Synopses & Reviews
From the work of the New Journalists in the 1960s, to the New Yorker essays of John McPhee, Susan Orlean, Atul Gawande, and a host of others, to blockbuster book-length narratives such as Mary Roachand#8217;s Stiff or Erik Larsonand#8217;s Devil in the White City, narrative nonfiction has come into its own. Yet writers looking for guidance on reporting and writing true stories have had few places to turn for advice. Now in Storycraft, Jack Hart, a former managing editor of the Oregonian who guided several Pulitzer Prizeand#8211;winning narratives to publication, delivers what will certainly become the definitive guide to the methods and mechanics of crafting narrative nonfiction.
Hart covers what writers in this genre need to know, from understanding story theory and structure, to mastering point of view and such basic elements as scene, action, and character, to drafting, revising, and editing work for publication. Revealing the stories behind the stories, Hart brings readers into the process of developing nonfiction narratives by sharing tips, anecdotes, and recommendations he forged during his decades-long career in journalism. From there, he expands the discussion to other well-known writers to show the broad range of texts, styles, genres, and media to which his advice applies. With examples that draw from magazine essays, book-length nonfiction narratives, documentaries, and radio programs, Storycraft will be an indispensable resource for years to come.
Review
andldquo;A great tool for veterans, military service members, military family members, and for instructors of creative writing.andrdquo;andmdash;Brian Turner, author of My Life as a Foreign Country
Review
andldquo;Both useful and graceful. . . . This book is essential for those who want to share their perspective on the growth, the ironies, the emotions, and the fundamental truths of the military experience.andrdquo;andmdash;Janet Burroway, author of Writing Fiction: A Guide to Narrative Craft
Review
andldquo;Tracy Crow has written the perfect writing guide. Her advice is crisp, clear, and indispensable: just what youandrsquo;d expect from a former Marine turned author.andrdquo;andmdash;Dinty W. Moore, author ofand#160;Between Panic and Desireand#160;and the director of the creative writing program at Ohio University
Review
andldquo;Finally! A straightforward, practical primer. . . . On Point provides the necessary tools for converting oneandrsquo;s military experience into meaningful storytelling.andrdquo;andmdash;Dwight Jon Zimmerman, #1 New York Times best-selling author and president of the Military Writers Society of Americaand#160;
Review
andldquo;The world needs Tracy Crowandrsquo;s writing guide because no other book has been written specifically for military veterans with stories to share. The advice is solid, her examples relevant, and her approach inspirational.andrdquo;andmdash;Lee Barnes, author of Gunning for Hoand#160;andand#160;When We Walked Above the Clouds: A Memoir of Vietnam
Synopsis
Personal writing can be risky for anyone, but for military veterans, especially those suffering from post-traumatic stress, sharing stories can trigger painful and disturbing flashbacks. Writing is also risky for the ego. It is one thing to write a military story, especially one based on authentic experiences; it is quite another to muster the courage to share that story with others for critique and feedback.and#160;Award-winning journalist and author Tracy Crow presents a roadmap for writing an authentic, persuasive military story. Drawing from her personal experiences and those of other veteran writers, and from the insights of noteworthy writing and teaching professionals, On Point is the guide Crow wishes sheandrsquo;d had when she first began writing about her military experience. No previous writing guide specifically addresses the unique challenges and rewards facing soldiers who want to craft their military story with courage and candor.
About the Author
Jack Hart is a former managing editor and writing coach at the Oregonian. He received the first National Teaching Award from the American Society of Newspaper Editors and and#160;a University of Wisconsin Distinguished Service Award for his contributions to journalism, has taught on the faculties of six universities, and was named the Ruhl Distinguished Professor at the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication. He is the author of A Writerand#8217;s Coach.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Chapter 1: Story
Chapter 2: Structure
Chapter 3: Point of View
Chapter 4: Voice and Style
Chapter 5: Character
Chapter 6: Scene
Chapter 7: Action
Chapter 8: Dialogue
Chapter 9: Theme
Chapter 10: Reporting
Chapter 11: Story Narratives
Chapter 12: Explanatory Narratives
Chapter 13: Other Narratives
Chapter 14: Ethics
Acknowledgments
Notes
Bibliography
Index