Unraveling Nonfiction Research and Writing: Episode 353 with Peggy Orenstein

This week, Jess and KJ talk to journalist, author, and lifelong knitter Peggy Orenstein about research, nonfiction writing, expertise, and examining the unexamined in ordinary life. Peggy’s newest book is , Unraveling: What I Learned About Life While Shearing Sheep, Dyeing Wool, and Making the World’s Ugliest Sweater.Peggy’s TED Talk: What Young Women Believe About Their Own Sexual PleasureWhy Fish Don’t Exist, by Lulu MillerEtymology of the term “woolgathering”Etymology of the term “spinster” The Revolutionary Power of a Skein of Yarn, Unraveling excerpt in the New York Times. Michael Pollan’s How to Change Your Mind and Omnivore’s Dilemma#AmReadingPeggy: KJ’s Playing the Witch Card, David Copperfield by Charles Dickens and Demon Copperhead by Barbara KingsolverJess: Inside of a Dog by Alexandra Horowitz and The Lucifer Effect by Philip ZimbardoKJ: Geneology of a Murder: Four Generations, Three Families, One Fateful Night by Lisa BelkinAlso mentioned: The Puzzler by A.J. JacobsIf you love a good writing retreat—especially one that comes with good solid coaching and the chance to meet others who are working on similar projects—here’s one to check out. This fall, three Author Accelerator certified book coaches are offering Mainely Memoir, a retreat for women writers in historic Biddeford, Maine, held over three days in the gorgeous Maine woods in September, with one-on-one coaching both before and after the retreat. It’s the perfect opportunity to give yourself the gift of time and focus so that you can make real progress on your memoir this year. Find out more at www.mainelymemoir.comHave you followed Jess on IG yet? You really should!Out of #AmWriting episodes and in need of another podcast? Check out A Bookish Home. I’ve been a guest, and it’s a delight.  Librarian and writer Laura Szaro Kopinski interviews a different author each week, so you can  Add to your TBR list while getting the inside scoop on the winding road to publication.  Coming up this spring will be Amy Poeppel, Sarah Penner, Maggie Smith and many more. Find it here on Apple podcasts or search it on your pod player of choice. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe