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Story perspectives

Orlean Explores Intimacy and Objectivity in Storytelling

11/15/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Susan Orlean, author of the memoir Joyride, highlights the writer's perspective as essential to storytelling.
She describes choosing unconventional topics that require compelling narratives to engage readers.
Orlean acknowledges that intimacy with subjects can complicate objectivity in writing.
She notes editors, including Tina Brown, who modernized The New Yorker.
She expresses uncertainty about current paths for aspiring non-fiction writers.

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Story summary

Susan Orlean, author of the memoir Joyride, highlights the writer's perspective as essential to storytelling.
She describes choosing unconventional topics that require compelling narratives to engage readers.
Orlean acknowledges that intimacy with subjects can complicate objectivity in writing.
She notes editors, including Tina Brown, who modernized The New Yorker.
She expresses uncertainty about current paths for aspiring non-fiction writers.