Story Craft

Learning to see beyond first sight

Learning to see beyond first sight

Editor’s note: We are trying out a new feature. Call it writing practice (with a nod to Natalie Goldberg’s “Writing Down the Bones,” where I first encountered the term). Or…
Steve Almond and "Bad Stories: What the Hell Just Happened to Our Country"

Steve Almond and “Bad Stories: What the Hell Just Happened to Our Country”

In a collection of essays, the writer argues that stories matter, and bad stories lead to bad outcomes
Five immersive photographers share their experiences on gaining trust

Five immersive photographers share their experiences on gaining trust

How do they gain access to private, and often painful, lives? “Consider what you’re asking of people. Sometimes it just takes time and patience.”
The New Yorker's "Lost Giant of American Literature" and the prism of race

The New Yorker’s “Lost Giant of American Literature” and the prism of race

In both the first novel by William Melvin Kelley and recent article by Kathryn Schulz, the story of blacks is told by whites
In Sicily, an old oral storytelling tradition tries to renew itself in the 21st century

In Sicily, an old oral storytelling tradition tries to renew itself in the 21st century

The once-popular puppet shows, which showcase the Italian island's rich heritage, hopes to win new audiences with modern themes
The evolution of wartime journalists in Syria: from activists to reporters

The evolution of wartime journalists in Syria: from activists to reporters

Six years ago, the staff of Enab Baladi bore (angry) witness to the devastation of their communities; today, they cover stories the international media can't
As Saudi Arabia modernizes, an expat child of its "Little America" creates a time capsule

As Saudi Arabia modernizes, an expat child of its “Little America” creates a time capsule

In "Aramco: Above the Oil Fields," photographer Ayesha Malik finds the beautiful in the ordinary of its past -- and present
5 Tips for Journalists Covering Mental and Behavioral Health

5 Tips for Journalists Covering Mental and Behavioral Health

Reporters too often fall back on dated stereotypes, distort the nature of illnesses and recovery and rely on shaky sources, speakers at workshop say
Start 2018 out right with some literary journalism conferences and workshops

Start 2018 out right with some literary journalism conferences and workshops

The Power of Narrative: Telling True Stories in Turbulent TimesMarch 23-25Boston UniversityBoston, MassachusettsIt looks like the longest-running narrative journalism conference is making a point of spotlighting great female journalists and…
Poetry finds a (calming) home in the hurly-burly of 21st century New York

Poetry finds a (calming) home in the hurly-burly of 21st century New York

The Poets House is a hidden literary gem in the city where an "old-fashioned" art and nonfiction thrive — and marginalized voices can learn to freely speak