Storycraft, Jack Hart
Storycraft, Jack Hart
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Storycraft
The Complete Guide to Writing Narrative Nonfiction (Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing, and Publishing)

Author: Jack Hart

Narrator: Christopher Grove

Unabridged: 11 hr 11 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Tantor Media

Published: 05/21/2019


Synopsis

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 narratives such as Mary Roach’s Stiff, 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 Prize–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 listeners 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.

About Jack Hart

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 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 Writer's Coach.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Kim on December 18, 2017

Of all the books about writing, editing and publishing I’ve read over the years, I cannot think of one that stood out more than just offering a nugget of information here and some insight over there. They were helpful but not memorable. Or even enjoyable to read. Story Craft: The Complete Guide to W......more

Goodreads review by Miebara on February 16, 2020

Writing is hard (at least speaking for myself). Whether it is about writing a one-page memo or an essay for your 13-year-old child or a social media update or a book, this art called composition is difficult. But like most problems, the solution seems not to be far-fetched. You (and that includes me......more

Goodreads review by Addalai on February 23, 2024

Excellent. I wish I’d read this as part of a class in college. Especially appreciated the chapters on action (use stronger verbs!), theme, explanatory narratives, and ethics. Hartman’s old school commitment to truth as the most compelling part of story felt refreshing. It’s tough to find a creative......more

Goodreads review by Steve on August 15, 2013

The art of telling an effective story, whether as a matter of fiction or of non-fiction, has become increasingly celebrated and promoted as the most effective means of communicating a message. Wherever we turn for advice about communicating effectively, we are told about the power of story—or of nar......more