Writing for Non-Writers Session leaders: Sondra Washington and Jennifer Davis Rash

“Writing is easy. All you do is sit staring at a blank sheet of paper until drops of blood form on your forehead.” – Gene Fowler Writing… A Simple Task?

“The time to begin writing an article is when you have finished it to your satisfaction. By that time, you begin to clearly and logically perceive what it is you really want to say.” - Mark Twain Writing… A Simple Task?

Before You Write Understand the assignment and its purpose.

Before You Write Understand the assignment and its purpose. Identify the target audience.

Before You Write Understand the assignment and its purpose. Identify the target audience. Do your homework – research.

Gather Your Thoughts Review original assignment.

Gather Your Thoughts Review original assignment. Develop questions

Gather Your Thoughts Review original assignment. Develop questions Make appointments

Gather Your Thoughts Review original assignment. Develop questions Make appointments Decide type of interview

The Interview Be prepared.

The Interview Be prepared. Asking questions.

Selecting Sources Use more than one source.

Selecting Sources Use more than one source. Look past the obvious.

Selecting Sources Use more than one source. Look past the obvious. Think broadly.

Dealing with the Information Review original assignment.

Dealing with the Information Review original assignment. Be selective.

Dealing with the Information Review original assignment. Be selective. Remember the Five W’s

Writing the Story

Writer’s block

Writing the Story Writer’s block Accuracy is vital.

Writing the Story Writer’s block Accuracy is vital. Thorough and clear.

Writing the Story Writer’s block Accuracy is vital. Thorough and clear. Edit your copy.

Writing the Story Write creatively.

Writing the Story Write creatively. Be clear.

Writing the Story Write creatively. Be clear. Show instead of tell.

Types of News Writing Narrative writing

Types of News Writing Narrative writing. Feature stories.

Types of News Writing Narrative writing. Feature stories. News stories.

Always the Student Read good writing.

Always the Student Read good writing. Attend workshops and conferences.

Always the Student Read good writing. Attend workshops and conferences. Read your edited writings.

Develop relationships

Know your sources.

Develop relationships Know your sources. Know commitments.