A. M. Palmer, Literary Nonfiction
Engaging Narratives, New Ideas

Latest

Apr
18
On the Writing Life

On the Writing Life

I recently had a wonderful conversation with Patrick Greenwood, discussing my book and our outlook on the craft of writing.
1 min read
Apr
07
April Snow in Utah

April Snow in Utah

First, there were the many banners, undulating from windows high above as black sedans, the proud vehicles of state, drove
3 min read
Mar
17
The Sound of Grace: Erik Satie and Gymnopédie No. 1

The Sound of Grace: Erik Satie and Gymnopédie No. 1

Perhaps you feel as I do about Gymnopédie No. 1, regarding it as a melody of the mind possessed of
3 min read
Feb
28
To Capture Perception: On the Experience of Immersive Studies

To Capture Perception: On the Experience of Immersive Studies

Teach your writing students to feel the visceral aspects of life, to trace their subjects with powerful word images, and
4 min read
Feb
21
Tracing the Image of Eve: A Homeless Woman in San Diego

Tracing the Image of Eve: A Homeless Woman in San Diego

The Voice of Leaves On a very strange occasion, a woman screamed with considerable power, her voice tearing through the
4 min read
Feb
08
Updates

Updates

Greetings and many thanks to you for sharing your coffee time with me, enjoying the latest essays and collages. I
1 min read
Feb
07
An Occasional Absence: On the Poignance of Photographs

An Occasional Absence: On the Poignance of Photographs

As a stationary expression of time, a photograph suggests the arrival of memories, not necessarily of the prosaic kind but
3 min read
Jan
25
A Cardinal in the Superstitions: Reflections on Nature and History

A Cardinal in the Superstitions: Reflections on Nature and History

I had never before seen the crested head of the Cardinal in its glory—at least, not in person. Though
3 min read
Jan
25
Picture the Story: Writing Workshop Materials

Picture the Story: Writing Workshop Materials

For those who enjoy creative writing exercises, I have included a link to one of my workshop packages. I designed
1 min read
Jan
17
Insidious Persuasion: Regarding Three Photos of the Reverend Jim Jones

Insidious Persuasion: Regarding Three Photos of the Reverend Jim Jones

On November 18, 1978, nearly all 900 members of the Peoples Temple in Guyana, a "church" founded by
6 min read