Class

The Art of the Interview for Narrative Nonfiction

Do you want to master the craft of asking better questions? What goes into a good interview? How do you get people to open up? In this class, we’ll explore the art and practice of interviewing for narrative nonfiction. We’ll analyze examples of strong interviews, explore guidance from Nieman Storyboard and Poynter, and discuss what makes a question useful or revealing. From there, you’ll learn how to conduct background research, identify promising lines of inquiry, and draft questions that create space for vivid stories. Through guided exercises, discussion, and revision, you’ll develop a strong question list for a narrative profile or interview-based piece. By the end of class, you’ll have a polished question list, a flexible interview plan, and a practical system for preparing future narrative nonfiction profiles.

By the end of this class, students will be able to:
-Identify what makes an interview question strong, specific, and open-ended
-Analyze published interviews or profiles to understand how research, curiosity, and follow-up questions shape a story
-Conduct focused background research before an interview
-Draft a thoughtful list of questions for a narrative profile or nonfiction piece
-Revise interview questions based on clarity, sequence, tone, and purpose
-Develop a flexible interview strategy, including possible follow-ups and alternate directions
-Leave with a repeatable preparation system for future interviews

Please submit this request form at least two to three weeks in advance if you have any accessibility requests for this class. This class takes place in-person, at the Loft at Open Book. Please see the Loft’s website for the most up to date information about the Loft’s COVID policies.