2009 Nieman Conference on Narrative Journalism: Telling True Stories in Turbulent Times

The Critic Speaks: What makes a great narrative?

Reviewers know outstanding narrative when they read it. But how do they know it? Can the elements of narrative be outlined like the elements of a painting: light, color, perspective, placement, harmony, texture? Three leading critics will explicate examples of great narrative writing and reveal the secrets of nonfiction art—and of their insights into how you, too, can be a painter in words.