THE SYLLABUS
It sometimes seems there are as many renowned works on journalism as renowned works of journalism. The temptation can be strong. At a younger, more uncertain age I was drawn to every guide book and “How To” that popped up on my radar—“Yes, tell me how to interview someone!” However, it didn’t take me long to find an excess of advice numbs the ability to learn. Practice is the most valuable teacher.
Yet, it is advice that stretches our weakest writing limbs. Otherwise you just keep moving through the same grooves. Besides, in my case, my books must be my professors. This student cannot survive on works of journalism alone. The key is finding a ratio between the two. As unequal is better, I guess I'm doing well. I'm at about 8-to-1 here.
A note on pairing: While the first group, Schools of Thought, was included with an eye to the first two groups in the previous list, Gonzo and Immersion, no strict pairings were envisioned. In fact, The New New Journalism includes interviews with many of the authors in the Blockbuster group. I’m just in a Narrative mood at the moment.
WRITING, THEORY OF
Schools of Thought
The New Journalism, Tom Wolfe
The New New Journalism, Robert S. Boynton
Narrative
Stein on Writing: A Master Editor of Some of the Most Successful Writers of Our Century Shares His Craft Techniques and Strategies, Sol Stein
Writing for Story: Craft Secrets of Dramatic Nonfiction, Jon Franklin
Yet, it is advice that stretches our weakest writing limbs. Otherwise you just keep moving through the same grooves. Besides, in my case, my books must be my professors. This student cannot survive on works of journalism alone. The key is finding a ratio between the two. As unequal is better, I guess I'm doing well. I'm at about 8-to-1 here.
A note on pairing: While the first group, Schools of Thought, was included with an eye to the first two groups in the previous list, Gonzo and Immersion, no strict pairings were envisioned. In fact, The New New Journalism includes interviews with many of the authors in the Blockbuster group. I’m just in a Narrative mood at the moment.
WRITING, THEORY OF
Schools of Thought
The New Journalism, Tom Wolfe
The New New Journalism, Robert S. Boynton
Narrative
Stein on Writing: A Master Editor of Some of the Most Successful Writers of Our Century Shares His Craft Techniques and Strategies, Sol Stein
Writing for Story: Craft Secrets of Dramatic Nonfiction, Jon Franklin
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