You Can't Make This Stuff Up

“Reminiscent of Stephen King's fiction handbook On Writing. . . . An accessible indispensable nonfiction guidebook from an authority who knows his subject.” —Kirkus Reviews

Whether you're writing a rags-to-riches tell-all memoir or literary journalism, telling true stories well is hard work. In You Can't Make This Stuff Up, Lee Gutkind, "the godfather behind creative non-fiction (Vanity Fair), offers his unvarnished wisdom to help you craft the best writing possible.

Frank, to-the-point, and always entertaining, Gutkind describes and illustrates every aspect of the genre. Invaluable tools and exercises illuminate key steps, from defining a concept and establishing a writing process to the final product. Offering new ways of understanding the genre, this practical guidebook will help you thoroughly expand and stylize your work.

“Sure to be viewed as the essential and definitive guide to creative nonfiction. It's as engaging to read as it is useful. Any reader or writer will find it indispensable and, frankly, inspiring.” —Susan Orlean, New York Times–bestselling author of The Orchard Thief

“You will be inspired and encouraged to write your way toward the inherent power of your story—becoming a better writer in the process.” —New York Journal of Books

“The many examples of great creative nonfiction he offers (and carefully analyzes in order to explain their magic) are alone worth the price of the book.” —The Writer

“Brash, clearly written, opinion-heavy, personal anecdote-driven, and chock full of practical exercises.” —Pittsburgh Post-Gazette