Writing Stories Copy written to be read Session One Further reading: most information from YourBook unit 2 Telling the Whole Story

Problem: students don’t read the articles. Generalizations Ho-hum quotes Lists of activities and names of participants Just team statistics, records, and “we had a great season”

Problem: we write about topics Homecoming week Football Softball Beta club Math Spring play

Solution: write stories Everyday situations Observe people, not attend events List priorities of students Look for personalities or different “characters” that fit the topic Look for someone to fit the story you are pursuing

Stories How-to features –Entertain with individual anecdotes while explaining the procedure Personality profile –bring person’s words, actions, mannerisms to life concerning an event or shared experience Historical/Anniversary features –People associated with the event Fads/fashion –Highlight a product or way of life that students are copying

Stories Informative features –All serious issues deserve to be recorded (based on news, but written in a human-interest style) Occupational profile –Instead of hobbies/jobs, look for an unusual experience or accomplishment. Let the reader “see” the person doing the activity

Steps to Writing Planning Interviewing Writing Editing

Planning Start with an angle Angle = overall approach Angle  topic sentence or thesis statement Angle must be consistent throughout story All elements of the spread should work together focused on the angle

Planning Web brainstorming 1.Brainstorm angle and sources from a particular topic – identify topic and plan the sources 2.Brainstorm possible settings and situations relevant to the topic – list places relevant to topic, branch off to possible situations, then conclude with potential sources

Interviewing Planning Preparing Rules

Arranging the Interview 1.Make a phone call to the person 2.Identify yourself and explain your reason for calling 3.Ask for an interview 4.Agree on a time and place (give two choices) 5.Express your appreciation for the consideration you have been given

Planning Interview Questions 1.The Open-Ended Question 2.The Follow-Up Question 3.The Direct Information Question 4.The Yes-No Question 5.The Forced-Choice Question 6.The Telling-Back Question

The Open-Ended Question Main purpose – draw out a topic for discussion that is important to the person being interviewed. Advantage – lets the interviewee know that you are interested in his or her opinion, knowledge, and point of view. Example – Why did you decide to learn to play the guitar? (why / how questions)

The Follow-Up Question Main purpose – used to get further information and to lead an interviewee to expand on earlier comments. Advantage – this style of question is not pre-planned and gives the interviewee feedback, letting him or her know that you are listening. Example – That’s very interesting. What are other reasons you recommend that program?

The Direct Information Question Main purpose – gives direct and factual answers to a specific topic. Advantage – this type of question expects a direct answer. Example – How much does a good guitar cost?

The Yes-No Question Main purpose – virtually requires a yes or no response. Advantage – restricts the interviewee if you do not wish a discussion on the matter. Example – Do you know how to read music?

The Forced-Choice Question Main purpose – requires the interviewee to choose from a set of alternatives that you present. Advantage – shows that you are prepared and interested in the topic being discussed. Example – Which do you prefer, sheet music or tablatures?

The Telling-Back Question Main purpose – to encourage the interviewee to continue with a discussion. Advantage – lets the interviewee know that you heard and understand – may result in further development of an idea or in a simple yes or no. Example – So, you’re saying that it is more important to learn notes first, then chords?

Preparing Research about the interviewee Research the topic Prepare questions – begin with two or three easy questions (one word or yes/no) to break the ice – ten major questions Plan a method to take notes or record the interview Plan a way to end the interview

Rules for Successful Interviewing 1.Always attempt to conduct interviews face-to- face rather than over the phone – NEVER send a note. 2.Be punctual – be on time or early; never late. Call immediately if an emergency prevents your prompt arrival. 3.Dress appropriately – dress for the situation, but always be neat. Good grooming conveys respect. 4.Always be prepared to take notes. Ask permission to take notes before you start. Tape recording requires permission. 5.Greet, show appreciation, restate the purpose

Rules (cont) 6.Listen Carefully! – if you don’t understand, ask. Do not interrupt. 7.Know when to leave 8.Send a note of appreciation

Break Time! Session one is completed

Writing Stories Copy written to be read Session Two Further reading: most information from YourBook unit 2 Telling the Whole Story

Writing Stories used to written in the inverted pyramid style Now we use a narrative style: –Opening –Body –Closing Think of writing as a Circle

Writing Opening: Set the mood and tone of the story Does not have a set length Opening may include: –Retelling of relevant anecdote –Description of a scene or setting –Recreation of a specific image or incident –Vivid character sketch –Emotional direct quotation

Writing Closing: Bring the story full circle All questions should be answered, entire story told Show subject in the same setting as the opening, revealing how he has changed or grown Bring closure without summarizing (possibly with powerful direct quote) When closing a tragic or sensitive story, bring hope through factual details or direct quote

Writing Approach: Write the opening and closing first –Reflect on how the subject has matured, grown, changed, and/or survived this incident Prepare a final draft of the opening and closing before starting the body –Helps the writer stay focused

Writing Include sensory details – reader must: –“see” the character –“hear” the atmospheric noises –“touch” the surroundings –“taste” the extraordinary –“smell” the setting SHOW don’t TELL –You want the reader to be “at the movie theatre watching the film,” not “hearing about the highlights from a friend.”

Writing Include the Sixth sense: –Emotion With the five senses in the story, the reader will feel like he is living the moment Add Emotion, and the reader will empathize (interpret and feel) with the subject.

Writing Tip: 1.Common pitfall of a narrative story is lack of unity and flow –Be sure to carry the sensory description throughout the entire article 2.Common pitfall: including irrelevant details to pad the story –Character and setting info relevant to the moment only, eliminate anything else.

Writing The Story handout

Editing Improving Story completeness handout

Achieving story flow handout Editing

Improving story flow handout Editing

Fine details handout Editing

Complete Package All design aspects need to work together to tell the story: –Headlines/Captions –Cutlines –Copy –Photographs