9: Beyond the Basics - Writing to be Read
- Page ID
- 280868
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)- 9.1: Outlining
- This page explores varied writing approaches, particularly the debate between outlining and organic composition. It highlights that while some writers, like Adam Jardy, advocate for structured outlines, others embrace a fluid writing style. The experiences of journalists Mike Wagner and Tom Reed reinforce the importance of organizing information and adapting outlines, balancing pre-planning with flexibility.
- 9.2: Writing it Out
- This page outlines the distinctive approach of feature writing compared to traditional news writing, emphasizing the use of detailed narrative and storytelling. It begins with an emotional lede that personalizes the story, followed by a "nut graph" that summarizes the main theme. The body of the piece further develops this theme through examples and anecdotes, ensuring cohesion with the nut graph.
- 9.3: Writing with Anecdotes
- This page discusses the significance of anecdotes in writing, highlighting how they enrich narratives by providing relatable, real-life examples. It outlines methods for gathering genuine anecdotes, either through personal experience or by eliciting stories from others via open-ended questions. The page underscores the value of detailed firsthand accounts in storytelling, exemplified by a profile of NHL player Artemi Panarin and his difficult childhood.
- 9.4: Writing the Lede
- This page emphasizes the significance of engaging ledes in feature and sports writing, illustrating their crucial role in attracting readers. Different types of ledes, such as descriptive and narrative, are discussed, highlighting their ability to evoke interest. Insights from journalist Michael Farber stress the importance of active listening during interviews to uncover key anecdotes.
- 9.5: Crafting the Nut
- This page emphasizes the significance of the nut graph in feature writing, serving as a brief summary of the story's core elements (who, what, when, where, why, how) and typically located after the lede. It highlights the balance between engaging storytelling and factual clarity, asserting that a well-crafted lede is essential for a coherent narrative that effectively transitions into the nut graph. Examples are provided to illustrate these points.
- 9.6: Body Building
- This page highlights the necessity of practice and a focused approach in effective writing, particularly emphasizing the role of the "nut graph" to convey the main idea and structure the article. It encourages writers to use descriptive details to create vivid imagery and maintain logical transitions for coherence. Additionally, incorporating diverse perspectives and anecdotes is stressed to enrich the narrative.
- 9.7: Writing to the End
- This page emphasizes the importance of effective endings in feature writing, which should evoke a lasting impression and resonate with readers. Unlike in news or academic writing, feature conclusions require creativity, potentially referring back to the lede or introducing surprising elements. Techniques such as using impactful quotes can enhance the ending. The goal is to create a sense of fulfillment, similar to concluding a heartfelt conversation, inspiring and provoking thought among readers.
- 9.8: The Touch Test
- This page highlights the importance of a strong nut graph in article writing as it provides a central idea that connects all paragraphs. It suggests evaluating coherence by ensuring each paragraph relates to the nut graph, using the Ohio State Alumni Magazine as an example. Additionally, it emphasizes the role of details and dialogue in enhancing narratives and encourages writers to be observant and curious to improve their storytelling skills.
- 9.9: Spotlight on- Ted Conover
- This page emphasizes the significance of immersion writing in journalism, highlighting the role of personal engagement in interviews for richer storytelling. It features insights from participatory journalist Ted Conover, who advocates for incorporating personal experiences in journalism. The text encourages aspiring journalists to build confidence in connecting with subjects and to adapt to the changing landscape through immersive practices.