How I Write Biographies by Jen Bryant
Today I’m welcoming Jen Bryant to the blog. She’s written a fascinating essay that’s a bit of a departure from the topic of this year’s Monday series. As Jen points out, sometimes it’s important to break the rules. Before I was an author, I was a high school French and German teacher and cross-country coach. […]
Why I Write Narrative Nonfiction by Patricia Newman
Today we continue the series in which award-winning nonfiction authors compare the joys and challenges of writing narrative nonfiction and expository nonfiction with an essay by Patricia Newman. Thank you, Patricia Stories connect us. I’m drawn to science stories that connect us to each other and our world. Behind discoveries in magnetism, mechanics, and mammals are […]
The Lowdown on Our Smackdown by Galiah Morgenstern
In the past, I’ve written a #SibertSmackdown Wrap-up post with tidbits from some of the classes and schools who participated. But this year, I decided to try something a little bit different. I invited some of the participating teachers to share a reflection of their class’s experience with the activity, and it was a great […]
Why I Write Narrative Nonfiction by Anita Silvey
Today we continue the series in which award-winning nonfiction authors discuss the joys and challenges of writing narrative nonfiction and expository nonfiction with an essay by Anita Silvey. Thank you, Anita. I grew up near farm country in Indiana. Except for public library visits with my grandmother, I depended on a tiny school library for all […]
Why I Write Expository Nonfiction by Lita Judge
Today we continue the series in which award-winning nonfiction authors discuss the joys and challenges of writing narrative nonfiction and expository nonfiction with an essay by Lita Judge. Thank you, Lita. I was a scientist—a geologist working on paleontology digs—long before I was a writer. I chose that path early in life because I was filled […]
How I Write Narrative Nonfiction by Candace Fleming
Today we continue the series in which award-winning nonfiction authors discuss the joys and challenges of writing narrative nonfiction and expository nonfiction with a fascinating essay by Candace Fleming. Thank you, Candace. A few years back, a middle-school student confronted me with a scene from my YA narrative nonfiction book The Family Romanov. He read it […]
Why I Write Expository Nonfiction by Lee Wind
Today we continue the series in which award-winning nonfiction authors discuss the joys and challenges of writing narrative nonfiction and expository nonfiction with an essay by Lee Wind. Thank you, Lee. How can I explain a concept that’s huge and detailed? Not one story, but multiple layered stories that combine into something bigger than the sum […]
Why I Write Narrative Nonfiction by Teresa Robeson
Today we continue the series in which award-winning nonfiction authors discuss the joys and challenges of writing narrative nonfiction and expository nonfiction with an essay by Teresa Robeson. Thank you, Teresa. Say the word “story,” and people of think of fiction, but nonfiction can be written as a story too. To create narrative nonfiction, writers weave […]
Why I Write Expository Nonfiction by Sarah Albee
Today we continue the series in which award-winning nonfiction authors discuss the joys and challenges of writing narrative nonfiction and expository nonfiction with an essay by Sarah Albee. Thank you, Sarah. Years ago, when Melissa and I were co-presenting at a conference, she described me to our audience as “an expository writer.” It reminded me of […]
Why I Write Narrative Nonfiction by Cynthia Levinson
Today we continue the series in which award-winning nonfiction authors discuss the joys and challenges of writing narrative nonfiction and expository nonfiction with an essay by Cynthia Levinson. Thank you, Cynthia. Although I’m sure Melissa didn’t intend to cause me angst, pondering her question “Why do you write narrative nonfiction?” has led to something of an […]