Nonfiction means that our stories are as true and accurate as possible. Readers expect – demand – diligence. Lee Gutkind Read Quote
When I talk with my students, I introduce a process of work I call the three R’s: First comes research, then real world exploration, and finally, and perhaps most important, a fact-checking review of all that has been written. Lee Gutkind Read Quote
This is the first lesson for writers – or anyone – who conducts interviews: If you want someone to talk, you’ve got to know how to listen. And good listening is a surprisingly active process. The interviewee is your focus of attention; you are there to hear what he says and thinks, exclusively. Lee Gutkind Read Quote
Years ago, I met once a week, 9 A.M. sharp, with a therapist whom I will call Dr. Mason. We would settle in well-worn chairs, Dr. Mason, a slender, balding middle-ager in blazer and striped tie, and me, an anxious academic in Levi’s and tweeds. Lee Gutkind Read Quote
To reconstruct stories and scenes, nonfiction writers must conduct vigorous and responsible research. In fact, narrative requires more research than traditional reportage, for writers cannot simply tell what they learn and know; rather, they must show it. Lee Gutkind Read Quote
As a child, I had no interest in science whatsoever – then I started writing and recognized how relevant it was. My first book about science and medicine captured the world of organ transplantation in 1989 from the points of view of all of the participants – scientists, surgeons, social workers, organ recipients and even donor families. Lee Gutkind Read Quote
It is easy to make stuff up – and easy to dig up information and repeat it or report it to others. But to find a real life story with real people in real life situations is quite difficult and time-consuming. Yet, the rewards are worth the effort. Lee Gutkind Read Quote
The challenge in fiction is to write a terrific story. The challenge in journalism is to communicate solid, objective information. The challenge in creative non-fiction is to do it both and to do it well. Lee Gutkind Read Quote
I am a writer and editor with a passion for true storytelling. To me, science matters, research matters and knowledge matters, whatever the field. Lee Gutkind Read Quote
I discovered that I, a writer of what is known as creative nonfiction, could do the research and bridge the gap in my books and lectures through true storytelling. This is not ‘dumbing down’ or writing for eighth graders. It is writing for readers across cultures, age barriers, social and political landscapes. Lee Gutkind Read Quote
