Narrative nonfiction — also known as creative nonfiction or literary journalism — blends journalistic reporting with storytelling techniques commonly used in fiction, such as character development, scenes, and dialogue. The goal is to create compelling, engaging narratives that remain true to the facts and, in many cases, illuminate larger issues. In this course, we’ll read and discuss articles, essays, and book excerpts by writers such as Truman Capote, Meghan Daum, Erik Larson, and Isabel Wilkerson, among others, and you’ll receive a longer list of examples for further reading on your own. No student writing will be required.

Anne Stuart is a writer, editor, teacher, and storyteller. She’s a senior editor at MIT Sloan Management Review; previously, she held other editorial and communication roles at MIT. Earlier, she was a senior editorial staffer for Inc., and Harvard Magazine, among others. She launched her career as a reporter, feature writer, and columnist for daily newspapers and The Associated Press. She is an adjunct professor of communication at Regis College and has taught at other Boston-area universities and adult-ed programs. She received an MS in journalism from Columbia University and a BA in American literature and journalism from Michigan State.

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