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

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

Develop relationships

• Know your sources.

Develop relationships

• Know your sources.

• Know commitments.