Progression

Explain why John McPhee chose to title his first essay "Progression." Expand upon the title to illustrate some of the ways a writing career may progress, both in McPhee's life and in general.

Structure

Discuss some of the ways McPhee suggests that writers approach the issue of structure. Provide examples from McPhee's work to illustrate these different structural approaches.

The Authenticity of Nonfiction

Define "creative nonfiction" as outlined by John McPhee in Draft No. 4. What are the rules or conventions governing this genre? How do they relate to the question of a writer's freedom?

The Authenticity of Nonfiction

Discuss the role and responsibility of the writer in authenticating a piece of nonfiction writing. How does this role and responsibility shift across different mediums (i.e: magazine vs. book publishing)?

Writing As Selection

Explain why you either agree or disagree with McPhee's assertion that "writing is selection...