In the realm of nonfiction writing, facts and information reign supreme. They are critical to educating and persuading your audience. To do this, however, your writing must have emotional resonance. Storytelling is an elemental way to emotionally engage and connect with your reader. But nonfiction writers often feel insecure when it comes to creative storytelling. Expert storyteller and writing coach Jordan Rosenfeld explores how to write stories into your nonfiction writing to create a lasting impression on your audience.
Great Moments in the Episode
8:11 – 10:25 What a scene is and how to engage readers with scenes in your nonfiction writing.
10:28 – 12:15 How to not get hung-up on the exact details when telling stories in nonfiction.
12:20 – 12:58 How to use metaphors, similes, and imagery to wake up your nonfiction writing.
13:29 – 14:22 Alert the reader when you are telling a memory to the best of your ability.
14:42 – 16:00 An example of exceptional storytelling in nonfiction writing.
16:10 – 17:59 Signs your sentences are tripping up each other; the importance of cadence; how to make your sentences come to life.
18:18 – 18:44 Signs you are overwriting.
19:05 – 21:00 How to create suspense in nonfiction writing—so you keep the reader turning the page.
21:10 – 22:38 Four qualities of a page-turner, including embracing conflict and an opposing point of view.
22:52 – 26:30 Why emotional resonance is important to all types of nonfiction writing.
26:35 – 28:15 How to begin improving your storytelling in your nonfiction writing.
29:28 – 31:58 How to sustain a persistent writing life.
Connect with Jordan
Jordan's website: https://jordanrosenfeld.net/
How to Write a Page Turner: https://www.amazon.com/How-Write-Page-Turner-Craft-Readers/dp/1440354340
Make a Scene: https://www.amazon.com/Make-Scene-Revised-Expanded-Powerful/dp/1440351414
Words of the Episode
mé·tier: an occupation or activity that one is good at.
belay: to protect a roped lead climber from falling by controlling the rope, usually a belay device (a mechanical device used by belayers to increase braking force when belaying).
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