Creative Nonfiction Writing
Stacey Simmons: Women’s Stories Matter, and We Need More of Them
In this interview, Dr. Stacey Simmons discusses how her research into women’s representation in family films organically led her toward her new book, The Queen’s Path.
Spanish Culture, Literature, and Cuisine: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Food Writing
Author and natural foods chef Robin Keuneke discusses her most recent book on health (and the Spanish Mediterranean diet) that took more than a decade of research and employed a multidisciplinary approach to food writing.
Evan Rail: On Uncovering Truths From Underreported Crimes
In this interview, author Evan Rail discusses the research that went into his new true crime book, The Absinthe Forger.
A Conversation With Abbott Kahler on How to Write Narrative Nonfiction (Killer Writers)
Clay Stafford has a conversation with bestselling author Abbott Kahler on how to write narrative nonfiction, why she believes nonfiction is easier to write than fiction, and more.
Jonathan Butler: On the History of Resistance in the U.S.
In this interview, author Jonathan Butler discusses how his hope to write a screenplay turned into his debut nonfiction book, Join the Conspiracy.
Theodore Pappas: Be Open to Possible Changes to Your Work
In this interview, author Theodore Pappas discusses how a conversation with a former first lady helped inspire his new history book, Combing Through the White House.
Lydia Wylie-Kellermann: This Book Was Inside of Me Needing To Get Out
In this interview, author Lydia Wylie-Kellermann discusses the necessary feedback she received at a writers retreat to help her write her new work of creative nonfiction, This Sweet Earth.
Ed Simon: On Writing the History Book He Wanted To Read
In this interview, author Ed Simon discusses the 20-year process from idea to publication for his new historical nonfiction book, Devil’s Contract.
Yasmine Cheyenne: Trust the Process
In this interview, author Yasmine Cheyenne discusses the process of writing her new work of nonfiction, Wisdom of the Path.
Announcing the 4th Annual Personal Essay Awards Winners
Congratulations to the winners of the 4th annual Writer's Digest Personal Essay Awards!
Will Cockrell: Details Are What Drove Me
In this interview, author Will Cockrell discusses what surprised him in the process of writing his debut nonfiction book, Everest, Inc.
Ijeoma Oluo: On the Writing Process Changing Over Time
Author Ijeoma Oluo discusses the inspiration behind her new nonfiction book, Be A Revolution.
Matthew J. C. Clark: Trust That You Have Something to Say
Author Matthew J. C. Clark discusses how letting go of expectations led him to something more surprising and truthful in his debut literary nonfiction book, Bjarki, Not Bjarki.
Kleaver Cruz: Write For You First
Author Kleaver Cruz discusses how a simple act of self-preservation led to their new work on nonfiction, The Black Joy Project.
What Is Literary Journalism?
Journalist Alison Hill explores what makes literary journalism, including what it is, who publishes it, tips for writing it, examples of literary journalism, and more.
Jessica Elefante: Writing About Breaking Free of Influence
Author and brand innovator Jessica Elefante shares how her son inspired her book, why she believes people need to wake up to the culture of influence, and more.
Richard Deming: Exploring and Writing About Loneliness
Award-winning poet Richard Deming shares what inspired him to write about loneliness, his top two pieces of writing advice (for himself), and more.
How Poetry Can Animate Narrative Nonfiction
Author and editor Maria Smilios dives into how poetry can animate narrative nonfiction.
Meaning-Making Through Fragmentation in Creative Nonfiction
Author Jessica Hendry Nelson discusses the power of using fragmentation in creative nonfiction, whether personal essays or memoir.
Thomas C. Gannon: On Writing About Birds and “Native-ness”
Professor and lifelong birder Thomas C. Gannon discusses what inspired his most recent book that is part nature writing, part ethnic studies, and part memoir.
Bettina Judd: On Writing About Black Feminist Thought and Art
Author Bettina Judd discusses how grief founds its way into her new work of nonfiction, Feelin: Creative Practice, Pleasure, and Black Feminist Thought.
Benjamin Perry: On Dismantling the Shame Around Crying
Author Benjamin Perry discusses his own journey of allowing himself to cry again that led to his new nonfiction book, Cry, Baby.
Ruta Sepetys: On Deepening Human Connection
New York Times bestselling author Ruta Sepetys discusses the importance of mining from our own experiences to tell stories with her new how-to book, You: The Story.
Christine Imperial: On Translating Memory and History
Author Christine Imperial discusses how a class assignment became her new creative nonfiction book, Mistaken for an Empire.