Week 15 (23/11): The light at the end of the tunnel

“The Light at the End of the Tunnel” by C.P.Storm is licensed under CC BY 2.0

BY RUTH BERAN

It’s nearly end of term, hopefully you can see the light glimmering at the end of the tunnel.

Week 14 (16/11): The End

Photo: Thomas Hawk/flickr, some rights reserved

Sally Adams explains in her book that a feature should offer a satisfying conclusion. She says features often end with statements or quotes; less commonly with anecdotes and descriptions; rarely with questions. My advice: avoid the question ending at all costs – it should be left to experienced writers!

Week 13 (9/11): Diving in – Starting to write your story

The lead.

‘It’s no good standing there at the beginning of an article flexing your muscles. Just do the old handspring right away.’

                      – ‘Cassandra’, Daily Mirror

Week 12 (2/11): The First Draft

“folders” by Fifi LePew is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

BY RUTH BERAN

VIDEO: How do journalists sort their information?

Week 11 (26/10): Preparing your story

“Henry David Thoreau quote – Library Way – NY City” by Kathleen Tyler Conklin is licensed under CC BY 2.0

BY RUTH BERAN

Now that you have an idea for your human-interest story or short feature, the next step is to start researching and planning.