Creative Nonfiction

In 1994, a new lit mag went out to just 173 subscribers. It focused on a relatively new genre—not fiction, not poetry, not journalism. Something in between.

At first, many thought it was a flash in the pan, and the genre an undefined form of navel gazing. Fast forward 30 years, and we live in an era of creative nonfiction bestsellers, MFA programs, and more.

"Despite the resistance and criticism, the idea of writing nonfiction that was personal, intimate, and cinematic, with writers opening up and exploring all possibilities, employing the tools of storytelling—first gradually and then rapidly—caught on," Lee Gutkind, founder of Creative Nonfiction, writes in the introduction.

This November, Belt is publishing Creative Nonfiction: The Final Issue. It gathers some of the best, most reflective examples of creative essays published in the lit mag throughout its existence. Find Charles Simic, the Pulitzer Prize–winning poet, examining his boyhood memory fragments of the bombing of Belgrade. Adrienne Rich writes about the life of a poet. Further contributions from Brian Broome, Diane Ackerman, Phillip Lopate, John McPhee, and many other talented and evocative writers are included as well.

For all lovers of original, inquisitive prose.

"Finding true ways to see, feel, empathize and hear from other people that are different from you – this is the time to do this. This is really, really pivotal work."

Radiolab's Latif Nasser on leading with the question, nuance in science journalism, and building trust:

Leading with the question: Radiolab’s Latif Nasser on building relationships with audiences despite distrust Radiolab's Latif Nasser talks about how to cultivate relationships with new audiences at a time when science journalists face daunting challenges posed by misinformation and public distrust.

How is gardening like writing? "[A] superficial pass often doesn’t get you much, either in the worlds of blackberry hacking or journalism, if what you’re after is a top, berry-producing plant or the most thorough, compelling story you can write. In fact, nipping just serves to reveal how much more pruning (editing) is needed if you want to get to the good stuff."

Hacking and whacking the way to writing clarity — and pie | Nieman Storyboard An author and freelancer contemplates story craft as she tames and harvests the blackberry brambles on her land

In tomorrow's webinar, learn how to write beautiful beginnings that hook the reader and brilliant endings to keep them thinking about your work long after closing the book or clicking away.

Beautiful Beginnings, Brilliant Endings on Wednesday, 8/24 at 2 pm Eastern with Allison K Williams. As always, registration closes an hour prior, and all registrants will receive a recording following the program.

https://creativenonfiction.org/product/beautiful-beginnings-brilliant-endings/