You have the raw materials of a story or the start of an idea. But how can you turn information into artful narrative? By exploring the craft of the literary list, you’ll find the moments of surprise and epiphany that turn bare facts into powerful art.

“Sometimes it’s not enough simply to peer intently into your own soul. Sometimes you have to look out the window and see the world in all its complicated glory.” ~ Philip Gerard, The Art of Creative Research: A Field Guide for Writers.

When you understand the purpose of your story, you can choose the best perspective to bring it to life.

Writers are often searching for their “voice” on the page. But in good writing, especially in memoir, writers balance multiple voices to tell their stories.

Strong characters reveal just enough backstory. How much should you reveal about a character’s history?