Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Techniques for Making Short Writing Powerful

As publishing day approaches we must start doing our revisions.  That's a great time to introduce Roy Peter Clark's Four Techniques for Making Short Writing Powerful!

Now we discussed these in class and here is a link to the presentation.  You also pasted the techniques in your writer's notebook.  Nevertheless, here they are again.

Include specific, vivid, physical details


Dare to use a single elegant word in otherwise straightforward prose


End the passage with a delightful jolt-a clever ending


Keep it focused-it all has to be about what it’s really about

Use them as you write and your writing will improve.

Remember that tonight you should also write one more news story.  Find the drama, observe, write the five Ws, and elaborate.  Then apply Clark's techniques listed above.

In addition you should be thinking about the social significance of your news story.  Why does it matter to other people?  Try to find a story that matters to people outside of you and your family.

You should also be revising two of your previous pieces.  Don't just add a comma or change word; instead, rewrite the pieces so that they can reach their potential.

You should have 5-6 pieces by tomorrow's class.  We are publishing soon, so it's time to start making some selections and polishing those drafts.

Until next time...

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