Telling True Stories

1. Narrative journalism blends reporting with storytelling techniques

"Stories are for joining the past to the future. Stories are for those late hours in the night when you can't remember how you got from where you were to where you are."

Bridging fact and fiction. Narrative journalism combines rigorous reporting with literary techniques to create compelling true stories. It goes beyond simply presenting facts to immerse readers in real-world experiences and emotions. Key elements include:

• Scene-by-scene construction
• Full dialogue
• Status details
• Point of view

By employing these storytelling devices, narrative journalists can bring depth and resonance to their reporting, helping readers connect emotionally with subjects and grasp complex issues. The goal is to reveal larger truths about the human condition through specific, well-reported stories.

2. Finding good stories requires curiosity and keen observation

"Go to a place in your community that you don't know very well, ride a few buses, get off them, explore, and ask yourself questions about what you see."

Cultivate an inquisitive mindset. Great narrative stories often emerge from everyday situations when viewed through a curious lens. Writers should:

• Talk to strangers and eavesdrop on conversations
• Explore unfamiliar neighborhoods and community spaces
• Read widely, including local publications and classified ads
• Follow up on hunches and investigate oddities

The key is to remain open to potential stories in unexpected places. By honing observational skills and pursuing leads, writers can uncover rich narrative material hiding in plain sight.

3. Immersive reporting builds trust and yields authentic details

"To write good narrative you must be able to answer the question: What is the story about?"

Depth over breadth. Immersive reporting involves spending extended time with subjects to truly understand their world. This approach:

• Builds trust, allowing access to private moments and thoughts
• Reveals telling details that bring scenes to life
• Provides context to interpret events accurately

Narrative journalists should strive to experience subjects' lives firsthand when possible. This might mean:

• Shadowing key characters for days or weeks
• Participating in relevant activities
• Visiting important locations repeatedly

The goal is to gather enough vivid, specific details to reconstruct scenes and convey authentic experiences to readers.

4. Structure and pacing are crucial for engaging narratives

"Every story must arrive at a destination; the purpose of a story is to lead your readers to it."

Craft a compelling journey. Effective narrative nonfiction carefully structures information to create tension and maintain reader interest. Key considerations include:

• Opening with a gripping scene or question
• Weaving background information seamlessly into the narrative
• Varying sentence and paragraph length for rhythm
• Using cliffhangers and reveals to propel the story forward

Writers should map out the story's arc, identifying key turning points and climactic moments. Pacing involves balancing action with reflection, knowing when to zoom in on specific details and when to pull back for broader context.

5. Ethical considerations are paramount in narrative nonfiction

"As journalists we must admit that our very presence 'changes the story.'"

Navigate complex ethical terrain. Narrative journalists face unique ethical challenges due to their intimate involvement with subjects. Key principles include:

• Transparency about methods and role as a journalist
• Fact-checking and verifying all information
• Respecting subjects' privacy and dignity
• Considering potential consequences of publication

Writers must balance storytelling goals with journalistic integrity. This might involve:

• Allowing subjects to review portions of the story for accuracy
• Anonymizing certain characters to protect their identities
• Disclosing potential conflicts of interest

Ultimately, narrative journalists have a responsibility to tell true stories ethically and accurately, even when doing so complicates the narrative.

6. Collaboration between writers, editors, and photographers enhances storytelling

"Text and photographs can be a powerful pair: Each presents discrete information that the reader/viewer could not get from either one alone."

Harness diverse storytelling tools. Effective narrative journalism often results from close collaboration between writers, editors, and visual journalists. Benefits include:

• Multiple perspectives on the story's focus and structure
• Complementary ways of conveying information and emotion
• Stronger fact-checking and ethical decision-making

Successful collaboration requires:

• Clear communication about goals and vision
• Respect for each team member's expertise
• Flexibility to adapt as the story evolves

By working together, narrative teams can create richer, more nuanced stories that engage readers on multiple levels.

7. Building a career in narrative nonfiction requires persistence and adaptability

"Freelancing as a narrative writer hasn't ever been an easy way to earn a living, and recent changes in the magazine industry have made it even tougher."

Navigate a challenging landscape. Aspiring narrative journalists face a competitive field with limited opportunities. Success requires:

• Developing a unique voice and area of expertise
• Building relationships with editors and fellow writers
• Diversifying income streams (e.g., books, speaking engagements)
• Adapting to changes in media consumption and publishing models

Writers should:

• Start with shorter pieces to build a portfolio
• Seek out mentors and writing groups for support
• Be prepared for rejection and financial uncertainty
• Continuously hone craft through reading and practice

While challenging, a career in narrative nonfiction can be deeply rewarding for those passionate about telling true stories that illuminate the human experience.

Last updated: October 11, 2024