Narrative journalism is the interpretation of a story and the way in which the journalist portrays it, be it fictional or non-fictional. In easier words, it tells a story.

Narrative journalism is also commonly referred to as literary journalism, which is defined as creative nonfiction that, if well written, contains accurate and well-researched information and also holds the interest of the reader. It is also related to immersion journalism, a term used to describe a situation when a writer follows a subject or theme for a long period of time (weeks or months) and details an individual's experiences from a deeply personal perspective.

Truman Capote's In Cold Blood is a historic example of narrative journalism in novel form. Published in 1965, the book was the first "nonfiction novel" and helped show journalists the possibility of using creative writing techniques while holding to the guidelines of journalism.

Though Capote claims to have invented this new form of journalism, the origin of a movement of creative writing in journalism is often thought to have occurred much earlier. Characteristics of narrative journalism can be found in Daniel Defoe's writing in the 18th century, as well as in writings of Mark Twain in the 19th century and James Agee, Ernest Hemingway and John Steinbeck in the World War II period.

Michele Weldon is an author, journalist, keynote speaker, and assistant professor at Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism.

Michele Weldon received both her BSJ (1979) and MSJ (1980) at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.

Weldon has written feature articles and columns, personal essays, and news for publications such as the Los Angeles Times, New York Times, Dallas Times Herald, Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune, Chicago magazine, Woman’s Day, Parenting, Writer’s Digest, Dial, and many other publications. At the Dallas Times Herald, she was a columnist and feature writer. She also worked as a Midwestern market editor for Fairchild Publications, associate editor for ADWEEK magazine, and managing editor for North Shore Magazine.

Weldon is the owner and instructor of Writing to Save Your Life Workshops and continues to work as a national and international keynote speaker. She is a contributor to the Chicago Tribune, West Suburban Living and womensenews.com.