Writing Creative Nonfiction

By: Tilar J J. Mazzeo, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Tilar J J. Mazzeo

Length: 12 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

Bringing together the imaginative strategies of fiction storytelling and new ways of narrating true, real-life events, creative nonfiction is the fastest-growing part of the creative writing world. It's a cutting-edge genre that's reshaping how we write (and read) everything from biographies and memoirs to blogs and public speaking scripts to personal essays and magazine articles.

Whether you're looking to launch into a new professional career as a creative nonfiction writer, dabble in the genre as a pastime, start a personal blog, or simply get inside the mind of a creative nonfiction writer at work, these dynamic 24 lectures are a chance for you to explore the entire process of writing creative nonfiction, from brainstorming for the perfect idea to getting your final product noticed by literary agents and publishers.

Filled with helpful tips and techniques, memorable examples from well-known writers, and engaging exercises, it's a learning experience that proves that - with the right instructor - writing creative nonfiction can be mastered, practiced, and enjoyed by anyone with a desire to share his or her personal story. Professor Mazzeo guides you through

• the fundamental concepts such as narrative arcs, captivating beginnings, sentence variation, perspective, characterization, dialogue, and metaphor;
• each stage of writing creative nonfiction, from researching your topic to revising your first draft; and
• the publishing process, from finding an agent to writing a successful book proposal.

You'll come away with the knowledge, tools, and, most important, inspiration you need to discover your stories and finally start telling them the right way.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2012 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2012 The Great Courses

Great, helpful course

I've read a lot of books on writing, a lot, and this is one of the most pratical ones of all time. She gives you real advice and steps you can actually use unlike other abstract advice. Great insight for working writers.

Happy me...

..that I decided to listen to this book. I haven't finished yet but it's really good so far. If you are looking for practical advices, inspiration and challenging tasks - this book is for you

Tilar J. J. Mazzeo; Fell in love with her Mastery

I Can’t say enough about the compelling and masterful craftsmanship of Professor Mazzeo in her teaching of writing. So thorough and well presented I found myself returning to her presentation time after time. She made the effort of crafting a learning experience on writing nonfiction. Not only was her material well presented but I found her very fascinating and interesting as well. Thank you for your contribution. Well done!

Fascinating

I am so glad that I found this course. In my opinion, it was well presented. Ms. Mazzeo provides a lot of insight, information, and tools — and even encouragement — to writers or even people contemplating a writing project. I enjoyed listening and learning, and getting inspired to try it.

If only I had taken this years ago. At least I won't keep making those mistakes.

I am a field biologist who has called Kenya, South Africa, Congo, Spain amongst other places home for a time. Though I journaled while abroad I let countless opportunities for good writing slip through my fingers because I didn't know what details to look for, how to document them or how to later support them with the appropriate research. This course largely cured me of those issues. Unfortunately this course's usefulness is limited to those who wish to avoid wasted time and missed opportunities and those who don't like making the embarrassing mistakes for all to see. I wish I had taken this years ago. I can only in good faith recommend this course to beginners, post graduate lit majors and those in between.

Good presentation and helpful

What did you love best about Writing Creative Nonfiction?

I wasn't sure what to expect with this course but found it enjoyable and informative. I am a daily blogger so was searching for writing tips. While much of the information was focused on biography and similar non-fiction, I did find lots of helpful information that I applied to my daily writing.

Any additional comments?

I'm glad I bought some of the courses in this series. It's very interesting.

Truly an eye-opener.

I began writing my autobiography but hit several blocks and realized that I lack the skill and tools to do it properly to give my life story justice. I have a difficult time focusing so I have to listen to audiobooks instead of read and I will probably end up reading this book multiple times due to the wealth of knowledge that lies within. The one thing that I got from the book out of all is that I locked knowledge and I'm probably going to want to take an actual course in creative writing at my local junior college to complement the knowledge I've gotten here. I live in Sonoma County where the author is from and look forward to meeting her one day to thank her for the guidance and inspiration to become a better writer

One of the best How To Books on Audible

This is a fantastic how to book by an accomplished writer. Some reviews criticize the delivery, but if you listen on 2x speed that should be a non issue. As context, I have listened to 100s of audiobooks and read many of the great books on writing. This one stacks up with the best in the genre. Wish I had taken this class in college.

Just What I Needed

I bought this audio book because I recently started a travel blog and figured it couldn’t hurt to listen to this series and maybe hear an actionable tip or two. However, after listening to the lectures I feel like I don’t have to limit myself to just my blog. The information was concrete yet easy to follow for a novice. Once I start my writing habit, I plan to listen to again.

Very slow narration/condescending tone.

I found it difficult to listen long to this course. I found little in this course that wasn't common sense for the novice writer. The narrator/teacher speaks slowly, with long pauses as if she's about to say something significant, and then delivers a trope or some assumption any reader of creative nonfiction would know. Maybe if I'd listened past the first 3 hours, it would have blown my mind, but I couldn't bear it any longer.