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Atmosphere Press

an image of a woman holding up a stack of books alongside the text "nonfiction writing: a guide to crafting authentic narratives"

Crafting Authentic Narratives: A Guide to Writing Nonfiction

Writing a nonfiction book is a fascinating journey. It’s an opportunity to share your knowledge, experiences, and insights with the world, all while leaving a lasting impact on your readers. Whether you’re a seasoned author or a first-time writer, the world of nonfiction offers a rich tapestry of genres and styles to explore, from memoirs and biographies to essays and creative nonfiction. In this article, I’ll share some valuable insights and tips on how to write a nonfiction book that captivates, informs, and inspires.

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An Awareness of Wishes: An Interview with B. D’Amato, author of Triskele

B. D’Amato is a psychoanalyst in private practice in NYC. She has written numerous professional papers analyzing the psychic conflicts of literary characters and their authors, i.e., Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Robert Louis Stevenson’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot. B. D’Amato’s most recent publication considers the lyrics in Bob Dylan’s Murder Most Foul from a hypnogogic perspective. She has written extensively about dreams, adoption, and the curative potential of human interconnection through emotional communication. Triskele is her first work of fiction.

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Elegant Authenticity: An Interview with Janine Dennis, author of The Absurdity of Doing You

Janine is the Owner/Chief Innovations Officer for Talent Think Innovations, LLC, a multidisciplinary business strategy and management consulting firm. Her career spans eighteen years in HR, Talent Acquisition, and Talent Management that has taken her through the world of pharmaceuticals, the arts, K-12 education, technology, private equity, healthcare, staffing, and R&D, just to name a few sectors she has worked in. Janine is a dynamic speaker, entrepreneur, and an important and respected voice bringing both a human touch and business savvy to the companies and businesses she works with.

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Word Warrior: An Interview with Jennifer Sara Widelitz, author of Battle Cry

Jennifer Sara Widelitz graduated with a BFA in Visual Effects from the Savannah College of Art and Design and worked as a compositor, creating special effects for film and television. She is an artist with a deep-rooted passion for storytelling in a variety of mediums: film, photography, writing, painting, poetry, etc. She likes to view the world as a grand storybook and can’t wait to see what adventures the next chapter brings. Battle Cry is her first poetry collection, although her poetry and photography have appeared in several literary publications. Much of her poetry is based on her personal experience with autoimmunity and chronic invisible illness, writing for the warriors fighting unseen battles and the survivors of the human condition. She is a dog lover and a cat mommy and is rarely seen without a cup of tea or a good book.

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Creation of Crime: An Interview with JB Blake, author of The Killer Half

JB Blake—student of military history, behavioral science, servant leadership, critical thinking, innovation, and economics. Successful entrepreneur and intrapreneur, corporate executive, and university professor. Every career path has led to interactions with fascinating characters whose traits could be woven into this story. They are like the ingredients that make an amazing recipe! See you on the other side.

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The Benefits of Writing Workshops and Writing Groups

If you’ve ever wondered whether writing workshops and groups are worth your time, join the club. I, too, once treaded cautiously into the realm of communal creativity, unsure of what to expect. But let me tell you, it was a game-changer. So, gather around the virtual campfire, and let me regale you with tales of the undeniable benefits of joining these literary gatherings.

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Threads of Change: An Interview with Amrita Rose, author of No Plaid Suits

Author, life and career coach, Akashic worker, and all-around provocateur Amrita Rose has navigated three major careers, lived in two countries and seven states, and continues to plan her next adventures. She has garnered enthusiastic appreciation for her community-based programs of yoga, meditation, integrated art practices, and Positive Psychology “Positivity Slams,” all of which have enhanced the lives and not depleted the pockets of diverse groups of attendees.

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Unearthing Intrigue: An Interview with Jennifer Bourland, author of Hidden Shadow

Hidden Shadow is Jennifer’s first novel. Being a vivid dreamer, always intrigued by human behavior and a love for mysteries, sparked her passion for writing. Jennifer lives in Michigan with her family and two golden retrievers. She is a former art and English teacher turned entrepreneur, immersed in interior design, real estate, graphic design, and photography. Jennifer believes in the importance of kindness and the healing power of dogs, humor, and writing. She appreciates creativity, palm trees, and a good margarita.

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Escaping Into Imagination: An Interview with Cassandra Kildow, author of Spinning Into Infinity

Cassandra Kildow is a native Texan who lives in a small town in the Texas Panhandle with her five-year-old son, ailing mother, and stepfather. Cassandra picked up writing at the tender age of twelve as a way to cope with middle school bullying. Every fantasy world she created was her way of escaping the difficulties of real life. Fortunately, those troubles gave Cassandra a push in the right direction with her decision to write fiction novels.

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Miniature Masterpieces: A Writer’s Guide to Crafting Compelling Short Stories

If you’re here, you’ve likely felt the irresistible allure of short stories. There’s something magical about the brevity of these miniature literary marvels – a world to create, characters to flesh out, and emotions to evoke, all in the space of a few pages. So, join me on this journey as I spill the secrets of crafting compelling short stories, and hopefully, we’ll uncover the alchemy together.

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From Fighter Jets to Fiction: An Interview with George Tymitz, author of Key Number 17

George Tymitz was born and raised in Chicago. While he attended the University of Illinois and earned a degree in Aeronautical Engineering, he never spent a single day as an engineer. Instead, he spent forty-five happy, fulfilling years living his dream of flying—rather than designing—airplanes. As a United States Air Force pilot, he flew F4 Phantom and F15 Eagle fighter planes, followed by commercial passenger and freight aircraft with several airlines. Upon retirement in 2011, he started writing his first novel, Key Number 17: A Ukrainian Grandfather’s Odyssey of Courage, to honor his Ukrainian heritage through a fictional tale. It was published in 2023.

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Finding Harmony: A Writer’s Guide to Juggling Writing and Life’s Demands

If you’ve ever found yourself wrestling with the eternal struggle of squeezing writing into the chaotic maelstrom of everyday life, you’re in good company. Let’s face it, balancing writing and other commitments can feel like trying to juggle flaming swords while riding a unicycle on a tightrope. But fear not! I’ve traversed this treacherous terrain and emerged (mostly) unscathed. So, grab your pen and your calendar, and let’s embark on a quest to master the elusive art of time management for writers.

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What Makes a Good Book Cover?

As a writer, I’ve often heard the age-old adage, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” While it’s a noble sentiment, the reality is that readers do indeed judge books by their covers. A captivating book cover is your novel’s first impression, and it can make all the difference between a potential reader scrolling past or deciding to delve into your world. In this guide, we’ll explore what makes a good book cover and how to effectively communicate your vision to a cover designer, ensuring that your book is dressed to impress.

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Social Media for Writers: Best Practices to Build a Devoted Audience

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern publishing, writers have an unprecedented opportunity to connect with readers, fellow authors, and literary enthusiasts through the power of social media. Gone are the days when authors could retreat into solitude, crafting their masterpieces in obscurity. Today, building a devoted audience is as much about mastering the art of social media as it is about crafting the perfect sentence.

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Verses and Visions: An Interview with Kwame Sound Daniels, author of the pause and the breath

Kwame Sound Daniels is a traditional and fiber artist based out of Maryland. Xe are an Anaphora Arts Residency Fellow and an MFA candidate for Vermont College of Fine Arts. Xir first collection of poetry, Light Spun, was published in 2022 with Perennial Press. Xir second book, the pause and the breath, was on Lambda Literary’s Most Anticipated for January and came out in 2023 with Atmosphere Press. Kwame learns plant medicine, paints, and makes what can tentatively be called potions in xir spare time.

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A Comprehensive Guide to Writing a Captivating Mystery Novel

Mystery novels have a unique allure, drawing readers into a web of intrigue, suspense, and thrilling surprises. As a writer who has ventured into the realm of mystery fiction, I understand the art of crafting a compelling mystery that keeps readers eagerly turning the pages. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share the essential steps, techniques, and insights you need to write a gripping mystery novel that will leave your audience craving for more. Let’s dive into the intricate world of mystery writing, starting with the foundations: