Blog
The Travel Log
A detailed travel log is vital in the early generative stages of travel writing. It ensures accuracy, aids memory, and provides rich, authentic material from which compelling travel narratives are crafted. Travel writing classes with a nonfiction writing coach can be instrumental in helping aspiring travel writers develop a consistent and effective travel log practice.
James Baldwin’s Techniques for Aspiring Writers: A Guide to Memoir Writing
Through his masterful blending of narrative and exposition, James Baldwin invites readers to reflect on his world alongside him. Taking courses with an online memoir writing tutor can significantly benefit writers who are inspired by James Baldwin’s techniques and wish to develop their own storytelling skills.
David Sedaris: Humor in Autobiographical Essays
David Sedaris uses humor not just as a stylistic tool but as a means of exploration and connection. His work demonstrates how humor can be a powerful vehicle for storytelling. In the same way, a nonfiction writing coach can further their clients' ability to tackle serious subject matter through laughter and reflection in humor writing courses.
Anchoring Memory: Frame Narratives in Memoir
A memoir writing coach guides nonfiction writers through the use of sophisticated narrative structures like frame narratives. This process begins with helping the writer articulate what they want to achieve with their work so the frame narrative fits organically with the memoir's intent.
Crafting Reality: Tim O’Brien and The Role of Verisimilitude in Memoir Writing
By examining the complex interplay of memory and truth in O'Brien's narratives, we discover insights into how memoir writing coaches can guide authors in employing verisimilitude to enhance the authenticity and impact of their work.
Writing Coaching Candidate #4: The Memoirist
Every memoir is a completely individual endeavor, yet it requires a level of universality to engage a wider readership. Creative nonfiction coaches play a pivotal role in this delicate balancing act, helping memoirists like Michael and Anita craft their life stories into compelling narratives.
Pitching Nonfiction to Magazines as a New Writer
A writing coach can help new authors by advising them on how to pitch a story idea to a magazine. At Gilliam Writers Group, our writing coaches have written for top publications and can offer expert advice on any potential pitch. When approaching a magazine, a subtle shift in mindset can help.
World-Building Through Narrator and Voice: Advice on Creative Nonfiction
My first piece of advice: You, the writer, decide who is telling the story, and how much information they, as the storyteller, are supposed to know and expose.