Notable Narratives

This series shows how narrative can illuminate complex processes—in this case the machinations of policymaking. It’s a clear, entertaining account of Republican mavericks trying to pass a bill popular among…

Kimber’s story about Tom Martin, a devoted detective, has a strong sense of direction—even though his piece is based on interview. We thought this piece a good example of writing…

Born to an unwed mother, Frank Beazley was given up to an orphanage as a newborn. His difficult life rolled out from there. We appreciated the historical detail the series…

We have to admit that the topic of this story, its high drama, made us a bit wary. Still, the series is well worth reading because it is an engrossing…

By clicking the link below, you’ll find four selections from Shaw’s intermittent series about the transformation of a Minnesota farm into a high-end subdivision. Shaw follows the project from the…

This piece is a good example of how to write about emotional topics without mawkishness or sentimentality. A woman has lost her husband; she must now face the challenges of…

This is a effective example of how narrative can flesh out, give dignity to, people who feel they are, as a central character says in this story, “just a number…

This is a lyrical short memoir that manages to be touching without being overly sentimental. We found the mix of direct scene and reflection effective.We offer one suggestion. Imagine what…

We admired the plainness of this story’s language. It is as if the horror of the event stripped Henninger’s voice of all pretense. He gives a blow-by-blow account, with summation…

This short piece entertains while providing an appropriately complex portrayal of a man who has suffered but whose spirit, or will anyway, seems irrepressible. We particularly liked the opening line…