📰Literature of Journalism Unit 8 – Narrative Nonfiction Techniques

Key Elements of Narrative Nonfiction

• Combines factual reporting with storytelling techniques to create engaging, immersive stories
• Focuses on real people, events, and issues rather than fictional narratives
• Employs vivid descriptions, dialogue, and character development to bring stories to life
• Aims to provide a deeper understanding of a subject by exploring its human dimensions and emotional resonance
• Often involves extensive research, interviews, and observation to gather information and build a comprehensive narrative
• Requires a careful balance between journalistic accuracy and creative storytelling
• Can take various forms, including long-form articles, books, documentaries, and podcasts (This American Life, The Moth)

Storytelling Structures in Journalism

• Chronological structure presents events in the order they occurred, building tension and leading to a climax or resolution
• In medias res structure begins in the middle of the action, then flashes back to provide context and background
• Thematic structure organizes the narrative around central themes or ideas, rather than a strict chronological order
  • Allows for the exploration of multiple storylines or perspectives within a single piece
• Question-and-answer structure poses a central question at the beginning and gradually reveals the answer through the narrative
• Circular structure begins and ends in the same place, often with a new understanding or perspective gained by the end
• Parallel structure interweaves multiple storylines or characters, drawing connections and contrasts between them
• Allows for the exploration of complex issues from multiple angles and perspectives

Character Development and Scene Setting

• Focuses on creating vivid, three-dimensional characters that readers can relate to and empathize with
• Uses dialogue, description, and action to reveal characters' personalities, motivations, and conflicts
• Provides background information and context to help readers understand characters' choices and actions
• Creates a sense of place through sensory details and vivid descriptions of settings and environments
  • Helps to immerse readers in the story and create a more engaging narrative
• Uses specific, concrete details to bring scenes to life and make them feel authentic and believable
• Employs techniques like foreshadowing and symbolism to add depth and meaning to characters and scenes
• Develops characters over the course of the narrative, showing how they change and grow in response to events and challenges (The Orchid Thief by Susan Orlean)

Voice and Point of View

• Refers to the perspective from which the story is told and the narrator's relationship to the events and characters
• First-person point of view uses "I" and provides a more intimate, subjective perspective on events
  • Can create a strong sense of immediacy and emotional connection with the reader
• Second-person point of view uses "you" and directly addresses the reader, creating a sense of involvement or complicity
• Third-person point of view uses "he," "she," or "they" and can be either limited (focusing on one character's perspective) or omniscient (providing insight into multiple characters' thoughts and feelings)
• Author's voice refers to the distinctive style, tone, and personality that comes through in the writing
• Can be serious, humorous, ironic, or any other tone that suits the subject matter and purpose of the piece
• Should be consistent throughout the narrative and appropriate to the subject matter and intended audience (The Right Stuff by Tom Wolfe)

Research and Fact-Checking Methods

• Involves gathering information from a variety of sources, including interviews, documents, and observation
• Requires verifying the accuracy of information through multiple sources and fact-checking procedures
• May involve obtaining official records, such as police reports, court documents, or government databases
• Often includes conducting extensive interviews with sources, both on and off the record
  • Requires building trust and rapport with sources to encourage them to share information
• May involve immersive research, such as spending extended periods with a particular community or in a specific environment
• Requires careful note-taking and documentation to ensure accuracy and provide evidence for claims made in the narrative
• May involve consulting with experts or specialists to verify technical or scientific information (The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot)

Ethical Considerations in Narrative Journalism

• Requires balancing the need for compelling storytelling with the obligation to report the truth accurately and fairly
• Involves obtaining informed consent from sources and being transparent about the purpose and intended use of the information gathered
• Requires protecting the privacy and safety of sources, especially those who may be vulnerable or at risk
• May involve grappling with the potential consequences of publishing sensitive or controversial information
  • Requires weighing the public interest against potential harm to individuals or communities
• Requires avoiding conflicts of interest or the appearance of bias, such as accepting gifts or favors from sources
• Involves being accountable to readers and the public, and being willing to correct errors or omissions promptly and transparently
• Requires adhering to professional codes of ethics and standards of practice, such as those established by the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) (The Journalist and the Murderer by Janet Malcolm)

Crafting Compelling Beginnings and Endings

• Opening paragraphs should hook the reader's attention and establish the central theme or conflict of the narrative
  • Can use techniques like a startling statistic, a vivid description, or a provocative question to draw readers in
• Endings should provide a sense of resolution or closure, while also leaving readers with something to ponder or reflect on
• May use techniques like a poignant anecdote, a thought-provoking quote, or a call to action to leave a lasting impression
• Should tie together the various threads and themes of the narrative and provide a satisfying conclusion
• May use a circular structure, returning to an image or idea from the beginning to create a sense of unity and coherence
• Should avoid clichéd or overly sentimental endings, instead aiming for an authentic and earned emotional response
• Should be concise and purposeful, avoiding unnecessary tangents or digressions that dilute the impact of the narrative (The Unwinding by George Packer)

Revision and Editing Techniques

• Involves reviewing and refining the structure, pacing, and language of the narrative to improve clarity, coherence, and emotional impact
• Requires cutting unnecessary or redundant material, and tightening the focus and flow of the narrative
  • May involve reorganizing sections or scenes to create a more effective structure or progression
• Involves polishing the language and style of the piece, eliminating awkward or unclear phrasing and ensuring consistency of voice and tone
• Requires fact-checking and verifying all information included in the narrative, and making corrections or clarifications as needed
• May involve seeking feedback from editors, colleagues, or beta readers to identify areas for improvement or clarification
• Requires being open to constructive criticism and willing to make significant changes or revisions if necessary
• Involves proofreading carefully for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors, and ensuring that the final product meets professional standards of accuracy and clarity (Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo)