The thing I always tell my writing students - I'm not a…
“The thing I always tell my writing students - I'm not a full-time instructor, by any means, but periodically I've taught writing students - what I always tell them is that the most important thing in narrative nonfiction is that you not only have to have all the research; you have to have about 100% more than you need.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Narrative nonfiction requires exhaustive research, exceeding the minimum to ensure depth and credibility.
In simple terms: Do more research than you think you need.
Key Takeaway
Gather excess evidence to strengthen storytelling.
Themes
research
depth
credibility
storytelling
Mood
determined
analytical
serious
Type
advice
instructional
professional
When to use this quote
- book writing
- documentary filmmaking
- academic papers
- news reporting
- podcast production
Key Concepts
journalism
nonfiction
investigative
excess
confidence
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance thoroughness with efficiency?
- When does extra research become unnecessary?
A Different Perspective
Too much research can lead to analysis paralysis and overwhelm.