On Writing

The reason writers are still useful is because they can write instead of just giving basic information. Because writers need to do more than tell the basic facts, leads should grab the reader's attention. Middles should touch the reader with an untold story. Endings should be subtle, but leave the reader with the ripples of the story. That is how to write features.

Leads:
To many news stories start with boring information that causes the reader to lose interest. Instead, start by grabbing the reader's attention. If you can keep their attention through the boring facts, then you have a good lead. With this lead, the reader will be more interested throughout the rest of the story.

Middles:
You can't just write about what has happened. Writers must find new ways to touch the reader. They can't just give the facts because everyone else has already done that. Instead, you must take the reader through a new story. One that has not been told.

Endings:
To many people try to end their story with a loud ending. Instead, writers should end more subtly. Don't tell readers what they should get out of your story. They can figure it out themselves.

Quotes:
1. "We are not just the paper of record anymore." I chose this quote because it makes a good point. He is saying that newspapers can't only tell the truth of important stories because people already know the basic information of a topic. The paper must go beyond that. I agree.

2. "We're a movie culture." I like this quote because it is true. Everyone likes to see something as if they were there. You can take more in when you are seeing something than hearing something.

3. "I didn't just put you to sleep with a bunch of facts." I chose this quote because most news stories I read do put me to sleep. Instead, Albom says to catch the reader's attention. I agree.

4. "By the time the newspaper comes out what is going to be left?" I chose this quote because it shows the position the writer is in. The answer is there isn't much left. Instead, writers must find a new way to touch the reader. A way that hasn't been done yet. I agree.

5. "The best writing just lets it sit there." I like this quote because it is true. It ruins the end of a story to say what the moral is. I agree with the quote.