it nevertheless captures an array of genres and perspectives that writers of all kinds can learn from.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-heading   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Writing, storytelling, and general inspiration<\/h2>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-image mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/writing-storytelling-inspiration-1024x768.png\" alt=\"writing, storytelling, and books for general inspiration\" class=\"wp-image-15306\" style=\"width:646px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/writing-storytelling-inspiration-1024x768.png 1024w, https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/writing-storytelling-inspiration-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/writing-storytelling-inspiration-768x576.png 768w, https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/writing-storytelling-inspiration-1536x1152.png 1536w, https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/writing-storytelling-inspiration-2048x1536.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-list mb-4 list max-w-screen-full mx-auto pl-5 \">\n            \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u201c<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/p\/books\/bird-by-bird-some-instructions-on-writing-and-life-anne-lamott\/8649952?ean=9780385480017&amp;next=t\"><strong>Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life<\/strong><\/a><strong>,\u201d<\/strong> by Anne Lamott, is equal parts witty and instructional. This classic explores myriad topics, including perfectionism, which Lamott refers to as \u201cthe main obstacle between you and a shitty first draft.\u201d Several Nieman Storyboard readers recommended this book, including writing coach Ben Riggs, who said: \u201cWhile her \u2018shitty first drafts\u2019 is famous, her chapter on \u2018character\u2019 is so underrated.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-list mb-4 list max-w-screen-full mx-auto pl-5 \">\n            \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u201c<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/p\/books\/still-writing-the-perils-and-pleasures-of-a-creative-life-10th-anniversary-edition-dani-shapiro\/18539657?ean=9780802162298&amp;next=t\"><strong>Still Writing: The Perils and Pleasures of a Creative Life<\/strong><\/a><strong>\u201d<\/strong> by Dani Shapiro. Full of mini meditations on the craft of writing, this book is a worthy addition to any writer\u2019s library. The audiobook version includes a guided meditation and a micro-journaling exercise that makes for a great daily writing practice and a helpful classroom exercise.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-spacer mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n<div style=\"height:53px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-quote mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-paragraph mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n<p>In 2023, Haymarket Books answered one of my literary prayers by re-releasing <a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/p\/books\/black-women-writers-at-work-claudia-tate\/18307366\"><strong>\u201cBlack Women Writers at Work.\u201d<\/strong><\/a> In interviews with Claudia Tate, The Greats \u2014 Toni! Maya! Audre! Nikki! Alice! (To name a few) \u2014 discuss not only their craft, but grant us insight into the details of their writing life, how they do the work of writing as Black women and the everlasting importance of that work. Often times, the writing life can feel very opaque, and there are additional hurdles I must overcome as a Black woman writer to establish myself in this industry, so it\u2019s validating to know that this is the lineage I\u2019m writing into. This book is the blueprint.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-paragraph mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n<p>\u2014&nbsp;Storyboard contributor and author <a href=\"https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/2025\/02\/28\/minda-honey-lessons-memoir-journalists\/\">Minda Honey<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/p\/books\/the-heartbreak-years-a-memoir-minda-honey\/19848456\">&#8220;The Heartbreak Years&#8221;<\/a>)&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-spacer mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n<div style=\"height:55px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-list mb-4 list max-w-screen-full mx-auto pl-5 \">\n            \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u201c<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/p\/books\/remembered-rapture-the-writer-at-work-bell-hooks\/11050780?ean=9780805059106&amp;next=t\"><strong>Remembered Rapture<\/strong><\/a><strong>\u201d<\/strong> by bell hooks is a remarkable collection of essays that blends the personal and intellectual to celebrate the joys of writing and reading. She tackles topics that are often overlooked in craft-related books, including how writing can be redemptive, how identity shapes our work as writers, and the class and politics of writing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-list mb-4 list max-w-screen-full mx-auto pl-5 \">\n            \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u201c<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/p\/books\/the-science-of-storytelling-why-stories-make-us-human-and-how-to-tell-them-better-will-storr\/10858547?ean=9781419747953&amp;next=t\"><strong>The Science of Storytelling<\/strong><\/a><strong>\u201d<\/strong> by Will Storr weaves together psychological research, neuroscience, and narrative to relay writing-related best practices. To illustrate his points, Storr pulls from a wide range of writing samples featuring Jane Austen, Native American folk tales, Shakespeare, \u201cBreaking Bad\u201d scripts, and more. Nieman Storyboard reader Donna Otter says Storr\u2019s advice on the \u201cfive-act structure\u201d for storytelling is especially helpful.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-list mb-4 list max-w-screen-full mx-auto pl-5 \">\n            \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u201c<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/p\/books\/language-in-thought-and-action-fifth-edition-alan-r-hayakawa\/6669256?ean=9780156482400&amp;next=t\"><strong>Language in Thought and Action<\/strong><\/a><strong>\u201d<\/strong> by S.I. Hayakawa explores the role of language in human life and the ways in which it shapes our thinking. The book features an especially helpful section on \u201cthe ladder of abstraction,\u201d<a href=\"https:\/\/www.poynter.org\/reporting-editing\/2004\/writing-tool-13-show-and-tell\/\"> a tool that helps writers<\/a> think about how to move between abstract ideas and concrete details to tell more compelling narratives.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-subscribe full-width\">\n            <h2 class=\"subscribe-title\">Subscribe to Storyboard<\/h2>\n        \n            <div class=\"subscribe-content\">\n            <p>Get insights into the craft of journalism and storytelling in your inbox, delivered on Fridays.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    \n                <div class=\"subscribe-embed\">\n                            <div class=\"mt-5\">\n                 <div translate=\"no\" class='mailmunch-forms-widget-1154494'><\/div>\n\n                <\/div>\n               \n                    <\/div>\n    \n<\/div>    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-heading   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Storytelling in journalism<\/h2>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-image mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/storytelling-journalism-1024x768.png\" alt=\"storytelling in journalism\" class=\"wp-image-15308\" style=\"width:648px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/storytelling-journalism-1024x768.png 1024w, https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/storytelling-journalism-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/storytelling-journalism-768x576.png 768w, https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/storytelling-journalism-1536x1152.png 1536w, https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/storytelling-journalism-2048x1536.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-list mb-4 list max-w-screen-full mx-auto pl-5 \">\n            \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u201c<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/p\/books\/telling-true-stories-a-nonfiction-writers-guide-from-the-nieman-foundation-at-harvard-university-mark-kramer\/11189113?ean=9780452287556&amp;next=t\"><strong>Telling True Stories: A Nonfiction Writer\u2019s Guide<\/strong><\/a><strong>,\u201d<\/strong> The Nieman Foundation&#8217;s own collection, edited by Mark Kramer and Wendy Call, features essays from some of the field\u2019s greats, including Isabel Wilkerson, Gay Talese, <a href=\"https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/authors\/kelley-benham-french\/\">Kelley Benham French<\/a>, Tom Wolfe, and Susan Orlean. It\u2019s a fan favorite among Nieman Storyboard readers, including feature writer Will Coldwell, who says: \u201cWhenever I hit a block with a story, I go back to this book.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-list mb-4 list max-w-screen-full mx-auto pl-5 \">\n            \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u201c<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/p\/books\/the-the-girl-in-the-window-and-other-true-tales-an-anthology-with-tips-for-finding-reporting-and-writing-nonfiction-narratives\/18848293?ean=9780226771274&amp;next=t\"><strong>The Girl in the Window and Other True Tales<\/strong><\/a><strong>\u201d<\/strong> by <a href=\"https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/authors\/lane-degregory\/\">Lane DeGregory<\/a> is a wonderfully curated collection of DeGregory\u2019s Tampa Bay Times stories, including her Pulitzer-winning longform narrative,&nbsp; <a href=\"https:\/\/projects.tampabay.com\/projects\/girl-in-the-window\/danielle\/#child\">\u201cThe Girl in the Window.\u201d<\/a> DeGregory includes annotations alongside each story, offering up tips on channeling your subject\u2019s voice, celebrating tension, and finding meaning in details.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-list mb-4 list max-w-screen-full mx-auto pl-5 \">\n            \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u201c<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/p\/books\/writing-tools-10th-anniversary-edition-55-essential-strategies-for-every-writer-roy-peter-clark\/108769?ean=9780316014991&amp;next=t\"><strong>Writing Tools: 55 Essential Strategies for Every Writer<\/strong><\/a><strong>\u201d<\/strong> by <a href=\"https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/authors\/roy-peter-clark\/\">Roy Peter Clark<\/a> is an essential go-to book for journalists. Clark, a longtime writing coach, offers tried and true tips to enhance your journalistic storytelling, whether you\u2019re reporting breaking news stories or longform narratives. Tips include&nbsp; \u201cget the name of the dog,\u201d \u201corder words for emphasis,\u201d and \u201cdraft a mission statement for your work.\u201d Nieman Storyboard reader Ben Riggs also recommends Clark\u2019s <strong>\u201c<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/p\/books\/murder-your-darlings-and-other-gentle-writing-advice-from-aristotle-to-zinsser-roy-peter-clark\/113734?ean=9780316481878&amp;next=t\"><strong>Murder Your Darlings<\/strong><\/a><strong>.\u201d<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-list mb-4 list max-w-screen-full mx-auto pl-5 \">\n            \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u201c<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/p\/books\/good-prose-the-art-of-nonfiction-richard-todd\/11736223?ean=9780812982152&amp;next=t\"><strong>Good Prose: The Art of Nonfiction<\/strong><\/a><strong>\u201d<\/strong> is the result of a longtime collaboration between Pulitzer winner <a href=\"https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/2010\/10\/21\/tracy-kidder-narrative-nonfiction-darcy-frey-harvard-writers-at-work-part-1\/\">Tracy Kidder<\/a> and his editor Richard Todd. They\u2019re in conversation with each other throughout the book, which digs deep into relevant topics for journalists, including the ethical challenges of nonfiction and how to find story ideas in surprising places.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-list mb-4 list max-w-screen-full mx-auto pl-5 \">\n            \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Finally, journalist and professor <a href=\"https:\/\/thereportedessay.substack.com\/p\/how-to-immerse?utm_source=post-email-title&amp;publication_id=2990161&amp;post_id=160906141&amp;utm_campaign=email-post-title&amp;isFreemail=true&amp;r=lokt&amp;triedRedirect=true&amp;utm_medium=email\">Erika Hayasaki mentions several books<\/a> that are used in the Literary Journalism program at UC Irvine, including <strong>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/p\/books\/immersion-a-writer-s-guide-to-going-deep-ted-conover\/3608\">Immersion: A Writer&#8217;s Guide to Going Deep<\/a>,\u201d<\/strong> by <a href=\"https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/2017\/02\/07\/5ish-questions-ted-conover-and-immersion-a-writers-guide-to-going-deep\/\">Ted Conover<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/p\/books\/the-new-new-journalism-conversations-with-america-s-best-nonfiction-writers-on-their-craft-robert-boynton\/7831694?ean=9781400033560\"><strong>\u201cThe New New Journalism,\u201d<\/strong><\/a> by Robert Boynton; <a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/p\/books\/the-craft-of-science-writing-selections-from-the-open-notebook-second-edition-siri-carpenter\/21216991\"><strong>\u201cThe Craft of Science Writing,\u201d<\/strong><\/a> edited by Siri Carpenter; and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/p\/books\/the-art-of-fact-a-historical-anthology-of-literary-journalism-kevin-kerrane\/10222773\">\u201cThe Art of Fact,<\/a>\u201d<\/strong> edited by Kevin Kerrane and <a href=\"https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/authors\/ben-yagoda\/\">Ben Yagoda<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-heading   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Narrative nonfiction<\/h2>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-image mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Featured-Image-Storyboard-1600-x-1200-px-1024x768.png\" alt=\"narrative nonfiction books\" class=\"wp-image-15312\" style=\"width:669px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Featured-Image-Storyboard-1600-x-1200-px-1024x768.png 1024w, https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Featured-Image-Storyboard-1600-x-1200-px-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Featured-Image-Storyboard-1600-x-1200-px-768x576.png 768w, https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Featured-Image-Storyboard-1600-x-1200-px-1536x1152.png 1536w, https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Featured-Image-Storyboard-1600-x-1200-px-2048x1536.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-list mb-4 list max-w-screen-full mx-auto pl-5 \">\n            \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u201c<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/p\/books\/the-situation-and-the-story-the-art-of-personal-narrative-vivian-gornick\/10391915?ean=9780374528584&amp;next=t\"><strong>The Situation and the Story: The Art of Personal Narrative<\/strong><\/a><strong>\u201d <\/strong>by Vivian Gornick came highly recommended by several Nieman Storyboard readers, including author Julia Scheeres (<a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/p\/books\/jesus-land-a-memoir-with-a-new-preface-by-the-author-julia-scheeres\/9098693?gad_source=1&amp;gbraid=0AAAAACfld43bABbxglVht6nJbVcvXBgaA&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwqv2_BhC0ARIsAFb5Ac9r9nCbAosH_jPCSNKmx4_Cd_GDyLkBtDw63VevfvSZG8Q7-MFi-cQaAp4DEALw_wcB\">&#8220;Jesus Land,&#8221;<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/p\/books\/a-thousand-lives-the-untold-story-of-jonestown-julia-scheeres\/3454b17fac5f4d1b?ean=9781451628968&amp;digital=t&amp;affiliate=1688\">&#8220;A Thousand Lives&#8221;<\/a>). The book explores the delicate and complicated art of writing about oneself and figuring out which \u201cselves\u201d we want to bring to our stories. As Gornick writes: \u201cTo fashion a persona out of one\u2019s own undisguised self is no easy thing.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-list mb-4 list max-w-screen-full mx-auto pl-5 \">\n            \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u201c<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/p\/books\/storycraft-second-edition-the-complete-guide-to-writing-narrative-nonfiction-jack-hart\/15183412?ean=9780226736921&amp;next=t\"><strong>Story Craft: The Complete Guide to Writing Narrative Nonfiction<\/strong><\/a><strong>\u201d <\/strong>by <a href=\"https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/authors\/jack-hart\/\">Jack Hart<\/a> dives into the craft of narrative nonfiction and also offers up tips on when <em>not <\/em>to use narrative. Hart provides helpful examples from a variety of fields, including journalism, podcasting, and documentary storytelling. Patti Wolter, professor at Northwestern\u2019s Medill School of Journalism, recommends reading \u201cStory Craft\u201d alongside Hart\u2019s other book, <strong>\u201c<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Writers-Coach-Complete-Writing-Strategies\/dp\/1400078695\/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1TF858VZYA4Q8&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-GF7SvfylFP23rW2jXqRqfYGJMYZZCgD2o3VVPV-dWv1SYw6_7yUmE9iMXjFqxiQfi1cujPTaMpMzvDEOoEOhvSmkvYxyc3Tf32XXArGT-w.v4GtVWlEQ92cV2RtXYFQ2UdIrsCL3xdjuLI6HxqUeew&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=A+Writer%27s+Coach%3A+The+Complete+Guide+to&amp;qid=1743800308&amp;sprefix=a+writer%27s+coach+the+complete+guide+to+%2Caps%2C248&amp;sr=8-1\"><strong>A Writer\u2019s Coach<\/strong><\/a><strong>.\u201d&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-list mb-4 list max-w-screen-full mx-auto pl-5 \">\n            \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u201c<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/p\/books\/draft-no-4-john-mcphee\/8488924?ean=9780374537975&amp;next=t\"><strong>Draft No. 4: On the Writing Process<\/strong><\/a><strong>\u201d<\/strong> by John McPhee includes tips and personal anecdotes on reporting, writing, and revising narrative nonfiction. The section on structure (which I turned to when figuring out how to structure my own memoir) features creative approaches not seen elsewhere, coupled with simple diagrams to help you visualize how each structure plays out on the page. \u201cReaders are not supposed to notice the structure,\u201d McPhee writes. \u201cIt is meant to be about as visible as someone\u2019s bones.\u201d&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-list mb-4 list max-w-screen-full mx-auto pl-5 \">\n            \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u201c<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/p\/books\/writing-for-story-craft-secrets-of-dramatic-nonfiction-jon-franklin\/11182172?ean=9780452272958&amp;next=t\"><strong>Writing for Story: Craft Secrets of Dramatic Nonfiction<\/strong><\/a><strong>,\u201d<\/strong> by two-time Pulitzer winner <a href=\"https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/2024\/01\/30\/what-and-how-i-learned-from-jon-franklin\/\">Jon Franklin<\/a>, is a master class in writing narrative nonfiction. With expertly wrought chapters, Franklin explains how to use some of the best elements of fiction \u2014 including flashbacks, foreshadowing, and complication\/resolution \u2014 when writing nonfiction. Throughout the book, he provides detailed annotations of his own work to help readers see his tips in action. (For more on Franklin, <a href=\"https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/2024\/01\/30\/what-and-how-i-learned-from-jon-franklin\/\">read this tribute from Storyboard editor emerita Jacqui Banaszynski<\/a>.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-list mb-4 list max-w-screen-full mx-auto pl-5 \">\n            \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u201c<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/p\/books\/you-can-t-make-this-stuff-up-the-complete-guide-to-writing-creative-nonfiction-from-memoir-to-literary-journalism-and-everything-in-between-lee-gutkind\/6464785?ean=9780738215549&amp;next=t\"><strong>You Can&#8217;t Make This Stuff Up: The Complete Guide to Writing Creative Nonfiction<\/strong><\/a><strong>&#8221; <\/strong>is a great read by Lee Gutkind,<a href=\"https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/2024\/11\/27\/passing-the-torch-of-the-creative-nonfiction-movement\/\"> who has been referred<\/a> to as \u201cthe Godfather behind creative nonfiction.\u201d The book provides a comprehensive overview of the genre and includes related writing and reading exercises. The book came highly recommended by longtime journalist Nick Pappas, who said it was instrumental in helping him write his own narrative nonfiction <a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/p\/books\/crosses-of-iron-the-tragic-story-of-dawson-new-mexico-and-its-twin-mining-disasters-nick-pappas\/20018379?ean=9780826365286&amp;next=t\">book<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-heading   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Oral storytelling: podcasting and live stories onstage<\/h2>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-image mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"731\" src=\"https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/oral-storytelling-podcasting-1024x731.png\" alt=\"oral storytelling, podcasting, stories onstage\" class=\"wp-image-15313\" style=\"width:689px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/oral-storytelling-podcasting-1024x731.png 1024w, https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/oral-storytelling-podcasting-300x214.png 300w, https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/oral-storytelling-podcasting-768x548.png 768w, https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/oral-storytelling-podcasting-1536x1097.png 1536w, https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/oral-storytelling-podcasting-2048x1462.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-list mb-4 list max-w-screen-full mx-auto pl-5 \">\n            \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u201c<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/p\/books\/out-on-the-wire-the-storytelling-secrets-of-the-new-masters-of-radio-jessica-abel\/8630383?ean=9780385348430&amp;next=t\"><strong>Out on the Wire: The Storytelling Secrets of the New Masters of Radio<\/strong><\/a><strong>,\u201d <\/strong>by Jessica Abel, is a fascinating graphic narrative that uses visuals to offer up a behind-the-scenes look at story-driven radio shows such as \u201cThis American Life,\u201d \u201cPlanet Money,\u201d and \u201cRadioLab.\u201d Accessible and fun to read, the book is an essential guide for anyone who wants to advance their audio storytelling and podcasting skills.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-spacer mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n<div style=\"height:51px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-quote mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-paragraph mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n<p>&#8220;<strong>[&#8216;Out on the Wire&#8217;]<\/strong> is not at all just for radio \u2014 the lessons are applicable across genres whenever the goal is to tell character-driven stories with characters that grow and change and learn new things and thus engage and surprise the reader\/listener\/viewer. Two takeaways in particular I come back to again and again:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-paragraph mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n<p>1. (To myself) Topics vs. stories vs. big ideas. What&#8217;s the big idea that makes this story interesting to everyone on the planet?<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-paragraph mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n<p>2. (To others while interviewing) Expectations vs. reality: How did you think it was going to be before you started? And then what was it actually like? Why do you think what happened happened?<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-paragraph mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n<p>\u2014&nbsp;Journalist <a href=\"https:\/\/esmedeprez.com\/\">Esm\u00e9 E. Deprez<\/a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-spacer mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n<div style=\"height:54px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-list mb-4 list max-w-screen-full mx-auto pl-5 \">\n            \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u201c<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/p\/books\/the-power-of-podcasting-telling-stories-through-sound-siobhaan-mchugh\/18393984?ean=9780231208772&amp;next=t\"><strong>The Power of Podcasting: Telling Stories Through Sound<\/strong><\/a><strong>\u201d<\/strong> is a fan favorite written by podcast scholar <a href=\"https:\/\/siobhanmchugh.org\/\">Siobhan McHugh<\/a>, who has been an audio storyteller for four decades. Many Storyboard readers recommended this book, including Macquarie University\u2019s Helen Wolfenden, who said: \u201cMcHugh\u2019s passionate connection to spoken-word audio infuses every page. \u2026 Practical and wise, it is a love letter to voice and tape and makes the case about the power of stories that come to us via our ears.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-list mb-4 list max-w-screen-full mx-auto pl-5 \">\n            \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u201c<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/p\/books\/storyworthy-engage-teach-persuade-and-change-your-life-through-the-power-of-storytelling-matthew-dicks\/10952996?gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAw5W-BhAhEiwApv4goNia3zLiqJiv42i6zn6SnH-UZLwuD1Nmyqf49Po3TlXcbDwBz2b5thoCfTwQAvD_BwE\"><strong>Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life Through the Power of Storytelling<\/strong><\/a><strong>\u201d<\/strong> by Moth StorySLAM champion Matthew Dicks, conveys an important message: We all have a story worth telling. Dicks shares practical tips for sharing your stories onstage and on the page, and he shows how storytelling can have a profound impact on our lives. (Nieman Storyboard editor Mark Armstrong highly recommended this one, alongside William Zinsser&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/p\/books\/on-writing-well-the-classic-guide-to-writing-nonfiction-william-zinsser\/8860186\">&#8220;On Writing Well&#8221;<\/a> (also picked by Storyboard reader Karen Springen), Christopher Vogler&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/p\/books\/the-writer-s-journey-25th-anniversary-edition-mythic-structure-for-writers-christopher-vogler\/14917352?ean=9781615933150&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gbraid=0AAAAACfld40epkQm1c3w27exUpyhIU-XT&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwqv2_BhC0ARIsAFb5Ac9mBJs2Xg6iyfD94owvOeZdueGkJ2ckNuOj4QWo1tkQdymCQlvi8acaAiLREALw_wcB\">&#8220;The Writer&#8217;s Journey,&#8221;<\/a> and Verlyn Klinkenborg&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/p\/books\/several-short-sentences-about-writing-verlyn-klinkenborg\/7214977\">&#8220;Several Short Sentences About Writing.&#8221;<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-list mb-4 list max-w-screen-full mx-auto pl-5 \">\n            \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u201c<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/p\/books\/how-to-tell-a-story-the-essential-guide-to-memorable-storytelling-from-the-moth-catherine-burns\/19711489?ean=9780593139028&amp;next=t\"><strong>How to Tell a Story: The Essential Guide to Memorable Storytelling from The Moth<\/strong><\/a><strong>,\u201d<\/strong> by Meg Bowles, Catherine Burns, et al. Journalist Cyndi Zaweski praised this book for the insightful way that it explains how to be vulnerable when sharing personal narratives. \u201cVulnerability in storytelling isn&#8217;t about recounting all the details of the \u2018bad thing\u2019 that happened to you,\u201d she said, drawing upon lessons learned from the book. \u201cThat&#8217;s just the context for the real story: what you learned and how it changed you.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-heading   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Screenwriting<\/h2>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-image mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"742\" src=\"https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/screenwriting-1024x742.png\" alt=\"screenwriting\" class=\"wp-image-15317\" style=\"width:703px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/screenwriting-1024x742.png 1024w, https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/screenwriting-300x217.png 300w, https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/screenwriting-768x556.png 768w, https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/screenwriting-1536x1112.png 1536w, https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/screenwriting-2048x1483.png 2048w, https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/screenwriting-150x110.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-list mb-4 list max-w-screen-full mx-auto pl-5 \">\n            \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u201c<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/p\/books\/the-protagonist-s-journey-an-introduction-to-character-driven-screenwriting-and-storytelling-scott-myers\/17110305?ean=9783030796815&amp;next=t\"><strong>The Protagonist&#8217;s Journey: An Introduction to Character-Driven Screenwriting and Storytelling<\/strong><\/a><strong>,\u201d<\/strong> by Scott Myers, is an encouraging guidebook for those at the start of their screenwriting journeys.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-spacer mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n<div style=\"height:53px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-quote mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-paragraph mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n<p>\u2022 <strong>&#8220;Protagonist&#8217;s Journey&#8221;<\/strong>: I&#8217;ve been reading Scott for as long as I can remember working in Hollywood, and I&#8217;ve known him personally for more than a decade now, since I asked him to be the official screenwriting blogger of the Black List. His is a non-prescriptive approach, and I don&#8217;t know that I&#8217;ve met anyone who cares more about aspiring professional screenwriters than he.&#8221;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-paragraph mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n<p>\u2022 <a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/p\/books\/poetics-aristotle\/18686061?gad_source=1&amp;gbraid=0AAAAACfld43J4fQ68iKQO_2zTxXLy5GX5&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwh_i_BhCzARIsANimeoEV-pdwetzB6wtzFrAoGXEMtOYw1yRYSvMadI7HHEG70lwyhHkkA-gaAnh_EALw_wcB\"><strong>&#8220;Poetics,&#8221; by Aristotle<\/strong><\/a>: The earliest surviving work of Greek dramatic theory. Start at the beginning.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-paragraph mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n<p>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.franklinleonard.com\/\">Franklin Leonard<\/a>, producer and founder of the screenwriting and storytelling community <a href=\"https:\/\/blcklst.com\/\">The Black List<\/a><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-spacer mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n<div style=\"height:63px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-list mb-4 list max-w-screen-full mx-auto pl-5 \">\n            \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u201c<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Screenwriting-Rewriting-Craft-Professional-Revision\/dp\/1628927402\"><strong>Screenwriting is Rewriting: The Art and Craft of Professional Revision<\/strong><\/a><strong>\u201d<\/strong> by Jack Epps Jr. is an indispensable guide to the craft of revision in screenwriting. Epps, who co-wrote films such as \u201cTop Gun\u201d \u201cThe Secret of My Success,\u201d and \u201cAnaconda,\u201d explores the many layers of the rewrite process and explains how they can enhance the final product.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-list mb-4 list max-w-screen-full mx-auto pl-5 \">\n            \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u201c<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/p\/books\/story-style-structure-substance-and-the-principles-of-screenwriting-robert-mckee\/7394988?ean=9780060391683&amp;next=t\"><strong>Story: Substance, Structure, Style, and The Principles of Screenwriting<\/strong><\/a><strong>\u201d<\/strong> by Robert McKee is an insightful manual from a master of the craft. The book offers practical advice for seasoned and aspiring screenwriters, and it illuminates deeper truths about how one can harness the power of good storytelling to capture and captivate an audience.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-spacer mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n<div style=\"height:53px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-quote mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-paragraph mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n<p>\u201c<strong>Story by Robert McKee<\/strong> is my Bible. The book is very much about telling writers to get out of their own way. Taught me so much. Second is Janet Burroway&#8217;s \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Writing-Fiction-Tenth-Narrative-Publishing\/dp\/022661669X\/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.EQbifcp45QA8MRO7ecQvxM7HwY4saFyeAZWcLtwwUck.5oW8luhnjWRIIFZzqPTQXG6I-oJiFRA_ai9gaG-dLSk&amp;qid=1744817053&amp;sr=8-1\">Writing Fiction<\/a>,\u201d which is the most practical craft book I&#8217;ve read on the elements of fiction, followed by \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/168683\/13-ways-of-looking-at-the-novel-by-jane-smiley\/\">13 Ways of Looking at the Novel<\/a>\u201d by Pulitzer Prize winner Jane Smiley.\u201d<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-paragraph mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n<p>\u2014&nbsp;Author Maurice Carlos Ruffin (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/735684\/the-american-daughters-by-maurice-carlos-ruffin\/\">&#8220;The American Daughters,&#8221;<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/p\/books\/we-cast-a-shadow-maurice-carlos-ruffin\/12072411\">&#8220;We Cast a Shadow,&#8221;<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/p\/books\/the-ones-who-don-t-say-they-love-you-stories-maurice-carlos-ruffin\/15727413\">&#8220;The Ones Who Don\u2019t Say They Love You&#8221;<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-spacer mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n<div style=\"height:57px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-list mb-4 list max-w-screen-full mx-auto pl-5 \">\n            \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u201c<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/p\/books\/the-anatomy-of-story-22-steps-to-becoming-a-master-storyteller-john-truby\/8050558?ean=9780865479937&amp;next=t\"><strong>The Anatomy of Story: 22 Steps to Becoming a Master Storyteller<\/strong><\/a><strong>\u201d<\/strong> offers up multifaceted tips and techniques from John Truby, a screenwriter, director, and acclaimed story consultant. The book tackles character, dialogue, tone, structure, and symbolism, and it \u201cis great for helping anyone think about plot,\u201d says writer and Nieman Storyboard reader Maura Kelly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-heading   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fiction<\/h2>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-image mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"746\" src=\"https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/fiction-storytelling-1024x746.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15319\" style=\"width:758px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/fiction-storytelling-1024x746.png 1024w, https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/fiction-storytelling-300x218.png 300w, https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/fiction-storytelling-768x559.png 768w, https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/fiction-storytelling-1536x1119.png 1536w, https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/fiction-storytelling-2048x1492.png 2048w, https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/fiction-storytelling-150x110.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-list mb-4 list max-w-screen-full mx-auto pl-5 \">\n            \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u201c<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/p\/books\/playing-in-the-dark-whiteness-and-the-literary-imagination-toni-morrison\/6703908?ean=9780679745426&amp;next=t\"><strong>Playing in the Dark: Whiteness and the Literary Imagination<\/strong><\/a><strong>\u201d<\/strong> by Toni Morrison. Author Shannon Sanders (<a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/p\/books\/company-stories-shannon-sanders\/19491224\">&#8220;Company&#8221;<\/a>) first read this book in college and remembers being \u201chaunted\u201d by Morrison&#8217;s lucid ideas and prose. \u201cThe book is about how African-Americans and Blackness generally have shaped the (predominantly white) classic American canon, but beyond that it taught me how in reading a text there is so much you can slice straight through and instead read the author: in their choice of symbol and motif, in the preoccupations they emphasize on purpose and by accident, you can access a new understanding of a world (perhaps the very world you live in, though you probably see it differently from, say, Willa Cather),\u201d Sanders said. \u201cAs a Black writer starting out, I was very affected by this and return to it often when I am considering my own body of work.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-list mb-4 list max-w-screen-full mx-auto pl-5 \">\n            \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u201c<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/p\/books\/how-to-write-an-autobiographical-novel-essays-alexander-chee\/6961171?ean=9781328764522&amp;next=t\"><strong>How to Write an Autobiographical Novel<\/strong><\/a><strong>\u201d <\/strong>by novelist Alexander Chee is a critical addition to the canon of craft books. Sanders, quoted above, calls it a \u201ccontemporary classic,\u201d saying: \u201cI think many writers feel a lot of loneliness and yearning because of how much of our lives we spend pulled away from our desks, agonizing through real-world experience and hoping to be able to bottle the tiniest bit of that experience in our work. Chee&#8217;s book makes me feel less alone in that way of living.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-list mb-4 list max-w-screen-full mx-auto pl-5 \">\n            \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u201c<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/p\/books\/craft-in-the-real-world-rethinking-fiction-writing-and-workshopping-matthew-salesses\/15013424?ean=9781948226806&amp;next=t\"><strong>Craft in the Real World: Rethinking Fiction Writing and Workshopping<\/strong><\/a><strong>\u201d<\/strong> by Matthew Salesses is an essential read for educators who want to rethink traditional approaches to creative writing workshops and carve out new pathways forward. Salesses poses thought-provoking ideas about how to integrate diverse storytelling traditions into workshops and classroom teachings, and he shares practical suggestions on grading and creating syllabi for writing classes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-list mb-4 list max-w-screen-full mx-auto pl-5 \">\n            \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u201c<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/p\/books\/refuse-to-be-done-how-to-write-and-rewrite-a-novel-in-three-drafts-matt-bell\/17243106?ean=9781641293419&amp;next=t\"><strong>Refuse to be Done<\/strong><\/a><strong>\u201d<\/strong> by Matt Bell is a super practical guide for anyone who is working on a novel or aspires to do so. The book, recommended by Nieman Storyboard reader Tara Yarlagadda and author Deesha Philyaw (<a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/p\/books\/the-secret-lives-of-church-ladies-deesha-philyaw\/14432556\">&#8220;The Secret Lives of Church Ladies&#8221;<\/a>), is broken down into three sections that focus on writing, rewriting, and revising (a topic that often gets overlooked in craft books). Bell makes the daunting task of writing a novel seem more doable by laying out a roadmap and acting as a trusted guide.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-list mb-4 list max-w-screen-full mx-auto pl-5 \">\n            \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u201c<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/p\/books\/on-writing-a-memoir-of-the-craft-stephen-king\/14560198?ean=9781982159375&amp;next=t\"><strong>On Writing<\/strong><\/a><strong>\u201d<\/strong> by Stephen King is a classic go-to for many Nieman Storyboard readers, including Yarlagadda, who appreciates King\u2019s advice on how to develop a writing lifestyle. Personally, I like King\u2019s insistence that writers mustn\u2019t wait for the \u201cperfect\u201d conditions to begin writing. When teaching lectures on procrastination, I read aloud a related passage from King\u2019s book: \u201cI wrote my first two novels, \u2018Carrie\u2019 and \u2018Salem\u2019s Lot\u2019 in the laundry room of a doublewide trailer, pounding away on my wife\u2019s portable Olivetti typewriter and balancing a child\u2019s desk on my thighs.\u201d My students always look back at me, wide-eyed. <strong>This is perhaps one of the most telling signs of a good craft book: when it provides anecdotes and lessons you remember and can\u2019t help but want to share.<\/strong><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-paragraph mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n<p>With King&#8217;s advice in mind, I hope you\u2019ll share this guide with other writers and journalists in your life \u2014 and remember that picking up a pen will teach you so much on its own.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-paragraph mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">***<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-paragraph mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n<p><em>For more resources for writers and journalists, check out Nieman Storyboard&#8217;s <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/tag\/books\/\"><em>books coverage<\/em><\/a><em>, and our entire <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/category\/essays-on-craft\/\"><em>Story Craft archive<\/em><\/a><em>.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-paragraph mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">***<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-classic mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"  core-block\">\n        <div class=\"block block--core block--core-paragraph mb-5   max-w-screen-full mx-auto\">\n            \n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/niemanstoryboard.org\/authors\/mallary-tenore-tarpley\/\"><em>Mallary Tenore Tarpley<\/em><\/a><em> is a journalism professor at the University of Texas at Austin\u2019s School of Journalism and Media. Her debut narrative nonfiction book, \u201cSLIP,\u201d will be published by Simon &amp; Schuster\u2019s Simon Element imprint in August and <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.barnesandnoble.com\/w\/slip-mallary-tenore-tarpley\/1146385043?ean=9781668035016\"><em>is now available for pre-order<\/em><\/a><em>. She recently launched a newsletter,\u202f<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/mallary.substack.com\/p\/welcome-to-write-at-the-edge\"><em>Write at the Edge<\/em><\/a><em>, geared toward helping writers hone their craft.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Journalists, authors, producers, filmmakers, and Nieman Storyboard readers share more than 40 books that inspire their work. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":15298,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[429,431,425,430,453],"topics":[],"authors":[374],"issue":[],"class_list":["post-15297","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-essays-on-craft","tag-books","tag-memoir","tag-podcasts","tag-publishing","tag-screenwriting","authors-mallary-tenore-tarpley"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This 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