Literary journalism

Literary or narrative journalism is writing that combines the stylistic techniques of fiction, such as dialogue, character development, and scene-setting, with the nitty-gritty accuracy of reporting and research. The subject matter can be anything, from an election campaign to the profile of an artist, from the exploration of a cultural phenomenon to a true crime story or a scientific discovery. But whatever the topic, the author’s voice or point of view is key to the power of the piece.

A few examples

George Orwell: “A Hanging.”

Joan Didion: “Some Dreamers of the Golden Dream.”

Desmond Cole: “The Skin I’m In.”

Katherine Ashenburg: “Critical Mass.

To learn more

https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-literary-journalism-1691132

http://normansims.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/The-Literary-Journalists.pdf

http://niemanstoryboard.org/stories/breakable-rules-for-literary-journalists/

http://niemanreports.org/articles/sharing-the-secrets-of-fine-narrative-journalism/


The 2021 CNFC/Humber Literary Review creative nonfiction contest closes February 15, 2021. Submit today!