books

‘Surprise is magic in journalism’

‘Surprise is magic in journalism’

Author Claudia Rowe on writing about the foster care system. Plus: Keeping your day job while publishing books with Erin Somers
National Book Award finalist Claudia Rowe on writing about teens and the foster care system

National Book Award finalist Claudia Rowe on writing about teens and the foster care system

The author of ‘Wards of the State’ on preparing sources to be part of a book and covering the foster care system-to-incarceration pipeline
Susan Orlean tells her own story

Susan Orlean tells her own story

The New Yorker writer's new memoir, “Joyride.” Plus: Kate Sosin on covering trans issues and avoiding burnout.
‘Your story is worth telling’

‘Your story is worth telling’

Danyel Smith on journaling through life and work. Plus: National Book Award finalists, and the elements of a story pitch
Danyel Smith on developing taste as a writer and building confidence to tell your own story

Danyel Smith on developing taste as a writer and building confidence to tell your own story

The award-winning journalist, author, and producer shares lessons from across many forms and genres — from running Vibe magazine to writing her memoir, “Shine Bright”
Finding your book's main characters

Finding your book’s main characters

Megan Greenwell's “Bad Company,” annotated. Plus: What makes dialogue work on the page?
Megan Greenwell on holding out for the once-in-a-lifetime book idea

Megan Greenwell on holding out for the once-in-a-lifetime book idea

The author of “Bad Company” on the merits of waiting until she was seized by an obsession and couldn’t let go
The life of an author, on camera

The life of an author, on camera

Jason Pargin's second career pivoting to video. Plus: tools for organizing your reporting, and a database for freelance rates
The craft (and business) of TikTok storytelling, according to author Jason Pargin

The craft (and business) of TikTok storytelling, according to author Jason Pargin

How the writer and former Cracked editor found his voice with short-form video
Revisiting the historical narrative in a reported memoir

Revisiting the historical narrative in a reported memoir

Sara Kehaulani Goo tells a personal story about Maui. Plus: what happens when your subjects don't like your story?