Articles

"Star Trek" as a guide to sharing intimate, personal details

“Star Trek” as a guide to sharing intimate, personal details

A PhD researcher in neuroscience finds a useful tool to decide when and how to use personal stories in her science writing
"... it's not terribly unusual to see grown men crying ..."

“… it’s not terribly unusual to see grown men crying …”

— Cynthia Barnes of Denver Westword in her obit of a local bartender
Reconstructing a murky maze of blame

Reconstructing a murky maze of blame

Lauren Smiley of Wired spent four years tracking the first pedestrian fatality involving a bicyclist, Uber and a self-driving car
Climbing the "ladder of abstraction" to evoke empathy and elevate your message

Climbing the “ladder of abstraction” to evoke empathy and elevate your message

A concept adapted from theories of rhetoric can help writers choose details that add both intimacy and universality to a story
Inspiration and planning for the next chapter — of life and writing

Inspiration and planning for the next chapter — of life and writing

By Jacqui BanaszynskiLast week life brought me one of those full-circle gifts. I’m hosting my friend Cristian Lupsa for a few days in Seattle and at the mountain cabin. I…
When a reporter is slain, another picks up the story

When a reporter is slain, another picks up the story

The Washington Post sent Lizzie Johnson to Las Vegas to continue an investigation started by Review-Journal reporter Jeff German
End notes: The neglected art of story walk-offs

End notes: The neglected art of story walk-offs

By Jacqui BanaszynskiI still remember, with a wince and a laugh, the time I was fretting over a conference keynote. I had X amount of time, X-plus amount of material…
Endings: How to leave readers satisfied ~ and wanting more

Endings: How to leave readers satisfied ~ and wanting more

In Narrative Elements 4, Lauren Kessler pays practical attention to the oft-neglected challenge of story endings
'Poetic explorations' in a podcast from inside and outside prison walls

‘Poetic explorations’ in a podcast from inside and outside prison walls

The final post in the revived "Audio Danger" series gives voice to the moments and memories of imprisoned people
Journalism prizes as motivation, not destination

Journalism prizes as motivation, not destination

By Jacqui BanaszynskiFor four decades now, I’ve laid down a motivational challenge for myself: Can I be involved in at least one journalism project each year that wins a significant…