Articles

A journalist’s journey into her family story leads to a history of American pie

A journalist’s journey into her family story leads to a history of American pie

Washington Post columnist Megan McArdle baked a humble dessert into a big idea
November 22, 2023
Dustin Renwick
Taking aim at gun violence coverage

Taking aim at gun violence coverage

By Jacqui BanaszynskiOn Wednesday last week, I had a plan for the newsletter: All manner of tidbits were collecting in a file and it was time to use the best…
November 21, 2023
Jacqui Banaszynski
Peek inside a successful book proposal

Peek inside a successful book proposal

Author Kim Cross annotates the lengthy proposal that landed a contract for the book that revisits the 1993 Polly Klaas kidnapping
November 17, 2023
Carly Stern
Nonfiction author Kim Cross breaks down how to sell a book proposal

Nonfiction author Kim Cross breaks down how to sell a book proposal

The narrative journalist details the upside of rejection, the importance of timing, the value of a good agent and the reality of advances
November 17, 2023
Carly Stern
Will history be served by email clutter?

Will history be served by email clutter?

By Jacqui BanaszynskiAccording to the adage, people don’t regret the things they did in life — only those they didn’t.I don’t buy it — anymore than I buy the assurance…
November 15, 2023
Jacqui Banaszynski
A newspaper re-embraces print

A newspaper re-embraces print

The Guardian again bets on elegant design, elegant writing and a print publication to showcase the best of in-depth nonfiction journalism
November 15, 2023
Jacqui Banaszynski
The Post-it puzzle of a big writing project

The Post-it puzzle of a big writing project

Author and journalism teacher Mallary Tenore Tarpley uses Post-its and origami paper to outline her reported memoir on eating disorders
November 9, 2023
Mallary Tenore Tarpley
"...last straws and camels' backs..."

“…last straws and camels’ backs…”

—Charles P. Pierce (paraphrased) on college basketball coach Bobby Knight
November 8, 2023
Jacqui Banaszynski
The core role of editors in trustworthy journalism

The core role of editors in trustworthy journalism

In frenzied times and a strained news economy, editors are often the first to be cut — just when they are needed more than ever
November 7, 2023
Jacqui Banaszynski
"History is a merciless judge."

“History is a merciless judge.”

—David Grann in his nonfiction book "Killers of the Flower Moon"
November 2, 2023
Jacqui Banaszynski