Articles

How we reveal our character

How we reveal our character

Scenes from an election week. Plus: Selling a book proposal and the value of a ‘flop’
Meet the main characters: How six writers introduce their subjects to the reader

Meet the main characters: How six writers introduce their subjects to the reader

From the Nieman Storyboard archives: the descriptions, the scenes, and the internal thoughts that bring characters to life in narrative nonfiction
Storytelling with humility (and teeth)

Storytelling with humility (and teeth)

The New Yorker's Burkhard Bilger goes to ‘Molar City.’ Plus: Dana Hedgpeth on history’s lessons, and a tribute to a beloved Los Angeles Times mentor
Behind the Scenes: Burkhard Bilger weaves humor and history into a story about teeth for The New Yorker

Behind the Scenes: Burkhard Bilger weaves humor and history into a story about teeth for The New Yorker

The New Yorker staff writer shares his own dental history to tell a story about America's ailing health care system
‘Surprise is magic in journalism’

‘Surprise is magic in journalism’

Author Claudia Rowe on writing about the foster care system. Plus: Keeping your day job while publishing books with Erin Somers
National Book Award finalist Claudia Rowe on writing about teens and the foster care system

National Book Award finalist Claudia Rowe on writing about teens and the foster care system

The author of ‘Wards of the State’ on preparing sources to be part of a book and covering the foster care system-to-incarceration pipeline
Susan Orlean tells her own story

Susan Orlean tells her own story

The New Yorker writer's new memoir, “Joyride.” Plus: Kate Sosin on covering trans issues and avoiding burnout.
Journalist Kate Sosin on covering trans issues in the age of Trump 2.0

Journalist Kate Sosin on covering trans issues in the age of Trump 2.0

“As a trans person, I have to write news that makes me want to get up in the morning … stories that are more constructive than just, ‘Here's another thing…
‘Your story is worth telling’

‘Your story is worth telling’

Danyel Smith on journaling through life and work. Plus: National Book Award finalists, and the elements of a story pitch
Danyel Smith on developing taste as a writer and building confidence to tell your own story

Danyel Smith on developing taste as a writer and building confidence to tell your own story

The award-winning journalist, author, and producer shares lessons from across many forms and genres — from running Vibe magazine to writing her memoir, “Shine Bright”