Subtitled "The complete guide to writing narrative nonfiction", this book is bursting with good advice --the kind of advice that makes you think "Of course!", when you hear it.

For example, the author correctly points out that when it comes to reporting real-life events, the writer has no say in the actual content. What then becomes of paramount importance are such aspects as the way the story is developed, and how characters are depicted.

Using examples from reportage and borrowing heavily from the fiction writer's play book, Hart makes it clear that plotting is crucial. Also, like Chekhov's gun (if a gun appears in Act 1, it has to be fired at some point), actions like someone clearing their throat are pointless if they add nothing to how we see them as a character.

With useful plot graphs and concepts such as the ladder of abstraction (which represents the written equivalent of long shots, medium shots and close-ups), Story Craft will likely prove essential to even the most experienced nonfiction writer.

Story Craft (2nd edition) will be published on 14 April 2021.

This article was first published in WRITE!, a free newsletter for nonfiction writers. First issue out on 27 April 2021 (with any luck!). For a sample issue and to sign up, please go to the link below.