books

Using diaries, photos, and films to create narrative magic

Using diaries, photos, and films to create narrative magic

The story behind Sophie Elmhirst’s bestseller, ‘A Marriage at Sea.’ Plus: Joi Lee on returning to the U.S. to cover ICE
April 3, 2026
Mark Armstrong
Annotation: How Sophie Elmhirst wrote a bestselling nonfiction book that reads like fiction

Annotation: How Sophie Elmhirst wrote a bestselling nonfiction book that reads like fiction

The author of ‘A Marriage at Sea’ found her voice — and a deep archive of diaries, films, and interviews — to tell the true story of Maurice and Maralyn…
April 2, 2026
Mallary Tenore Tarpley
A Patrick Radden Keefe reading list

A Patrick Radden Keefe reading list

Boston University's Power of Narrative conference. Plus: J. Anthony Lukas Prize Project Awards
March 20, 2026
Mark Armstrong
Bringing your values to your reporting and writing

Bringing your values to your reporting and writing

Irin Carmon annotates her book on the lives of five pregnant women post-Dobbs. Plus: More awards and fellowship deadlines
March 6, 2026
Mark Armstrong
Annotation: Irin Carmon follows the experiences of five pregnant women in the post-Dobbs era

Annotation: Irin Carmon follows the experiences of five pregnant women in the post-Dobbs era

‘I felt a sense of connection, rage, and sadness about what was going to happen to anyone who was pregnant in this country, whether they wanted to be or not’
March 5, 2026
Carly Stern
Roy Peter Clark on storytelling lessons for — and from — students

Roy Peter Clark on storytelling lessons for — and from — students

How to write a college admissions essay. Plus: National Magazine Award finalists
February 27, 2026
Mark Armstrong
High-impact storytelling in college admissions essays, and what we can learn from it

High-impact storytelling in college admissions essays, and what we can learn from it

Roy Peter Clark shares lessons from his latest book, and calls on journalists to share their knowledge with the next generation
February 26, 2026
Roy Peter Clark
Journalist Tricia Romano on the pros and cons of writing an oral history

Journalist Tricia Romano on the pros and cons of writing an oral history

The author of ‘The Freaks Came Out to Write,’ knew that her book about The Village Voice needed to be an oral history. She soon learned the storytelling challenges that…
February 19, 2026
Mark Armstrong
Piecing together the past

Piecing together the past

Author Brendan O’Meara reconstructs a legendary race. Plus: Bruce Springsteen and the return of the protest song
January 30, 2026
Mark Armstrong
Annotation: How Brendan O’Meara Reconstructs Steve Prefontaine's Legendary Races in ‘The Front Runner’

Annotation: How Brendan O’Meara Reconstructs Steve Prefontaine’s Legendary Races in ‘The Front Runner’

The journalist, podcaster, and biographer shares tips on writing scenes you can’t witness firsthand, and getting in the head of characters no longer around to interview
January 29, 2026
Kim Cross