Draft No. 4

Famed nonfiction genius John McPhee details his strategy for writing magazine pieces and books: Start with months of reporting and obsessive note-taking. Add months of organizing your notes, thinking and writing. Finish with months of editing and fact-checking.

The approach to structure in factual writing is like returning from a grocery store with the materials you intend to cook for dinner.John McPhee

McPhee regards developing the skill to create sophisticated narrative as an individual task that rejects hard rules or easy tips. His thoughts on his writing career make a wonderful read, though his advice will prove applicable mostly to longer – commissioned – projects. McPhee grants readers the great pleasure of learning how a master works.