Extending upon the work presented in her first multi-award-winning book, Communicating in the Clinic, in this book Ellingson teaches others how to use crystallization, providing practical guidance for researchers′ and students′ implementation, thereby de-mystifying the process.

1. Introduction to Crystallization Constructing Crystallization Considering Genres Resisting Dichotomies: A Continuum of Qualitative Methods Principles of Crystallization Facets of the Crystal: Types of Crystallization Strengths of Crystallization Limitations of Crystallization Ethnographic Exemplars Organization of This Book Conclusion: Frequently Asked Questions About Crystallization Interlude: Introducing the Author 2. Ethics and Epistemology: Assumptions Underlying Crystallization What Is Epistemology and Why Does It Matter in Crystallization? Making Knowledge: An Epistemological Basis for Crystallization Voicing Other and Self: Ethics of Representation First Do No Harm: Some Ethical Cautions Strategies for Ethical Decision Making in Crystallization Conclusion Interlude: The Limits of Genre--An Exercise About Ethics and the Construction of Claims 3. Illuminating Options for Analysis and Representation Across the Continuum Traditional Forms of Analysis Same Old, Same Old: The Value of Traditional Qualitative Writing Aesthetics and Analysis: Hybrids of Art and Science Aesthetic Possibilities: Creative Analytic Practices Conclusion Interlude: Resisting Dichotomy, Embracing Continuum 4. Strategies for Design: Putting Crystallization Into Practice Wondering Weighing Your Options Re/considering the Role of Theory Decide on a Design Conclusion Interlude: Beware the Law of the Hammer 5. Bringing It All Together: Integrated Crystallization Creating a Coherent Multigenre Text Blending Genres and Blurring Boundaries: Woven Crystallization Woven Crystallization Exemplars Sharpening Edges and Separating Spaces: Patched Crystallization Patched Crystallization Exemplars Issues in Constructing Integrated Crystallization Interlude: Quilting as Activism 6. All Apart: Dendritic Crystallization Dendritic Practices Benefits of Dendritic Crystallization Dispersing Crystallized Findings A Dendritic Exemplar But Is This Really Crystallization? Interlude: Coincidence, Synchronicity, and Putting It Out to the Universe 7. Writing Across the Continuum Evaluating Writing and Representation Improving your Process Writing Well Bag of Tricks Conclusion Interlude: Representing Difference Writing Resources 8. Publishing and Promoting Crystallization Lessons of Crystallization Call to Action: Employing Crystallization to Promote Social Justice Getting the World Out: Pursuing Publication Justifying Your Work Enclosing Wild Power: A Conclusion/Invitation Interlude: When Your Work Is Rejected

"[This] book emphasizes effective communication and how to articulate complex information to an audience. Although the book is intended primarily for qualitative researchers, I believe it may be an equally important work for quantitative researchers. In reading this book, I have gained a deeper appreciation for qualitative research in general and a better understanding of how different methods can be applied toward understanding truth."