Story Craft

When writing news requires a distance from neutrality to "tell it like it is"

When writing news requires a distance from neutrality to “tell it like it is”

Writing guru Roy Peter Clark analyzes an "astonishing lead," and unpacks the notions of objectivity and detachment in light of current events
"The mountains on the horizon ..."

“The mountains on the horizon …”

— Tana French in her novel "The Searcher"
A master of sports journalism tackles a new writing challenge: narrative on Facebook

A master of sports journalism tackles a new writing challenge: narrative on Facebook

Dave Kindred never intended to take on this project. Truth is, he didn’t even think of the Facebook posts he’s been writing as a project.But last spring, the walls began…
Challenges of sourcing, safety and reporting for narrative in China

Challenges of sourcing, safety and reporting for narrative in China

By her own admission, New York Times reporter Sui-Lee Wee doesn’t often break news out of China; her beat coverage usually follows the reporting of multiple Chinese articles about the…
How a reporter tracked good intentions to problematic consequences in family court

How a reporter tracked good intentions to problematic consequences in family court

An offhand remark by a source caught Stephanie Clifford’s interest. More than a year later, the reporter revealed a harrowing problem previously obscured in the murk of the family court…
How a viral tweet led to a sensitive story on family, race and America

How a viral tweet led to a sensitive story on family, race and America

It was the kind of tweet a lot of people would thumb past with no more than a quick “like.” But when Jaweed Kaleem read about a one-woman Black Lives…
Writing rituals: Superstition or productivity?

Writing rituals: Superstition or productivity?

A book captures the obsessive habits of great authors — quirks that writing coach Chip Scanlan says help writers focus and summon the Muse
What crisis reporting can teach about better sports reporting

What crisis reporting can teach about better sports reporting

Most 20-something sports journalists don’t find themselves covering something as raw and emotional as the aftermath of one of the deadliest natural disasters in American history. But here was Benjamin Hochman, sitting in the lobby of the Doubletree hotel in Dallas with…
The challenge of precision: As descriptors evolve, the press must be clear

The challenge of precision: As descriptors evolve, the press must be clear

 The U.S. Supreme Court this week (June 17, 2020) ruled that the Civil Rights act of 1964  prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, which the majority said…
Building writing muscles — a postcard a day

Building writing muscles — a postcard a day

An award-winning sports reporter learns to relax his professional writing by penning personal notes on postcards