In narrative interviews, identifying key moments is essential for structuring a compelling story. Author Kim Cross discusses the importance of both pivotal moments and defining moments in storytelling. Pivotal moments are events influenced by external factors that drastically change the plot, while defining moments involve internal realizations that shift a character's perception without altering the situation itself.
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Cross emphasizes the need for a timeline, especially for interviews that may deviate from chronological order. She advises allowing interview subjects to share freely before reviewing notes to identify gaps and questions. Notably, Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Lane DeGregory suggests jotting down questions in margins to avoid interrupting the flow of conversation.
During a panel with fellow crime authors, Cross discovered that they all prioritize timelines in their writing processes. For her book, "What Stands in a Storm," she developed a detailed chronological account based on various perspectives, which formed the narrative’s backbone.
In constructing "The Stahl House," Cross used a color-coded spreadsheet to track events and themes across different storylines, facilitating a clearer chapter structure. In this regard, historical context is often emphasized by referencing significant events that anchor stories in time.
Her latest work, "In Light of All Darkness," features an extensive spreadsheet with over 800 entries, color-coded for thematic clarity and points of view. This organizational method provided her with both a macro and micro perspective of the narrative, which is crucial for coherent storytelling.
Cross recommends selecting a visualization method that suits your thinking style. She favors color-coding to expose patterns and chronological calendars to map events clearly. Using physical boards and mapping tools, she effectively orientates narrative timelines and spatial contexts.
Kim Cross, a journalist and author of three nonfiction books, teaches feature writing at Harvard Extension School and is a founding instructor at the Hemingway Center’s Sawtooth Writing Retreat.