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 person2. Identify yourself and explain your reason

for calling3. Ask for an interview4. 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.

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Complete Package

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