The Creative Nonfiction Podcast with Brendan O'Meara Episode 477: David Howard and the Search for Stories He Believes In
Jul 4, 2025
David Howard, a journalist known for his gripping nonfiction, shares his journey into storytelling, including his daring piece on a hitman. He highlights the vital role of nonverbal communication and the need to find stories that resonate deeply. Jonah Ogles, lead editor at The Atavist, dives into the intricacies of refining narrative tension and the significance of effective collaboration. Together, they champion the art of storytelling through personal risk-taking, learning from failures, and the emotional connections forged in the process.
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Episode notes
Storytelling Through Revealing Conversation
- Unique and intriguing twists drive narrative nonfiction stories forward.
- Conversations that gradually reveal clues keep readers engaged and maintain story momentum.
Value Long-Term Source Relationships
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with sources long-term to uncover valuable stories.
- Be patient; genuinely investing in sources can open unexpected doors years later.
Practice Patience For Big Stories
- Embrace patience for deep investigative stories; quick news cycles rarely allow for complex narratives.
- Keep side projects simmering while producing bite-sized work to fund and develop bigger stories.
